Oswaldo Torres
Music isn’t just about melodies, it’s about stories, emotions, and the invisible threads that connect us to something deeper. In this interview, we step into the world of Ozzy, an artist whose journey is shaped by poetry, surrealism, and the raw, unfiltered essence of life itself. From the rock influences of the ‘60s and ‘70s to the folklore of Venezuela, his music is a fusion of cultures, emotions, and personal experiences.
Join us as we explore the inspirations, struggles, and creative evolution of a musician who sees beyond sound—who crafts poetry into songs and seeks to forge real connections through his art.
Eduard ( E ): Artists often fall into one of two categories: those who’ve been innately creative since childhood and those who discovered their passion over time. Which category do you identify with, and when did you fully commit to your musical journey?
Ozzy ( O ): I was definitely a very creative and extremely restless child. In the 90s it wasn't known what ADHD was but I'm sure that i had that type of diagnosis as a child. My refuge was music, drawing, playing. My musical journey really begins in 2009 when I meet the friends with whom I would form my first musical project, an alternative rock band called "APOLLINAIRE".
E: Every artist draws inspiration from different sources—people, places, experiences, or even introspection. Who or what has been the most significant muse in your creative journey, and why?
O: I could write a very long text about this. But if there is something that inspired me a lot was poetry, especially surrealist poetry, that made me fall in love with metaphor and the way of making magic with words. There was a text that had a deep impact on me, THE SURREALIST MANIFESTO by André Breton, that also influenced a lot my way of writing songs. Rock is also one of my inspirations; the bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s like the Beatles, Deep Purple, and King Crimson have also been a very big influence. I must also mention Hispanic bands like Soda Stereo, Caifanes, and Héroes del Silencio. Finally, the folkloric music of my country, Venezuela, is undoubtedly an inspiration that caught me after 20 years of age.
E: Challenges often teach us invaluable lessons, reshaping our craft and perspective. Can you recall a specific challenge that profoundly impacted your music or your approach to creating it?
O: I have had many challenges to go through in my life. But perhaps the most significant was moving out of my neighborhood when I was 12 years old. I moved to a very dangerous neighborhood where I was bullied and often had to fight. I locked myself in and played guitar all day, starting to write my first songs. It was certainly an event that defined me as a songwriter.
E: Looking back to the first day you began making music and tracing your journey to the present, how would you describe the evolution in your style or approach over time?
O: Well, today my musical tastes are broader and the music I play is more intimate. I used to play in a rock band, in fact, I still do. But I think as the years go by, I'm becoming more interested in feeling the music and establishing a deep connection with those who listen to my songs. So basically, I went from rock to acoustic folk, both are great genres.
E: Art is often seen as a mirror reflecting the creator’s values, beliefs, and identity. How do you feel ‘Ozzy’ is reflected in your music?
O: As I told you before, I am currently interested in establishing a connection with those who listen to my songs, and "Ozzy" represents something familiar, someone you can listen to and feel listened to. And of course, most people who know me when they have some confidence in me tend to call me "Ozzy". Before I did not like it, but now I identify very much with "Ozzy".
E: Many people skim the surface of music, enjoying the sound but missing its deeper essence. If we were to peel back the surface layers, how would you define music? What makes it profoundly special to you?
O: Some of my songs are poems, others tell stories, others flirt with surrealism and the absurd. If you take the music out of my songs you would be left with poems and stories. Poetry is something very important in my life, not only the "pretty" poetry but also the dirty poetry, the visceral poetry, and the poetry that drains the frustrations of life. I guess I'm also a bit of a writer after all. That's why the lyrics of my songs mean so much to me.
E: Your talent isn’t limited to your voice; it extends beautifully to your guitar. Every time you share a cover with it, it’s absolutely magnificent. What does the guitar represent for you, and what’s your relationship with it?
O: For me, the guitar represents my companion, a powerful feminine energy, it's like a woman's body, and I think it's a perfect metaphor. A good guitar must be played well, and the guitar thanks you by sounding beautifully. When I was fifteen years old I studied classical guitar for a while, I loved it but I never had a good level, I was mediocre. But I must admit, studying classical guitar gave me a sense of delicacy in my fingers and I think it helps me a lot to make my songs sound good. I still play classical guitar pieces like the studies of Francisco Tárrega or songs by troubadour Silvio Rodríguez.
E: Every artist’s journey is driven by a dream or aspiration they aim to manifest. Each creation carries a purpose, whether personal or external. What purpose does your music serve, and what dream are you striving to achieve in your artistic journey?
O: Music is really the deep desire that drives me. I think that beyond fame I want, like most musicians, for people to be able to listen to my songs. I'm not going to lie I would like to make a living from music and make good money from it. But I'm more interested in connecting people with my songs, that their souls resonate with what I sing, make them feel through my lyrics, and the rest comes without effort
E: I recently had the pleasure of supporting your work by collecting one of your songs, directly contributing to your musical journey. With the rise of NFTs, how do you envision the future of artists and their relationship with fans?
O: I think the future of the music industry is heading towards NFTs. You and I have been early adopters of this way of making art. And it has been a great help to independent musicians and artists, I am very happy that Web3 allows this to musicians and everyone who has something to say.
E: While fans often define artists in their own way, I believe connections deepen when fans understand how artists perceive themselves. So, who is Oswaldo Torres at his core? What defines him, beneath all the surface layers?
O: Underneath all my layers is a common man. A common man who loves to be with his family but who also has deep concerns and those concerns are appeased by music, books, poetry, and art in general. But I like to think of myself as a common man who is fascinated by the uncommon and who marvels at the details, just like child.
E: What’s your guilty pleasure when you need a creative break?
O: My guilty pleasure when I have creative breaks hahaha well I think there are many. But one would be drinking beers and eating pizzas with my friends and family, that relaxes me a lot and gives me ideas when I don't have them anymore. When I do these things, inspiration comes more easily. It's important for me to relax because my day is usually very stressful.
Ozzy’s journey is a testament to the power of music as both an escape and a form of self-expression. From his early days seeking refuge in sound to his deep appreciation for poetry and storytelling, his art is a bridge between the raw and the profound. His passion isn’t just about crafting songs, it’s about forging connections, resonating with souls, and leaving something meaningful behind. As the music industry continues to evolve, Ozzy embraces new frontiers, ensuring that his work reaches those who truly listen.
To stay connected with Ozzy and explore more of his music, you can follow him on Lens, Farcaster, Instagram, and Twitter.
Mismir is dedicated to amplifying the voices of artists like Ozzy, creators who redefine the boundaries of art and expression. Follow Mismir on Lens, Twitter, Instagram, Farcaster to discover more stories, artists, and the movement shaping the future.
