OSSH Talks New Music and Big Ambitions

The artist reveals how his music career started and where he dreams of it going.

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “OSSH is ___” or “OSSH’s music is ___”?

I would like to say “all-rounder,” [but I haven’t] shown all the genres that I can make [yet]. People love my songs because [they involve] many tastes, [and I want to] be recognized [for them] all. 

What is the story behind how you ended up pursuing a music career? Did a specific person or event inspire you? 

Back in 2019, when I was in college, I was just a student who was really interested in mechanics [and] studied hard. [I joined the] hip-hop club [and] made my own songs, recording and mixing with my best friend - now he is the mixer and master engineer @sa_rbxo. We helped each other make songs, and this hobby made me so happy. Around that time, I [performed] my own SoundCloud song, “Hate U,” at my college festival. Coming down the stairs after the performance, I decided to do music [and] called my parents to tell them my decision. I [left] college in 2020.

How have your music tastes changed and influenced you over the years?

I didn't have any friends in Seoul, so my routine was sleeping, [having a] part-time job, [and] recording. [I] didn’t drink - only three [times in] two years - and made music with just one friend. My albums sounded similar, because nobody gave me feedback except my friend. After military service, I moved [back] to Seoul and made lots of connections with rappers and producers. That changed me.

Who would you love to collaborate with that you haven’t yet, and who is someone you already have worked with that you would be interested in working with again?

I want to collaborate with Arizona Zervas, Ty Dolla $ign, and Sik-K. I want to [use] their sounds in my album. My favorite [collaborations were] with CAMO, EUNSAN, RAINUD, and producer Milli Oshyun. They all showed their great abilities. 

Please describe your newest single, “Love”!

This song [is about] the time just before breaking up, [filled with] regrets and begging [a lover] not to leave. I like the [lyrics] “There is no more time-out… Last time-in to roll this game again. Time to act.” 

Is there a specific reason why you released “Love” in August instead of including it in your July EP, Re:Instate?

I made the song [“Love”] in February, [and it] was not going to be shown to the world. I thought it was not that great, so I didn't include it in Re:Instate and [just] uploaded a short cut on Instagram. My close producer heard it [and] said, “You need to release this song [as a] single,” so I decided to release [it thanks to] him!

What are the differences between Re:Instate and your older EPs?

Re:Instate is my first EP after two years of military service, so I'm attached to this album. I was going to be a student again after military conscription, but I can't let this life go away. My fans were waiting for me, and I always dreamed of being a famous artist. So I quit college for real and started this life [in music]. I made a lot of connections with people in this scene [who] helped me release this album. This was the first time that I made my album with other producers and lots of feedback.

Please talk about some of the songs on Re:Instate: a fun fact, the source of inspiration, a description of it… whatever you want to say about each one!

“XO” is my favorite. My close producer RAINUD made the beat for me. 

I love melodic drill, so I included “Pick up the phone” in my album. 

“City'” is a banger. Milli Oshyun and Nasty tasty made the beat for me, and Odd95 helped make the sound greater.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

I want to be an artist who everyone knows [and have] my songs streaming outside, [in] cafeterias, [in] restaurants… Long-term, I want to collaborate with [the artists I mentioned earlier and go on a] world tour!

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?

Please look forward to OSSH's musical life. I will be one of the most famous artists in the world. See you guys in Billboard!

Check out OSSH’s latest single, “Love,” here!

Answers have been edited and condensed for length and clarity. Photo courtesy of OSSH.