Meet Olu Bliss | Artist & Singer

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

Hi Olu, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite affirmations is “What is for me, is for me”.

I like that at first glance, this seems like a redundant statement but when you take a deeper look into the saying, it packs a punch. I live in a creative world where there are so many missed opportunities and it’s easy to start comparing yourself to others. This statement grounds me when I become more aware of the things I don’t have. It reminds me that a higher power (God) has certain things in store for me and my future, the universe is working in my best interest. Therefore, the opportunities I felt like I may have missed were never mine, to begin with.

On the flip side, the things that are meant for me will and have always been mine. No one can steal them, or take them away, no one can be me better than my true self. In moments of doubt, this is an affirmation I live by.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer-songwriter by the name of Olu Bliss. I make music that feels like a warm blanket hug to the soul. Coincidentally some call it soul, some call it alternative R&B, but I don’t really care what you call it as long as you’re listening.

I’m extremely privileged and grateful to be in one of the few professions where you get to just be yourself, sharing your inner thoughts for a living. Being an independent artist is cool, but it comes with its challenges. You’re always fighting for a bigger reach, bigger opportunities, and waiting for the tides to shift in your directions. Music is blissful as an aural experience but it can be brutal as a business. I’ve learned to create my own benchmarks for success and to focus on things that make me happy.

I try never to forget my WHY. Why I create, why I write and why I use my voice as an instrument to tell stories. I sing because someone needs to hear it. Someone out there needs to hear what I have to contribute to this world and I’m proud to use this gift to insight a feeling of joy. Whether it’s through live shows, through your headphones, or through that one line, you keep repeating cause it just “hit different”.

One of the greatest realizations about my gift for music is that it is a gift meant to be shared with the world. I was given this so I can turn around and give it to you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a noob to the city, but I’m quickly learning the places that make me feel good. I love a nice scenic hike. A great one to start with is Franklin Canyon Park, there’s a nice little reservoir there the views are highly underrated.

For some breakfast, I can never say no to this one hole-in-the-wall Salvadorian spot in K-Town. To be honest, I’ve forgotten the name but the pupusas are immaculate. When on the west side, a little drive down 101 to Malibu for beach hangs is always nice. There’s a Peruvian restaurant right off the beach in Venice called El Huariqua, and I’m slightly obsessed with it.

For nice walks in my neighborhood, I like the La Brea Tarpits. I usually holla at the local fruit guy there for a nice refresher after my walks. Pan Pacific Park in mid-city is also nice and peaceful. There are lots of families hanging around and various sports being played. It’s just a great park to chill and people-watch.

As much as I’d like to cap this list off with a controversial taco spot recommendation, I’m still taste testing, searching for my perfect match.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Giving a shout-out to my parents for letting me know I could fly at a young age. They instilled such confidence in me, it really let me know I could do anything as long as applied myself.

Shoutout to real friends who cherish vulnerability. We’re breaking generational curses together.

Shoutout to all the amazing women in my life for teaching me important life lessons and holding me down.

Website: https://www.olubliss.com

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

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/olubliss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olubliss

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OluBliss

Image Credits
Justen Blaize, Laura Beckerdite, John Castillo