OKTOBA

In a world of manufactured celebrities who are granted instant fame from appearing on shows such as Love Island, its often difficult to comprehend how hard-working artists can become successful and get their work showcased. However, Love Island isn’t all fabricated reality stars – the show has in fact given a platform to diligent musicians to have their music featured in the programme. Something folk singer-songwriter OKTOBA was fortunate enough to happen to him twice during 2019’s summer of love. OKTOBA speaks to Izzy Sigston about this career fuelling experience, his creative process and a mind-bending performance on a rooftop in Chicago.

It’s been 7 months since two of your tracks, ‘Chance’ and ‘It Must Be Love’ were played on Love Island, how have things been since then?

Yeah, it was kind of crazy when that happened. To have two tracks used on such a popular show was amazing. Since then, I’ve just been working hard in both the studio, where I’m recording new music at the moment, and also playing live shows. It’s been a really fun 7 months or so.

We’re currently being exposed to the South African sun on ITV2 in the midst of storm Dennis, will we be expecting to hear your new single ‘Breathe’ on Love Island in the next couple of weeks?

Ha, yeah this weather is terrible. Bring on the summer eh!

Honestly, I don’t know. There is a chance. But for that track to work, we’ll need to see a break up or two. And it looks like, at the moment, everyone seems pretty happy together. We’ll see.

‘It Must Be Love’ and ‘Breathe’ are stunning bespoke covers, what made you choose to cover these tracks in particular?

Whenever I choose to cover a song I always want to be able to completely make it my own. It’s really fun exploring someone else's work and seeing what slant you can put on it. The most important thing, when it all comes down to it though, is the words and the story behind the song. ‘It Must Be Love’ is such a well known happy love song but the words almost change meaning when you play it in melancholic way. I like that we can do that. I just hope that I did the tracks justice.

You took a trip to New Zealand late last year, would you say escapism is the best way to get your creative juices flowing in order to make music?

Getting away definitely allows headspace. I love travelling and discovering different parts of the world. However, it’s usually when I’m home from the trips when the songs come. I always find it really important to almost switch off and not to sound to cliche but, enjoy the moments. It’ll all be still in your head when you get back. There’s no rush. But yeah, travelling definitely assists creativity and it’s really important for me.

Chris Athorne is a pretty catchy name, why Oktoba?

Ha. Chris Athorne is not catchy, But thank you. I wanted a name that firstly represented me. I was born in October and Autumn is my favourite time of the year, so..

I wanted the music that I make to reflect that season too. That time of year is when I’m most inspired and sad folk music always seems the perfect match for those crisp autumnal days. I love it.

What drew you to the music industry? Was there a particular influence who made you passionate about becoming a musician?

Music has always had a hold on me. Different songs and artists throughout my entire life have always had so much meaning and influence, more than anything really. It’s a total spell. When that one thing, whatever it is, just makes so much sense to you it’s hard to ignore. I started pretty late though, learning to play guitar at 18 and writing my first song 6 months later. Influences at the time were artists like Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. They were the two that really lit the flame i’d say. Since then, artists like Bon Iver, RY X and Matt Corby have really influenced my writing.

When was the first time you were approached by a fan? How did you feel?

It was with my first band, when I was still living back in Suffolk where I grew up. They had turned up to a show wearing one of the band T’s we used to sell. They were singing all the words and just loved the songs. It was a very very overwhelming but bizarre feeling. I was so happy and incredibly proud. It was amazing and I’ll never forget it.

What’s been your favourite venue to play?

Living in Brighton, we are spoilt with some amazing small venues and I am so happy that I get to play in them all pretty regularly. The Brunswick, Hope and Ruin and The Prince Albert to name a few. However, the crown still goes to a show that I played in Chicago with Sofar Sounds. It was a show playing to 70 people sat on the floor, on a roof terrace of a penthouse overlooking the whole city, at sunset. I will never ever forget it. A real wow moment and reminder that I am so lucky to be able to play a part in that whole experience. It was phenomenal.

Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety? If so, what advice would you give to others who struggle with this.

Never performance anxiety, although I do still get nervous. Sometimes very nervous before a show. Personal anxiety creeps into my life from time to time though. Being a musician can be a really stressful and worrying thing. There’s a lot of rejection and even more unanswered questions. You need a lot of patience. I’ve learnt that the most important thing to focus on, is yourself. Don’t worry about what others think or try to please what you think others want from you. Just work hard, practice hard and when you feel a bit shaky, you know you’ve put that time in to which you can draw on when you need it most. Just trust in yourself.

What do you enjoy most about being a musician? What do you hate the most?

My favourite thing about being a musician is connecting with people. Live shows have to be the best part of this whole experience. Sharing incredible and unique moments with folk that you’ve never met before. It’s really powerful.

I hate writers block. When songs just don’t arrive. It’s tough. But when they do, it makes it all worth while.

Who are you listening to this month?

Leif Vollebekk. He’s incredible

What’s next in store for Oktoba?

I’m working on quite a lot at the moment. It’s a really exciting time and I’m really enjoying it all. I’m currently recording a new EP. I’ll have brand new music out this year and I can’t wait to share it. I really feel this is my strongest work so far.

Then I’ve got live shows starting in March with two in Brighton at The Brunswick on the 5th and Latest Music Bar on the 10th. Then on April 15th I have a headline show at The Slaughtered Lamb in London. More shows will follow with a possible Tour at the end of the year.

I’m really looking forward to what 2020 holds and can’t wait to see what happens.