Post by Adam B on Jan 12, 2006 10:22:23 GMT -5
Omarion Interview
by Adam Bernard
When most people look at a 20 year old singer who's at the top of the charts, and has been selling records for years, some preconceptions and stereotypes might enter their heads. Some may think a young singer who rises so fast to the top doesn't know anything about the industry they're in. Some may think the young singer only knows about today's music. None of these stereotypes apply to 20 year old former B2K singer and now solo artist Omarion. In fact, Omarion would rather embrace the old school, going as far back and Frank Sinatra.
"The Rat Pack was so hot," explains the young star, taking a break from filming something for BET, "all of them cats, it's just the coolness, everything. They were so fly, they were so cool. Even when they were arguing they were just so fly dudes."
With visions of artists like Sinatra and even Fred Astaire filling his mind it's no wonder Omarion is constantly working. All his work has been paying off, too, as his solo debut, "O," debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts, a feat even he didn't expect. "I'm so ecstatic I mean for all my fans to go support me and make my album number one it's a beautiful thing. I just really wanted to have some good numbers, I didn't really care what position it was in, I just wanted to be consistent enough so I could do it again the next week."
"O" is a slight departure from Omarion's work with B2K. He says of the differences "we weren't talking about intimate issues, or relationship issues. Now I'm talking about some real grown up stuff." Omarion's predilection for the more mature has been inspired, at least in part, but the music of the 70's and 80's. "All the music back then was really meaningful," he explains "if there was slow song and they were talking about love you could really hear it in their voice. It was real fun, too." With his music more mature he feels "the whole album is really a step up." Of course, this is also the first time it's all been on him. "I had a lot of control as far as the music front and the pictures," he notes, "Sony really believes in me and believes in my vision as a solo artist."
That vision is one that was altered by having multiple cooks in the kitchen for the B2K efforts. According to Omarion "it's really hard when you have four different minds, attitude, personalities. It gets a little difficult when it's time to agree. Now I make the decisions."
Musical issues aside, Omarion credits his B2K experience for his professionalism today. "It's prepared me in every way, seriously, honestly. There was just one show in Philly we had to do," he reminisces "and they were supposed to show up for it and they didn't. This time I had to go out on my own." Little did the group know what that show would end up doing for Omarion. "It gave me my confidence," he explains, "we were tight. During the five years we were together we had never been apart for more than three days. I was nervous but at the same time I did what I had to do. The fans showed me love, they didn't shut me down, they didn't boo me or nothin."
Despite their formerly close relationship, leaving one member to fend for themselves inevitably caused some problems and though the group used to be together at all times Omarion paints a less rosy picture of their current relationship. Omarion describes the current situation saying the members of the group are like "your long distance cousin that you get into a fight with and you really don't talk to for a long time. It's not something you think about, they have their own life and you have yours."
Another aspect of Omarion's life that he's not really thinking about is dating. According to him having a woman in his life isn't something he has the time to focus on right now because of his work schedule. "They require a lot of time and right now I have very little time," he notes. He added, however, that "if I happen to stumble on something nice I wouldn't mind it."
Stumble isn't a verb that Omarion's used to as his young career has seen very few trip ups. His goal is to continue on his path and emulate those Rat Pack icons that still set the bar for cool. "Longevity is what I really seek," he explains "I'm a young dude and I have a long long career ahead of me."
by Adam Bernard
When most people look at a 20 year old singer who's at the top of the charts, and has been selling records for years, some preconceptions and stereotypes might enter their heads. Some may think a young singer who rises so fast to the top doesn't know anything about the industry they're in. Some may think the young singer only knows about today's music. None of these stereotypes apply to 20 year old former B2K singer and now solo artist Omarion. In fact, Omarion would rather embrace the old school, going as far back and Frank Sinatra.
"The Rat Pack was so hot," explains the young star, taking a break from filming something for BET, "all of them cats, it's just the coolness, everything. They were so fly, they were so cool. Even when they were arguing they were just so fly dudes."
With visions of artists like Sinatra and even Fred Astaire filling his mind it's no wonder Omarion is constantly working. All his work has been paying off, too, as his solo debut, "O," debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts, a feat even he didn't expect. "I'm so ecstatic I mean for all my fans to go support me and make my album number one it's a beautiful thing. I just really wanted to have some good numbers, I didn't really care what position it was in, I just wanted to be consistent enough so I could do it again the next week."
"O" is a slight departure from Omarion's work with B2K. He says of the differences "we weren't talking about intimate issues, or relationship issues. Now I'm talking about some real grown up stuff." Omarion's predilection for the more mature has been inspired, at least in part, but the music of the 70's and 80's. "All the music back then was really meaningful," he explains "if there was slow song and they were talking about love you could really hear it in their voice. It was real fun, too." With his music more mature he feels "the whole album is really a step up." Of course, this is also the first time it's all been on him. "I had a lot of control as far as the music front and the pictures," he notes, "Sony really believes in me and believes in my vision as a solo artist."
That vision is one that was altered by having multiple cooks in the kitchen for the B2K efforts. According to Omarion "it's really hard when you have four different minds, attitude, personalities. It gets a little difficult when it's time to agree. Now I make the decisions."
Musical issues aside, Omarion credits his B2K experience for his professionalism today. "It's prepared me in every way, seriously, honestly. There was just one show in Philly we had to do," he reminisces "and they were supposed to show up for it and they didn't. This time I had to go out on my own." Little did the group know what that show would end up doing for Omarion. "It gave me my confidence," he explains, "we were tight. During the five years we were together we had never been apart for more than three days. I was nervous but at the same time I did what I had to do. The fans showed me love, they didn't shut me down, they didn't boo me or nothin."
Despite their formerly close relationship, leaving one member to fend for themselves inevitably caused some problems and though the group used to be together at all times Omarion paints a less rosy picture of their current relationship. Omarion describes the current situation saying the members of the group are like "your long distance cousin that you get into a fight with and you really don't talk to for a long time. It's not something you think about, they have their own life and you have yours."
Another aspect of Omarion's life that he's not really thinking about is dating. According to him having a woman in his life isn't something he has the time to focus on right now because of his work schedule. "They require a lot of time and right now I have very little time," he notes. He added, however, that "if I happen to stumble on something nice I wouldn't mind it."
Stumble isn't a verb that Omarion's used to as his young career has seen very few trip ups. His goal is to continue on his path and emulate those Rat Pack icons that still set the bar for cool. "Longevity is what I really seek," he explains "I'm a young dude and I have a long long career ahead of me."