South Florida Indie Music Artist Talent Support Developers & Musical Agency Management

01 - Artist Name & Location = Mei Ohara from Boston

02 - How did the project come into existence? = Mei Ohara is my solo project that started with me fooling around in the practice rooms at school, when I was supposed to be practicing classical violin for my college degree. Around two years ago I joined a band and started to learn how the indie music scene worked, and eventually decided to give my own work a try. I've studied music for most of my conscious life, but started producing my beats less than two years ago.

03 - Who are the members of the band if any and please tell us about it? = Mei Ohara is just me and my electric violin, Vindice. The solo project is self-titled, coming from my Japanese name (I'm half). I sing, play the synth, play my electric violin, and create all my beats.

04 - How would you describe your sound/genre? = My music is mostly electro-rock, but some songs are more jazzy, or more electronic. There are also clear classical influences in my music, as well as some international influences. I'm a big fan of mixing and matching an eclectic array of sounds and genres.

05 - What formal training or previous experience do any of the members have? = I have been studying violin since I was 6. I competed throughout my pre-college life. I self-taught myself to deal with electronics, and have no vocal training.

06 - Are you working w/ a producer on your upcoming album? = I am currently writing, recording, and mixing all my own music. As I progress and save up, I may begin to look into a producer.

07 - Who would you say has been the biggest influence on the bands sound or that you have used as inspiration for your music? = I think my biggest influence comes from old video games, but the biggest influence by a single artist would be Depeche Mode. They have produced such a wide range of music throughout their three decades of work, and they were the first electronic group I really got into.

08 - What advice would you give to others starting out? = Work hard, make friends, be proud and dedicated!

09 - Where can people go to learn more about you and hear your music? = You can hear my demo EP at http://meiohara.bandcamp.com  

The best place to keep in touch or be up to date about shows and things is my facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/mei.ohara.music  

And if you want to see me in action, I put up live videos at http://www.youtube.com/meiohara

10 - If you could play anywhere in the world or with anyone you wanted where and who would it be with? = I would love to play with Oh Land in either London or Tokyo. London and Tokyo both hold special places in my heart, because they are homes away from home that I have not yet played at. I feel like Oh Land and I share some similar basic set-up and ideas, so I think we could compliment each other well. She's also very beautiful and smart (I've been lucky enough to meet her), and who doesn't want to hang out with a Danish woman?

11 - What has been your greatest experience so far either individually or as a whole? = Living in London for a few months was one of the most challenging, yet exciting experiences of my life thus far. Although I couldn't have my music equipment with me, it was a chance to develop myself as a person, learning such a different culture. I also happened to meet Paul McCartney, which was undeniably awesome.

12 - Do you have any upcoming events or news you would like to tell our readers about? = I'm thinking of finally creating and releasing my first full album later this year. I am working on moving permanently to Boston after I finish school, and will be booking shows there throughout the year. Keep up to date on my show schedule at my facebook!

13 - Where do you see yourselves or hope to be in about 5 years? = I hope to have toured at least parts of the U.S., and to further develop my style, both visually and musically.