Ows – Waterline (feat Pusha T) is the debut master piece from former JLS band member “Oritse Williams”  who gave us in an exclusive interview into his new solo career.

 

Oritse who was recently announced as an ambassador for the Prices Trust has taken his debut single in a different direction from the usual pop and ballad style that you would normally associate with JLS. “A brave decision” some might say, but it seems to have paid off.

Waterline is an emotional R&B track with a powerful verse from US rapper “Pusha T” (Pusha is signed to Kanye West’s Record Label and has released songs on the iconic “Def Jam Label”) The combination of the two artists clearly works in a song that focuses on a failed relationship and the possibility of giving the relationship one more chance. The Black & White Video helps offset the mood of the song.

The song was released online without all the usual hype you’d expect with Debut Song releases. There was an air of mystery as the faceless OWS slowly grabbed the media’s attention. All was revealed with a thoroughly deserved “pat on the back” for Oritse Williams & Pusha T…JLS fans will not be disappointed!!

Congratulations on your new debut single. A very catchy song that’s very different to the style of music we’re used to hearing with JLS. Who or what were you main ideas & influences for the new style R&B track?

Well to be honest the main thing for me was to express myself in the most honest and sincere way through the record and then musically build it to support that. When we were developing the sound it was about sonically making it feel completely unique to anything else, however there were influences like Drake and Coldplay towards the latter end of finishing the production.

How did you find working with Pusha T? Pusha’s amazing, he’s like my big brother, the chemistry was just there from the start from our collaborative performance on the record and then on the video shoot.  I actually spoke to him just a couple of days ago whilst I’ve been out here in the U.S. and he just said to me how happy he is for me for how the song has been so positively received

What can we expect from you next? What I’m super excited about next is performing in my hometown London city on March 25th. Also I’ve been confirmed to perform at SXSW festival in Austin Texas which is so crazy considering a lot of artists I’m inspired by have performed there before  me.

When will your debut album be released? In all honesty we don’t know, right now it’s about us taking our time, staying in the creative zone and vibing out.

An air of mystery surrounded the release of “Waterline” online. What made you release the song in this manner? It wasn’t actually purposeful and we certainly were not expecting the reaction that we received. I just wanted  the art and the music to lead above everything.

Who’s you favourite artist at the moment? Hmmm thats a very good question!! I think music is in an incredible place right now globally where artists can just completely be themselves. At this very moment in time I’ve been listening to alot of James Blake.

What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever asked you to do? Probably ask me to move into their house.

We have a few questions from your various fans: @mrsmerrygoldJLS asked the following on Twitter:

What’s it like recording a new song/video without the JLS boys? I guess it’s a different process.  Right now I’m expressing myself through my music in a very personal way.

What was it like having your family in the new video? That was extremely profound, I wrote the video concept and It made great sense in what I was visually trying to portray, a very personal touch.

Will you be doing any under 18 shows? I dont know if it will be under 18s in particular but I will do shows that anyone can come to.

OWS – Waterline (Official Video) ft. Pusha T

‘’ Oritsé collaboration with Pusha T has made is our track of the week!” – MarkMeets Entertainment

‘’Solo star Oritsé returns with his own sound with a killer track” – Mark Boardman – Music Journalist

Gaynor Martin via Facebook: wants to know if you remember her “touching you up” at the O2 for Sport Aid lol? Haha!! I don’t actually remember that!

What’s the first ever single you bought? Wow thats a hard one, I think the first ever single I bought with my pocket money was a Fugees record.

What’s your favourite Alcoholic Tipple? Lol probably fruit punch.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given & by whom? My mentor Mr C, “what goes up doesn’t always have to come down, you can have Victory after Victory”

Do you have a message for your fans? Yes!!! my amazing fans past, present and new, I love you all for supporting me for so long, being dedicated to helping make my dreams come true, always loyal and always believing in me. I hope i’m able to help change your lives as much as you have and continue to change mine.

Cliff Morton
Writer for MarkMeets Entertainment