Features : Exclusive Interview with Ase Odin

Artist Spotlight: Ase Odin

“No Wahala” means “no trouble,” and Nigerian-American artist Ase Odin embodies that philosophy in every note of his vibrant new single. A fusion of Afrobeats, reggae, R&B, and pop, the track is a rhythmic celebration of resilience, connection, and the universal quest for peace amidst life’s chaos.

In this exclusive Q&A, Ase Odin opens up about the stories behind the music, lessons learned along the way, and what keeps their passion alive.

FreshMusicWorld: How did you get started in the music industry, and what were some of the key moments or experiences that helped shape your career?

Ase Odin: I got started with the music industry at an early age with my dad as my mentor, writing songs and recording my tunes on a tape recorder or a phone. Creatively, key moments or experiences that helped shape my career were events, such as natural disasters, political upheavals, especially in developing countries, war, hunger, especially in children, and social injustice. Most often, just waking up in the morning and having a moment, or being in the mood filled with different emotions. As a commercial business, the opportunities to self-promote, market, and publish without major record labels were encouraging.

FreshMusicWorld: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do they impact your music?

Ase Odin: Some of my biggest musical influences include Fela Ransom Kuti (political world order and social injustice), Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh ( equal rights and justice), Sunnd Ade, Ebenezer Obey ( traditional gratitude, acknowledgment), Michael Jackson (personal life struggles, love, and romance), Marvin Gaye (love, passion, relationships), The Eagles ( highlights the persistent temptation of society obssession with materialistic tendencies)  etc.

FreshMusicWorld: What do you think sets your music apart from others in your genre?

Ase Odin: Same passion, same vision, but changing times!

FreshMusicWorld: Can you walk us through your process for writing and arranging songs, and how do you decide on the final structure and melody?

Ase Odin: Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning or flash back from my experience of memorable events, it evokes certain emotions in me, which prompts me to create and write a song. The arrangement is usually basic with intro, body, chorus, and bridge, which I expand on. The final structure focuses on my message (sometimes rewriting each stanza and highlighting the hook) and showcasing the beats and rhythm to back it up.

FreshMusicWorld: How do you balance your creative vision with the needs of the music industry?

Ase Odin: Learning the business model of the music industry is a tenacious, persistent process. I balance my creative vision with the music industry's ever-changing direction and demands by staying current with its evolving landscape. This will include, but not be limited to, skillsets in social media, rules and regulations, marketing, budgeting, technology, musical performance, and related demographics.

FreshMusicWorld: What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your music career so far, and what have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced?

Ase Odin: Writing, arranging, and producing my records have been more satisfying, and I feel blessed when I have fans and other artists acknowledge my work. Some of the biggest challenges are getting well-established on social media, building a loyal fan base, navigating a successful music career, and understanding the financial implications.

FreshMusicWorld: What are your goals for your music, and how do you see yourself evolving as an artist in the next few years?

Ase Odin: My goals for my music are to keep creating music aligned with my mission and message, coping with personal experiences, and musical influences. In the next few years, I see myself evolving as an artist by building a loyal fan base, performing on a worldwide stage, and working with an experienced, proactive, and multidisciplinary team.

FreshMusicWorld: Can you tell us about some of your favorite live performances or shows that you've played?

Ase Odin: I am just starting as an artist, and I have only performed while in college.

FreshMusicWorld: How do you handle stress or pressure in the music industry, and what are some things that help you stay grounded?

Ase Odin: My first step in handling stress or pressure in the music industry is to stay current, comprehend the updates, and digital services needed. I do my research, sift through adequate resources, and relax. My family, friends, beliefs, and love of life help me stay grounded.

FreshMusicWorld: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what are some ways that you engage with them online or offline?

Ase Odin: I stay connected with my fans through social media, radio interviews, and presentations, and some ways I engage with them include charity and community events.