Sound of the City: DJ O Show sounds off on representation, writing her first hip-hop track, and the energy of a crowd
The Afro-Indigenous 2 Spirit artist and Squamish Nation member says the pandemic gave rise to new creative skills
One of the things DJ O Show can’t wait to get back to after the pandemic passes is the energy of a crowd dancing to her music.
SOUND OF THE CITY is a series created in partnership by the City of Vancouver and Stir that showcases Vancouver’s diverse music scene and highlighting BIPOC and underrepresented artists and acts. Each edition comprises a Q&A and a Sound of the City playlist curated by the artist that features some of their favourite local musicians.
DJ O Show
ORENE ASKEW, AKA DJ O Show, is an Afro-Indigenous 2 Spirit member of the Squamish Nation and an elected member of Squamish Nation Council with a passion for hip hop and R&B. A recipient of a 2015 BC Indigenous Business Award, she also received a 2018 Stand Out Award from the Vancouver Pride Society and a 2021 Alumni of Excellence Award from Capilano University.
Read more about DJ O Show and listen to her picks on her Sound of the City playlist, below.
DJ O Show’s Playlist
How are you feeling about life right now?
I'm feeling very content about life right now. I know we're still in a global pandemic, but I am preparing for when we come out of it. I want to have all of my ducks in a row when this does happen. I'm so grateful to the event curators, artists, etc. who are still keeping virtual events alive during this time. I am optimistic that we will eventually go back to in person gigs.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
It has affected my work extremely. I went from having a full summer of booked gigs in 2020 down to zero. Birthdays, Weddings, and club nights—you name it... GONE!!! I'm glad I get to do virtual gigs, but I had to adapt. Adapt and learn on my own how to use a green screen and other streaming services. If it wasn't for the global pandemic, I don't think I would have learned these new skills that have allowed me to be more creative. Not being able to have the energy of the crowd dancing to my music has been tough, but I am optimistic that they will come back once things are safe again!
What are you working on right now? Do you have any plans or projects lined up for 2021?
Within the past year I've co-written and recorded my first hip-hop track with an incredible producer in Vancouver. I had no idea I would ever get into songwriting. The process was incredible, and I am excited to share it with the world in the near future. There may even be a music video to release with the track soon, but you didn't hear that from me.
Where are you finding solace?
I find solace and comfort in my family, friends, and my passion for music. I have an incredible partner who is very supportive of everything I do as well as my family. I don't know what I would do without them. I can always count on them or my studio where I can escape from the world and work on music and have fun.
What are you most looking forward to once the pandemic passes?
Seeing people I haven't seen in ages—and that includes a crowd dancing to my music. That energy I get from them is something I have missed so much.
What song or album has been in your heavy rotation recently and why?
Fye Fye - Tobe Nwigwe Ft. Fat Nwigwe. I absolutely love the way this wife and husband make music together! I've been following them for over a year now and can relate to what they're talking about when it comes to family and injustice of Black people. They're the truth, and I can't wait for them to put out more creatives.
Can you give a shoutout to one of your favourite Vancouver musicians or artists? What about them inspires you?
I would like to give a shout out to my niece, Sierra Tasi Baker. She is so talented and always fighting for inclusion of Afro-Indigenous human beings and that is amazing to see, because I am Afro-Indigenous. She is showing the world what real allyship looks like! She is the future, and I think many people can and will learn a lot from her, because I have.
What would you like to see change in Vancouver?
I am a firm believer in representation. I was born and raised in Vancouver and I have never seen enough representation of Afro-Indigenous and 2 Spirited folks. It is changing, but I would like to see a lot more.
Who is your dream collaborator?
My dream collaborator would be Kinnie Starr. I would love to do a hip-hop track with her one day. She's one of my favourite artists, and I have learned so much from her over the years. It would be amazing for that to come full circle!
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