Oz’s debut track ‘Money’ immediately established the newcomer as a beguiling alt-pop talent. It resulted in placement on high profile playlists including Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, Deezer’s Fresh Pop, Amazon’s Breakthrough UK, plus support from BBC Introducing, Popjustice, Wonderland and The Line of Best Fit.
Oz now shares her follow-up ‘Murder’, a provocative title for a larger-than-life force of personality. In contrast to the headstrong ‘Money’, the new single is more reflective as it uncompromisingly examines a snapshot from her past. It tackles a relationship which was characterised by an uncomfortable imbalance of power. He was a little older and a lot cooler, but also an aggressive drunk.
‘Murder’ is released alongside a visual, which was made up from stock footage on the internet ‘to have the feel of a broken romance meets spaghetti western,‘ explains OZ.
oth ‘Murder’ and ‘Money’ provide a tantatalising taste of Oz’s forthcoming debut EP. Set to be released on Truth Records, it’s an attitude-rich assertion of empowerment, truth and self-discovery that spans the darker extremes of modern alt-pop, throwback alt-rock and dynamic electronica.
Oz’s strong identity is born from an equally fascinating backstory. She was raised in Soho, then a wilder mix of the seedy and the bohemian rather than the post-gentrified blandness we see today. Her family ran a pizzeria favoured by those in the know: the actors, gangsters, drag queens and sex workers who gave the area its own unique identity.
Just like them, Oz soon had a story to tell. Her early demos resulted in her working with established writers and producers when she was just 15-years-old. She established herself as an in-demand songwriter before she forged her signature style during sessions with Biff Stannard (Ellie Goulding, Kylie, Spice Girls). Oz is like that best friend who makes nights out a riotously blur of chaos and carnage, but also one who can make everything right the following morning. Check out Murder below!
We caught up with Oz as she talked about her latest single ‘Murder’ and more!
Are you looking forward to the release of ‘Murder’?
Yeah ! I’m always so excited to put new music out into the world !
Can you tell something about the single no one else knows?
It’s very personal this song. It’s about an ex of mine. He was a good guy but a bad drinker.
How different is this to your debut single ‘Money’?
It’s much more reflective and nostalgic than money. It’s a softer sounding track. Kind of my version of a ballad I guess.
Can you tell us anything about your upcoming EP?
Well, it’s got songs on it haha ! Some of them are proper stompers to dance around to ! Hopefully some fun for your eardrums.
If you could work with any band or artist on a new song, who would it be and why?
I’d love to work with Chris Stapleton. I mm obsessed with his voice and I love country. I’m also loving Nothing But Thieves. He also has a ridiculously good voice. I think I’m drawn to artists and bands who have amazing vocals. But also Josh Homme has the most swagger of anyone ever so any of the multiple bands he’s in I would totally love to work with haha.
Once venues are back open, what would be your dream venue you to perform at?
I bet everyone says Wembley right ? Haha I love a small/medium venue. I think right now I’d play anywhere I could ! I loved KoKo when I played there. Also anywhere in Glasgow coz they have THE best audiences.
How have you coped during lockdown?
Lockdown looks good on me. I’ve been surprisingly productive. Naturally the anxiety creeps in and shows it’s ugly face but staying creative helps to keep it at bay.
What do you normally get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
Probably hanging out with my dog Otto. I love tattoos and the creative process behind them as an art form so pre Covid you could find me at a convention. Big movie fan especially anything Alfred Hitchcock. My Nonno (grandad in Italian) was a chef for most of his life and taught me to cook at a very young age so I love cooking and also super into baking right now. I’m not very good I just like it when my flat smells like cake haha.