Tony Ozier

Tony Ozier released his debut album, Mental Candy. Released on his BeatsGalore Records, Tony Oziers fusion of live band soul, and pinches of hip-hop make this a highly innovative album.

“It’s the latest project that I have released yes. My second album, Aural Penetration is done and currently being mastered. I’ve also been doing a lot of production work lately”, says Tony Ozier. A true independent soul artist from America.

Tony Ozier still manages to make original soul sounds.

“Yes, I did promote the album in London starting in the summer of 2006. The reaction was crazy. I was totally surprised at how heavy the soul scene is throughout London”, compliments Tony Ozier about his recent trip to London. With London becoming a popular place for soul and jazz music, US artists appear to be hopping on the next plane over every week to have an opportunity to perform. “I love the fact that the crowds actually listen to the content of the music. I think we are missing a lot of that in music today. Over here, is more about your image than your content”

Tony Ozier refers to how he made his debut album Mental Candy and how it took him a long time to make! “It took me a long time to finish the record. I got the chance to work with a lot of musicians on this record. Initially I wanted the whole album to be live. After the first situation I had fell through, I decided to add some stuff and take off some stuff”

He continues, “I like where the album ended at. It’s way different now than the way it started”

Tony Ozier says, “I did an album with a Hip Hop artist named S.U.N. called The One which is out now, I finished up my 2nd record Aural Penetration and I am also doing some work on Neco Redd’s and Mustafa Akbar’s upcoming albums” Another achievement for Tony Ozier would to be featured in Blues & Soul Magazine, “I don’t know. I got a call from my manager saying Blues and Soul wanted to do an interview”

Tony Ozier has a lot of great songs on Mental Candy , he agrees “Off of Mental Candy I love Feel Good and End of Time. 1 of a Kind, Special. I better stop before the whole albums listed!”

“You’re good at what you do everyday!”, regarding his personal favorite quote. Musical inspiration is something that came naturally to Tony Ozier, when he started listening to artists like D’Angelo and Prince.

He recalls “Prince, D’Angelo, Jodeci, Stevie Wonder, Mint Condition, A tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, I could go on and on. I love music” And he continues, “My entire family is into music. Lots of singers and musicians” Tony Ozier admits who he enjoys making music with the most “I like working with my peoples - Neno, S.U.N., Jason and Sky, Jimi James, Neco Redd, Ladi Daddi, Mustafa Akbar” So, Tony Ozier clearly knows many talented artists, and is gaining a solid reputation in the independent modern soul scene.

However, making music is something Tony Ozier spends the majority of his time doing as he already is preparing to release his next project “I would say get your hands on the new album Aural Penetration”, says Tony Ozier.

He advices up coming independent soul artists on how to reach a level of independent success “Work as hard as you can. Even when you play them your music and they look at you like you’re crazy. Keep working and trying to grow musically”

Thank you Tony Ozier for speaking with me, I appreciate your time and I can’t wait to hear the new CD!

“Thank you for having me Matthew. Let me know what you think of the new CD!!”

Email Interview by Matthew Daniel

Soulisms 2008