The Opus
Chicago, USA
Sonar Plexus
Behind the Music
The OpusReading about the intricate ways that human trafficking is conducted in the chapter “Sea Slavery” really strikes a chord with me. My heart is heavy for Lang Long and others who are sold or traded over and over again, especially in modern times. Thinking about all of the young girls disappearing off the streets is particularly devastating. I had no idea that these crimes were being committed at this level, and although the subject is finally gaining more attention now in the United States, it’s interesting to learn that these crimes have been going on for quite some time.
For me, The Outlaw Ocean evokes feelings of fear, loneliness, anger, and sadness. By stirring these feelings together and incorporating them into my music, I want to take listeners on a sonic adventure as they experience a roller coaster of emotions that hopefully gives them goosebumps.
About The Opus
The Opus is the collaboration between instrumentalists, Mr. Echoes and The Isle of Weight, who seamlessly combine their intricate styles. For years, the Isle of Weight and Mr. Echoes were producers for the group, Rubberoom, accompanied by lyricists Meta Mo and Lumba. Rubberoom was born out of an organic fusion of artists who were also long-time friends. Eventually, both producers decided to leave the group due to creative differences. Isle of Weight and Mr. Echoes continued to collaborate on production and realized that a duo was taking shape, resulting in The Opus.
Projects include four twelve-inch singles, a CD five, an EP and an album. The EP, Gothic Architecture (reissued on vinyl in 2019), was the start of a saga that continued with the group's subsequent album, Architechnology. Segments of Architechnology were displayed on MTV's Road Rules and used in the X Games. Architechnology received national recognition and ultimately became the product of a global record deal, although the label folded at the height of the group’s success.
The Opus has collaborated with a number of artists including Murs, Slug of Atmosphere, Meat Beat Manifesto, DJ Krush, Earatik Statik, Pigeon John, Aesop Rock, I Self Devine of the Micronots and showcased in Mark Farina's Mushroom Jazz series six.