My connection with the sea runs deep. My artist name is “ocean” spelled in a different way. I was born on an island and grew up near the open water. My father has been sailing with the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marines for over 30 years. He spent much time around the Horn of African and has been attacked by Somali pirates, which is part of the reason why the chapter “Armed and Dangerous” was especially poignant for me. My fascination with the ocean always came from a place of respect for how immensely powerful, dangerous and scary it can be. Throughout my music career, I’ve curated and produced my performances to capture the dark beauty of the sea so it felt like the opportunity to participate in The Outlaw Ocean Music Project was meant to be.

Music and art draw a primal connection between people. When you hear or see something moving, you feel drawn to it. It can help highlight issues and communicate the organic feelings associated with it to a listener. When I created my songs, I wanted them to capture three different sentiments — the sense of something terrifying, the everlasting conflict between those who ravage and those who stand to protect, and the endless possibility felt when you look at the horizon on the open sea.

Oshiin