Meet Opris | Independent Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Opris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Opris, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
There are a massive amount of amazing musicians out there who don’t market their music well and don’t get that “Deus ex-machina” of viral notice but are still very much worth your listen. To break through takes grasping the reigns of market forces, optics, good timing, and a dash of luck and connections. Some people’s motivations aren’t in line with those forces, and you can really find some great gems in the rough of your local small venues. There is usually a cool DIY scene in your city. Go check it out!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel that growing up poor in a small town posed a challenge in my opportunities and way of thinking. I always felt “other”, and I carried a lot of resentment toward a socio-economic system that I feel was the culprit. The act of marketing my music always felt like I was giving in to the same system that “other-ed” me. I didn’t want to be coerced into adjusting my self expression to the wants/needs of market forces. To be honest, I still don’t but I feel that I have found ways to invest in myself and my artistic future that don’t feel like I am giving up my integrity in the name of “making it”. I see that trying to get my music out to more people who would enjoy it isn’t succumbing to the forces of evil.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Maybe it’s because I still feel new to LA, but I love Griffith Park! I would show them my “secret” trails and the beautiful views of this city. If they were a meat eater I would most likely take them to get some fried chicken at Tennessee Hot Chicken or Chick Next Door and sit by echo park lake and eat it with them. When night hit, we could go out to Gold Diggers. It feels so intimate, and I have seen some really cool live music there. This city also wouldn’t feel complete without my friends. I have been told that I like to “mix friend groups together”. That makes me really happy. I love connecting people and of course, I would try to bring one group of loved ones, to meet another.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Whew… this is tough. So many seeds in my life were planted by so many amazing and supportive humans. But if I think about my musical journey, two people come to mind. My friend Matt Koenig helped feed one early aspect of my music and my friend Dean Cercone fed another. Dean always showed me that art was a process that we lived. His art encompassed his life fully and still does. Matt worked through music mixing feeling with his deeply analytical personality. I am often inspired by his process as well as his great musical abilities. I’d like to think I ended up somewhere in the middle.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opris_music/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM2psk4oqdztRzPzV8HmknQ

Image Credits
Natasha Wilson