Welcome to this exclusive interview with Ron Obasi, an underground artist whose music explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, and self-discovery. In this interview, Ron shares his unique insights on navigating the music industry, staying true to his artistic vision, and finding success on his own terms. He also delves into his upcoming releases, the challenges he faced while creating them, and the personal and cultural touchstones that inspired his music.

With a discography that spans multiple projects and themes, Ron speaks to the importance of maintaining a cohesive sound and style while balancing experimentation and exploration in his music. He also shares his perspectives on working with other artists, building a following, and connecting with fans, offering valuable advice to aspiring underground artists looking to make a name for themselves in the industry.

As a musician who draws on his personal history and identity to shape his creative voice and perspective, Ron shares his journey from growing up in Nashville to moving to Dallas and betting on himself. He speaks candidly about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way, highlighting the transformative power of self-discovery and the impact of his music on his listeners.

Can you tell us about your creative process and how it has evolved since your earlier releases? How do you approach creating new music, from the initial idea to the final product? Do you have any specific rituals or techniques that help you get into the creative mindset? How has your creative process changed over time, and what have been some of the biggest influences on your development as an artist?

My creative approach has went through consistent changes while really all just becoming more confident with who I am, outside of music and when creating it. The approach has always been allowing life experiences & insights to be a foundation and then everything goes from there. Telling YOUR story is a real cheat code when creating. The creative process has become a ritual at this point, like alchemy. The J Cole's & Kendrick’s of the world, the Outkast’s, and my nashville peers have all played a part in sharpening my sword and development.

With Notes on a Scale 3, LIVE FROM SHANGRI LA, and DIMENSIONS N' DEMOS - 2 all released in 2023, what can fans expect from these projects? Can you give us any insight into the themes or concepts that inspired these releases? How do they differ from your previous work, and what new elements or sounds can fans look forward to? Are there any standout tracks or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?

I think fans can really get different sides, perspectives, and ideas from me throughout all this work. Including WHYSOSIRIUS - thats 40+ songs just this year alone on streaming so there’s a lot in there. The themes are truly just personal that turn thematic. For example, Im a Libra - so NOAS series all started from just that. The other projects usually are inspired the same, especially with the deeper I go into myself and knowing. I think all the projects are that honestly, intense journeys of SELF discovery. Fans should look forward to just as much fun flows as they should to be fed spiritual elements for the soul. And JXDECE on GODIZREAL is my favorite feature of all time!

How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also staying relevant and connecting with your audience? What do you think is the key to creating music that resonates with people while still expressing your unique perspective and creative voice? How has your approach to balancing these priorities changed over time, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

I believe the balance to staying true to ANY OF those things starts with staying true to myself, my values, and all things I honor first. As a creative, I believe all things fall into place after that with time and effort. Standing firm in the ideas & genius that creator has given me and trusting my intuition while going against gravity has really proved to me that only YOU know your vision. Got to trust it. Know your power, know your reasons, know your intentions.

Can you talk about any particular challenges or obstacles you faced while creating your upcoming releases? How do you overcome creative blocks or setbacks in the creative process? Are there any specific moments or experiences that you feel were particularly challenging or transformative during the making of these albums?

MANY CHALLENGES. From financial, to spiritual, and mental. But in those moments, you got to become the magician. Use every ounce of experience you've used from lessons of being in that same place before and be open to trying new things - to evolve in the process - you'll get to the other side of things proud you didn't stop. NOAS 3 and DEMO’s and DIMENSIONS were both music originally for albums and certain things fell through/apart. Without the previous help, I went back to the drawing board and eventually what people heard is me betting on my own ideas.

A lot of your music touches on themes of spirituality and consciousness. How does your personal beliefs and experiences influence your music? How do you balance exploring these themes while still maintaining a sense of accessibility and relatability for your listeners? How has your relationship with spirituality and consciousness evolved over time, and how has this been reflected in your music?

As I’ve grown from a boy to a man, my spirituality and consciousness had to grow for survival man. Eventually it became a healthy way of living and thriving. I personally intertwine all those things mostly cause Im always talking to me first. Music, or writing, is always self healing and communication. So any wisdom I've accumulated and build solid health on, I put in the music to share. I also KNOW its part of my destiny and calling to do these things. And I know that every one has a spirit, most have souls, and we all have a subconscious - with that being the root of my art, any and everyone will relate if they want to.

As an underground artist, how do you navigate the music industry and find success on your own terms? Can you talk about any specific strategies or tactics that have helped you build a following and connect with fans? How do you approach networking and collaborating with other artists and industry professionals? How do you stay motivated and focused in the face of challenges or setbacks?

I believe success is tailor made for whatever the artist desires. But in terms of the industry, move with integrity always. Consistency and connectivity is full proof to build any support. I love when thing's genuinely happen. Not really the kind of guy to chase a collaboration, respectively. Through all that I stay motivated by staying grounded, staying present, and working with my higher self through moments I don't seem to know all the answers.

How do you approach working with other artists, and what do you look for in potential collaborators? Are there any dream collaborations or projects that you hope to pursue in the future?

Man I wish there was a clearer answer to that other than just me only doing music that I love to be apart of. I want to be inspired by whoever I work with - now and forever. Of course, would love a Erykah Badu feature, Mick Jenkins. Many more!

What is the most important message or concept you hope to convey through your music? How do you use your music as a means of expressing your values and beliefs, and what impact do you hope your music has on your listeners? How has your message or approach changed over time, and what do you hope to explore in the future?

Of any or all things I've said, KEEP GOING and BE AN INDIVIDUAL is a message Id love people to continue to get from me. Music is the beacon, the messenger for all of that personally. From themes to bars, the message grows as I grow. So much so that a 2020 Obasi would contradict something Im saying in 2023. If there's a different perspective or new growth, I feel it's important to relay that no matter what. Exploring more of myself and God's earth is what I hope to explore.

With so many different projects under your belt, how do you maintain a cohesive sound and style throughout your discography? How do you balance experimentation and exploration with maintaining a sense of consistency and cohesiveness across your releases? Are there any specific elements or themes that tie your work together, and how do you approach incorporating these into each new project?

Man shout out to MIXEDBYCOLE (Coleman Sutton) - real close friend, engineer. All of the cohesiveness through the music, the experimentation, is all effort from us both throughout the years. The theme of me embracing all the thoughts, talents, and emotions that had me feel like an outcast - to being embraced for them a man is a consistent theme that ties it all together, in my opinion. And again, I just tell my truth. I feel like its Easy to incorporate it after that.

How has your upbringing and background influenced your music and career as an artist? Can you talk about any specific experiences or memories that have shaped your creative voice and perspective? How do you draw on your personal history and identity in your music, and how has this evolved over time?

My upbringing was so peculiar, but its such an emotional and visual memory of it that its imprinted in the story telling. From the rough places we grew up in, to the culture shocks of seeing the world was bigger than Nashville continues to shape my voice and perspective. Also being from the south - the painful or triumphant experiences turned into frequency runs through my DNA. My ancestors are forever being channelled in the works - the spiritual essence!

Can you talk about any specific experiences or moments that inspired your upcoming releases? Are there any personal or cultural touchstones that you drew on while creating these projects? How do you approach translating these inspirations into your music, and what impact do you hope they have on your listeners?

Moving to Dallas a year ago really inspired the growth in music and self in the past releases. I basically had to start from scratch and bet on myself, which translated through the music and journey thus far. Cultural milestones that have inspired me recently is SUMMER OF SOUL! Beautiful black artist's & community that came together in likeminded frequency to elevate one another. Everyone should watch it.

With the music industry constantly changing, how do you adapt and continue to grow as an artist? How do you stay informed and aware of emerging trends and industry developments, and how do you incorporate these into your work? How do you balance staying true to your creative vision with the need to evolve and adapt in a rapidly changing landscape?

Change is for sure constant. Thats nature law, universal law. So internally knowing this, external changes like the industry arent really the hard focus when it comes to creativity. When I grow as a person, I grow as artist for sure. Staying true to a higher knowing is way more fulfilling than any industry. As far as business, you obviously have to know your grounds to plant and reap the harvests. So definitely study areas of music to be successful in any avenue and study the greats before you.

What can fans expect from your live shows and performances? How do you approach translating your recorded music into a live setting, and what elements do you focus on to create an engaging and memorable performance? Are there any specific venues or cities that you're particularly excited to play in the future?

Fans can expect every emotion for sure! Some shows I make it intimate with live instruments and introspective music. When I really want the energy, I pick the records that invoke those vibes. I definitely create certain songs with live performances in mind and heart. Im excited to return back to Nashville on Aug 17th and play the EAST ROOM. I perform in Memphis on the 19th at GROWLERS as well. I'm excited to perform on the west coast - I have a consistent listening base that Id love to connect with in person in the near future.

Can you speak to the importance of community and collaboration in underground music scenes like Nashville? How do you approach building relationships and connections with other artists and industry professionals in your local scene? How have these connections helped shape your career and creative output?

Its most definitely served as helping me as well as others push the envelope. To build on top of the present and hidden history we’ve always had, the community prioritizes that from my perspective. The collaborations & connections Ive made in Nashville have really served as true inspiration to me. I feed it like it feeds me. I've always known its a special place with special people so I'm blessed to be apart of Nashville’s story.

What advice would you give to aspiring underground artists trying to make a name for themselves in the industry? How do you approach building a following and connecting with fans, and what strategies or tactics have worked best for you? What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned in your career so far, and what advice would you offer to artists who are just starting out?

Real advice is Id tell ANY artists or creative, is to first love who you are. Love who you are enough to put yourself out there - loving yourself is not a shield through the up’s and downs but it will serve as endurance and faith through it all. If you want to connect with fans, see them as people and souls first. Not consumers and they’ll build with you. And if you're just starting out - work with those who are willing to work with you and willing to give EQUAL energy exchange! Compromise with those you trust and fight for your ideas when they are challenged.