Summer
Digging into her influences, Lala, Pussycat On A Leash, and As Sweet As You takes you back to a hot summer day in the early era of Motown when such acts as the Supremes and the Vandellas ruled the airwaves. Oceana is a through back to that era and would fit perfectly in the high court of Berry Gordy’s Motown. Bad Boy is a jazzy toe-taping track with a brazing brass section that commands your attention that would make Ella and Etta proud. It conjures up visions of a hot summer night in a down South jukejoint where everyone is grooving, writhing and heating up the dance floor. At the same time, He Says, with its deep reggae vibe backing Oceana’s smooth and silky voice, is reminiscent of Dawn Penn’s You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No). It transports you to a different time, on the sandy beaches of any Caribbean island.
Oceana took time out of her hectic schedule to give us more insight into her influences and personal style.
JohnSimonDaily: How would you describe your music?
Oceana: It’s a mélange of soul, pop, reggae, and funk – the music I grew up with and I love the most.
JSD: Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
O: Definitely Jimmy Cliff, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Janet Jackson and Tina Turner.
JSD: Of your musical influences tell us what songs inspire you creatively?
O: “I Feel Good” by James Brown, “Many Rivers To Cross” by Jimmy Cliff and the queen, “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin.
JSD: Your sound has a very retro sound. If you could go back in time, what would be the year and what singer, from that time, would you want to sing a duet with?
O: Oh boy, I would have LOVED to work with James Brown, I love funk music!
JSD: Tell us about the creative process of putting your album together.
O: I recorded and wrote most of the songs in New York City with my producers.
JSD: After listening to your album, what do you hope people learn about you personally and musically?
O: That personally and musically I am an optimistic person and I love to share those good vibes.
JSD: How has traveling and living in other countries inspired your music?
O: I have had the luck to travel to over 30 countries with my music and I adore and study different cultures and styles of music
JSD: You are also a trained dancer. Which is your first love? Dancing, singing, or both? Why?
O: I’d say I need both in my life, I can not live without singing OR dancing.
JSD: How would you describe your personal style? Does your personal style influence your music or does your music influence your personal style?
O: I enjoy colors and playing around with different styles, just like I do with my music depending on my mood.
JSD: What are you looking forward to the most with the release of your album?
O: Mostly looking forward to coming to the United States, to tour and promote my album and to meet all of you! 🙂