A new pop single from Oparu brings together a sweet and warm nostalgic style synth-based retro-pop with a current neon lit dance tonality and it all becomes quickly massive and anthemic.
"Empire" boasts a dreamy feel and can really take you for quite a ride through a world you haven't known.
The song does have this fantasy vibe to it and the vocals layout so many gorgeously performed hooks it's almost hard to keep up with. We're not complaining at all though. It's actually quite refreshing to say the least.
The song feels like standing on a mountain top and belting out with everything you've got.
It's got a vast and powerful style and approach that feels like a story unraveling before your ears.
It's also inspirational in its own way.
Oparu is known for writing these cinematic and empowering songs that touch on different undertones of pop and she really has a way of making the music swim around in the air that surrounds you.
It's really breathtaking.
With the release of "Empire" we wanted to have a chat with the artist to find out where this all came from and what may be net for her.
RAG: Okay so let's start with "Empire". The track has such a anthemic feel and a cinematic style it! Where did this single come from?
I've been really focused in the last few years in creating music that is film and TV friendly. I found an amazing producer Niko Korolog who was so good at taking my song and making it into something so epic. It was just piano and vocal to start. He does a lot of composing for film and TV. I figured this song needed to be as big as possible because of the name and the theme.
RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I really love various artists all over the board. I would say currently a lot of Ruelle, Chrvches, Sia, even 80's style stuff like Timecop1983.
RAG: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
I started my obsession with music at a very young age. I think at the time I was about 2 and I would set up a bunch of my toys and various buckets and pots and pans and bang on them. I guess back then I would have sworn I would have been a drummer instead of a singer. But I started to write songs when I was about 5 when I learned how to play the piano. I would listen to Casey Kasem do the American Top 40 countdown on the radio as a kid all the time, and I was just so obsessed with anything musical.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
I'd really like to see some of my songs get placed in some shows or movies. That's my main focus right now. And expand more into that world as an artist. I've also been writing for some music libraries as well.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
Sometimes I will watch something and the show itself will inspire me to write a song. Sometimes it's based on life events and other times I just pick something to write about and see how it flows. I usually always start with music first before lyrics. I have to have the vibe of the song first to figure out what the topline will be and then I move to lyrics at the end.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I love real estate, specifically AIRBNB. I manage a lot of properties in the Joshua Tree and Los Angeles area for various homeowners.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
I was just listening to Timecop 1983, and a lot of Dua Lipa this last week, Malia J, and Fjora and Neoni.
RAG: Are you doing live performances?
I have actually done quite a few shows over the years and toured throughout the United States. Currently, I am not playing any shows as my main focus is writing at this time. I do plan on hitting the road again once the right opportunity comes along.
RAG: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up-and-coming artists out there?
The biggest thing is finding a good producer and a good engineer. If things don't sound radio-ready it's harder to get them in places like Pandora or on the Radio in general. I feel that sometimes as artists we want to do it all ourselves and in some rare cases we can but it's always good to build a team of people around you to help you succeed. I also offer coaching one on one through my Teachable page for anyone looking for advice on how to get started. Or just get better at singing.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I really appreciate you. Your belief in me inspires me to keep moving forward and creating new things. I'm happy that the things I create make a difference in your life.