Rapid-Fire Questions with Odeal: 'LUSTROPOLIS', OVMBR, and Building His Global Fanbase
The international superstar in the making discusses his new EP, OVMBR, and much more…
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With his signature fusion of R&B, soul, and Afro-tinged rhythms, South-East London's Odeal continues to carve his lane in 2024. Fresh off the release of his latest EP, LUSTROPOLIS, we caught up with him for a quick-fire interview to dive into his creative psyche.
Following the success of his three-track Afro-fusion EP Sunday At Zuri's and standout collaborations with Nippa and Juls on "Take Me" and "Hold You Down", Odeal has also made waves with his OVMBR-powered event saga. Now, at just 24 years old, the rising singer-songwriter takes an exhilarating leap forward with LUSTROPOLIS, marking a pivotal new chapter in his ascent.
"No matter how good your music is, it's hard to cut through in the UK," Odeal reflects as he opens up about his journey and the challenges of growing as a UK artist. Despite cultural demur, the South-East London artist has been building anticipation and acclaim on TikTok with teasers like "Blame U", which quickly captured attention and heightened anticipation for his latest release. LUSTROPOLIS delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships.
With heartfelt lyrics ("Can't Say") and smooth, buttery R&B melodies ("Temptress", "Modern Day Suicide"), LUSTROPOLIS delivers an immersive glimpse into Odeal's emotional journey. Each track peels back a new layer, inviting listeners to connect with the raw emotions that define his artistry. From the highs of love's intensity to the pain of heartbreak and the solace of clarity, the EP offers a deeply relatable soundtrack for navigating life’s complexities.
LUSTROPOLIS, his first release under Atlanta's esteemed Love Renaissance (LVRN) label, is a seven-track odyssey that showcases his growth, with a standout collaboration alongside Summer Walker on "You're Stuck". Beyond the EP, glimpses of his trajectory are even more thrilling—studio sessions with Wale and Jordan Ward hint at even greater heights to come.
The EP continues an ongoing narrative that began with "Gaslight 101", evolved through the beloved Sunday At Zuri's EP, and now reaches its crescendo with LUSTROPOLIS. Together, these projects craft a captivating tapestry of love's highs and lows.
Earlier this week, The Culture Crypt caught up with Odeal over the phone to delve into the inspiration and creative process behind his latest release.
The Culture Crypt: What inspired LUSTROPOLIS, and how did those influences shape its sound and themes?
Odeal: "Building off my last project, Sunday at Zuri's, I've been wanting to create something that continues that narrative. The main theme of this new project is 'hurt people hurt people', and while it's easy to make things black and white, I feel there are more complexities in dating that people don't really talk about. You're either the good guy, the bad guy, the victim, or the villain, but in reality—you can bounce between these roles. That's what this project is about."
How long did it take to craft this EP?
"One of the songs, 'Blame U' was created at the beginning of the year. I produced that track and then finalised it with [my co-producer] Ezra Skys this year. The rest of the project was made more recently, over the last two or three months."
“It can be tough to get noticed, no matter how talented you are.”
Which track on the album means the most to you, and why?
"Probably 'SHOWBIZ' and 'Blame U'. Those tracks stand out to me the most. 'SHOWBIZ' is a reflection of my actual reality, whilst 'Blame U' is about shifting responsibility onto someone else for the craziness I'm causing, rather than taking accountability."
How does this EP showcase your growth as an artist compared to your previous work?
"I'm just glad that my listeners' ears have matured. I've been able to gain new supporters who are on the same frequency as me right now. No matter how good your music is, it's hard to cut through in the UK. It can be tough to get noticed, no matter how talented you are.
I'm grateful that the listeners who've been supporting me are now ready to embrace the music I'm creating and excited for what's next. I feel like this has opened the freedom to be more experimental, dive deeper into my artistry, and create more personal music."
What aspect of the OVMBR community around the world surprised you the most during your tour?
"Toronto had the best energy—they were on a whole different level. I think Toronto is my second home at this point… their energy was unmatched."
What's next for you?
"More music, more incredible features, and more OVMBR parties... I feel like the OVMBR community is expanding globally, which is amazing for the UK to see its counterparts around the world—in New York, LA, and even across continents like Africa. The visualisers for this EP have already started dropping and there's more to come— keep an eye out for those as well."
Stream LUSTROPOLIS below: