Rising Stars: Meet Odamartian of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Odamartian

OdaMartian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I guess it’s fair to say I’m a newcomer to this music scene.

I didn’t play instruments as a kid.
I staged a walk-out in my elementary school’s “mandatory” choir class.
I repressed much of my creativity as a teenager out of self-consciousness.

It wasn’t until 2018, at the lowest point of my life, that I picked up the guitar that my Grandfather had given me ten years earlier.

And I sat there and played. I turned on YouTube and played along to lessons for 16 hours straight. No food, no sleep, just deep, sinking depression and a yearning for self expression and release.

And I found it. By the end of that 16 hours I felt better than I had in a while. I’d learned a song.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey into music (and my life in general) has been anything but a smooth road. Somehow, though, music has remained a constant source of peace and relief in the midst of turmoil.

While serving 4 1/2 years of a wrongful conviction, my guitar playing turned into singing, then making beats, then rapping.

I saw the healing power of music. The fact that it gave people an outlet, a focus, and a better path. We built a program inside the facility that created so much good in spite of so many obstacles. One that encouraged healing, forgiveness, and self expression. I knew this was the path I was supposed to be on.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a kid, I was exposed to so many different genres of music. I loved everything from John Philip Sousa to Norah Jones, Black Sabbath to 50 Cent. I think these diverse musical influences gave me a unique sound and a vision for what my music could become.

I think my biggest strength as an artist is my versatility. I’ve never been limited by genre or convention, and I’m happy that my musical style has been so well received by listeners.

Fresh off the release of my debut EP, “still here?” I’m excited to continue to grow and develop as an artist. I have numerous singles releasing early next year, and another EP before summer. I’m also excited to announce a collaboration with The Marshall Project (details to come).

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
To be honest, I feel like I’m just starting out myself. Since my first song released this past April, I’ve learned so much. I think the best advice I could give someone right now is to be vulnerable, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. If you don’t believe 100% in what you’re doing, why should anyone else?

This industry rewards consistency above all else. Stay consistent, keep making quality music, and the sky’s the limit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://odamartian.bandzoogle.com/home
• Instagram: instagram.com/odamartian
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@odamartian
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/odamartian

Image Credits
Johnny Singels