UK alt-pop artist Oakley Riot pays tribute to the legendary Celtic queen Boudicca in her new song “Boudicca.” This anthemic song is also a challenge to the status quo of oppression and suppression. We had the pleasure of interviewing Oakley Riot, and here’s what they had to say:
Q: What message are you hoping to convey with “Boudicca”?
OAKLEY RIOT: Boudicca, to me, is a battle cry. I’m hoping to convey the energy that I’ve been feeling from the public lately – we are fed up with the status quo, with being misled by people in power who say they are looking out for us. We as the public are building to the boiling point – and as a general population, we are more informed and equipped than ever to do something about it. I wanted this song to reflect that rebellious and anti-establishment spirit that I feel all around me. It’s a cliched phrase, but we CAN create change. I hope this song ignites that fire in someone.
Q: Can you describe what a typical studio session for this song was like?
OAKLEY RIOT: I would gear up for writing and recording this track by listening to historical podcasts about Boudicca, and learning as much as I could about her. Then I would sit in the studio, doing what I call ‘word vomit’ (pleasant phrasing, right?) where I would write down every single thought I had about possible lyrics, references, and points to make in the track. I’d give myself a little space from the lyrics by working on the track’s instrumentals before bringing the two of them together.
Q: That sounds interesting! How would you describe the type of music you typically create?
OAKLEY RIOT: I like to call it ‘gothic-pop’ or use the term created by the artist ZAND – ‘Ugly pop’. I use lyrical and instrumental inspiration from other genres and then use those tools in a pop song structure!
Q: If you weren’t a musician, is there any other career you could see yourself doing and enjoying?
OAKLEY RIOT: I trained in drama, so I’d love to re-enter the acting arena. I think that actors can only really succeed when they are extremely comfortable in their own skin in order to deal with all the rejection – my experience in music has helped me get there (although it is an ever-evolving practice), so one day I’d love to try again.
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
OAKLEY RIOT: I’ve got a really cool collaboration with a new band coming out soon, which I’m very excited about, and I’ve been lucky enough to do some top lining (singing vocals over instrumentals) for some incredible companies. I’ve also been working with my amazing label SUBTXT on singles to release throughout this year – I can’t wait for you to hear them!
Q: What would you like to say to your supporters?
OAKLEY RIOT: First of all – THANK YOU!! From the bottom of my heart. It is hard enough just to exist in this world, but knowing that people support you and your artistic message – it truly means more to me than I could ever say. I’d also like to say that you are significant. You can create change, even if it’s not in a protest or on social media. You matter, and your voice can have an incredible impact.
Interviewed by Zoey King
FOLLOW OAKLEY RIOT:
