OBVI INTERVIEW

Obvi is a songwriter and producer from Los Angeles, CA. We talked making music in LA and new releases he has coming soon!

What up Obvi. It’s been a minute man. I think last time we kicked it you were rapping in my mom’s back yard.

I remeber that. We had the Raiders game on and I was spitting some bars to help with the pain of the game.

Don’t even get me started on the Raiders. You have been making music for a long time now huh? How did you get into it and what were some of your early influences?

My earliest influence I can say was my brother Dennis who went by the rap name D Boyd. I got into music because of my dads obsession with it, and found rap music because of D Boyd.

I remember D Boyd for sure. You started rapping in the Bay Area. Was it always your plan to move to LA? What was your first big break that made you think it was possible.

It was always a dream to move to LA but wasn’t my plan.  The first break I had was with the cypher movement TeamBackPack. I met a producer by the name of Billion Coast through the movement. We ended up making a ton of great music that did well. He moved to LA and was the person to get me to make “the move.”

TeamBackPack era was something else. You were spitting my guy. How has your music evolved since moving to LA. Do you find it more of a challenge to get shit done? Or is it business as usual?

Honestly, it’s become a lot easier for me to make music. When I moved to LA I went from well known in my city to not known at all. I had to essentially start over. I could always write raps but I needed to learn how to become a good songwriter. I’ve evolved into a person who can write nearly any genre of music and I owe it to all my great collaborators who pushed me to become better each day. I still have so much room to grow but it’s night ’n day from when I first made the move.

What has that been like for you writing something that you know is going to another artist. Do you always try to keep your touch on it a little bit, or do you have a whole different process for that. Also could you speak a little on your team right now, you got a bunch of talented people you are working with and it seems like you guys all help each other out.

Writing for an artist feels very liberating. It feels like I’m freeing other sides of my writing I don’t get the chance to with my own brand. I always try and keep my touch on what I do but try to embrace the artist I am working with. My team is everything to me.  We call ourselves 403/404.  We do everything together. We run two studios together and have worked on hundreds of projects together. The core team is made up of close friends and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have a “black book” full of other people who we bring in on so many things and without everyone our music wouldn’t sound as good as it does.

That’s awesome. Having the right people behind you is everything. Being a man of faith, how much does that work itself into your material and your process?

Finding God has changed everything for my life. Being a man of faith has allowed me to tap into a side of me I didn’t know existed. God gets all the credit for all my talents and achievements and without God I’d be nothing. God is good!

Amen. You have so many interests and your music taste is very broad. How do you compartmentalize that when writing music? Is it project based? What kind of vibe have you been feeling lately?

I wouldn’t say there is a song I write where I don’t take a little influence from everything I listen to on a daily basis. So many incredible artists play into what I do musically. What I’ve been feeling lately is a folk/country vibe. Shoutout to your brother Simon aka (small town) and Wyatt Woodley for influencing me in the most beautiful way. 

Those guys are fucking good at what they do man. You think we will ever get a rock album?

A full length rock album? Probably not. But never say never. I do have a punkish rock song coming in the near future tho!

Can’t wait for that. Writing songs with “big” artists do you get nervous? You are a freestyling wizard. Does that flexibility help you work on the spot in fast paced environments? What are some of the “big” names you have worked with? Feel free to name drop, I’m genuinely curious.

I can happily say I only get nervous for like 7 seconds lol. As soon as I start going it all feels like I’m suppose to be there. The freestyling thing is the sole reason I am good at writing. It allows me to tap into a sub conscious part of my mind. I’ve worked with some amazing artists, Gashi, Bryson Tiller, Huey Mack, Ill Nicky, and many more amazing talents. I recently just got MAJOR news that I’ll share with you off line. 

Yeee say less. I won’t pry even though I know the people would want me to. When you are showing songs that could potentially get picked up for big releases what is it like sitting with a producer and your tracks aren’t hitting for them?

When I first moved to LA it was discouraging but I realized what may not be for one artist could be for the next.  Since changing my mind state around that it’s worked tremendously.

I got one more for you and two quick hitters. What does the future look like for you musically? What can we expect?

With the Obvi brand expect a flood of music. I’ve spend too many years worrying about each detail I’ve stopped myself from giving the people so many amazing songs. My goal is to reach 30 releases next year minimum! The future musically is looking bright. I will continue to write and produce for others and am now starting a new brand under my real name Troy Corriea. My main focus will shift to this brand and the folk/county music behind it. I’m going to tap into my Sonoma County roots more and return to a place musically that I grew up from. I will never leave Obvi fans hanging tho and that’s a promise

Your fans will love that. I know they will wait a lifetime but that’s great news. Do the Raiders draft a QB if so who?

Raiders HAVE to draft a QB if it’s not Sanders I’m willing to take the most talented player available and get another option in the second round.

I’m with that. Freaky Tales. Will we ever get a full reunion? I know we can twist Si’s arm.

I’ll do everything in my power to get the boys back together. I want Si on some of the Troy music. I have a song coming with LBZ and if I can track down Thrilla I will get the boys back together.

That would be awesome. Well man I appreciate you doing this and it’s been great catching up. Anything you want to plug or promote? Fire it off brother.

I’d love to promote you! One of the best artists on this planet and the one who designed my future clothing brand and album record label logo.  You are family and I appreciate your art and attention to the culture and music industry. Anything you ever need I am a phone call away!

Aww you’re too kind. Likewise brother. Thanks again!! 🔒

You can follow Obvi @whatupobvi