Oscar P is recognized as an innovator and force within the music industry. His musical style fuses influences from NYC, Chicago and Detroit, creating a unique sound that can be heard on his productions. His resume includes remixes for Kink, Clairity, Soul Minority, Jamiroquai, Adele, Omar, Simone Moreno, Todd Terry, Demarkus Lewis, Physics, Marvin Gaye, & Roland Clark. In 2012 Oscar was named the #8 best selling house music artist of the year on Traxsource, and in 2014 he sat on the best selling deep afro house artists list at #23 along side Black Coffee, Osunlade, Atjazz, Louie Vega, & Ralf GUM. The NY veteran now based in California operates 2 of the longest running house labels existing today (Kolour Recordings & Open Bar Music). Check out the exclusive S&S Q&A below.  

S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
OP: MY style is a fusion of Chicago, Detroit, and New York. The places that influenced me growing up. Everything from the Paradise Garage, to The Warehouse, to my days in Brooklyn, to my trips to Africa, Germany, London….its all in there. Every piece of my soul.

S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
OP: The guys who took me under their wing in my early days and taught me about GOOD Music were guys like Nelson Diaz, DJ Juan during my early teens in Brooklyn. Todd Terry was and still is very influential to me in the music industry. There are things he told me when I was 21 that I still carry with me. Of course Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, David Morales, Master At Work, Shep Pettibone Steve Hurley, and Grand Master Tony Humphries. I call him the grand master because thats what he is.

S&S: What drives you creatively?
OP: I have a thirst for music that is EVER constant. MY roots are very defined in my productions. I have an open mind to all music in general, and I think thats what separates me from other people. My parents also instilled an insane work ethic. I love what I do.

S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
OP: Strongly! Every event or party has a direct-impacted crowd. Meaning whoever is promoting the event has poured their influences into that party via music selected and Djs booked to play. So you need to know where you are going and what you are doing, while at the same time remembering that they booked YOU for a reason. To bring some of you into that mix.

S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
OP: I’m never not working. But I listen to everything from Abba to Zappa. I will listen to Billie Holiday, or Hector Lavoe one day and Iron Maiden the next. Thats how I grew up. Its important to grow as an artist and not be bogged down by one thing.

S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
OP: Karen Young’s “HOT SHOT” pounding away as my Moms cleaned the house. First 12 inch I ever paid for.

S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
OP: I’m very passionate about the environment. The people running this planet and its resources have not done a great job. Our children will be paying the price. It’s already started. It’s something we cannot fix or control. All we can do is wait and be prepared to adapt. Forget just gas we will be fighting for clean water very soon.

S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
OP: I feel I’m a guy who pushes a lot of new artists and opens doors, so I’m constantly working with new people all the time. Right now the new hotbed is Botswana. Stay Tuned.

S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
OP: Last few years Ive been focusing on myself as an artist, and I have a lot of work to do.

S&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
OP: Right now I’m compiling Open Bar Music: 8 Years, and finishing up 2 new projects I’m very excited about. It’s amazing how much music I’ve done, signed, remixed, produced. Crazy.

S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
OP: I want people to remember me for the music first. my body of work is my legacy. I’m proud of it, and it helps me remember where I come from.

Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago

Follow Oscar Poche on Facebook, Bandcamp & Soundcloud