Michael Uzowuru: No Need For Sense

You may not know who Michael Uzowuru is (yet), and probably can’t figure out how to pronounce his last name either. For the record, it’s pronounced ooh-zuh-woo-roo, and he’s of Nigerian descent. I’ve been following his production work for a number of months now (no creepo) and decided to reach out to find out more, being the music fan that I am.

Michael Uzowuru associates with the Odd Future kids and works closely with Om’Mas Keith of Sa-Ra Creative Partners. Basically the bottom line is that Mr. Uzowuru, a.k.a. Uziii, has a ton of potential to play a significant role in the music game. My l337 scouting techniques have been at work once again, so pay attention.

Check out the full interview with Michael Uzowuru after the jump!

Let everyone know who you are, and what you do.
I don’t know who I am. But my name is Michael Uzowuru. That’s who I am, but I won’t fully understand what it means to be Michael Uzowuru til I die.

Does Michael Uzowuru fear death?
That’s a tricky question. I think I’m more afraid of what will kill me. Death could be the best thing that ever happened to me. I don’t know what’s on the other side.

Yeah, I’m just afraid of being taken out by some crazy idiot… wrong place at the wrong time type of shit. Before you get to the other side, what do you hope to achieve on this side?
It would be cool to be happy, and make others happy. I could state specifics but it all boils down to the spreading and achieving of happiness.

Any idea how you’re gonna go about doing that?
Yeah, I figured make myself happy first. Then my Mom, and immediate family. Then friends, then anyone else I can. I don’t know specifics. I’m a sincerely genuine and compassionate human being. But I’m not perfect or god, so let’s hope I can make as many people as possible happy – or at least close. I’m not dedicating my life to that though. That only brings failure, trying to make everyone happy.

Music is a vehicle of emotion that reaches billions of people around the World every single day; it can incite a variety of feelings, good and bad. Does music play a role in your life?
Yeah, music is a big part of my life. It’s what I do, and hope to make a living doing. Only thing I’m somewhat good at.

It’s good to know early on in life what you’re good at and focus on it, right? You’re ahead of the game already! What inspired you to pursue music?
It’s a release. Almost like I’m getting faded, I just drift away into my own little world and forget all my problems. It’s therapy. Oh wait you weren’t asking that haha. Uh well I wanted to play drums in elementary school cuz that shit looked fun, but ended up playing trumpet in 7th grade for a couple years. Then moved to piano, then started making beats. Long story short: The drums inspired me to make music.

I first came across what you do via Om’Mas Keith of Sa-Ra. How did that link come about, and what do you do in association with Sa-Ra Creative Partners?
Om’Mas had set up a hotline for fans to call and talk to Sa-Ra. So I called and asked to be a production assistant, and he said “yes” for god knows why? He doesn’t even know why lol. At first I was basically his personal assistant / production assistant, but now I supply creative services. That could be anything from helping mix songs, to transcribing, to helping write songs, or even making beats – which I did on our album coming out called Fantasy, I produced the whole thing.

Michael Uzowuru was the production assistant on this track, as well as the rest of Om’Mas Keith’s Uh Oh It’s Love record.

So it went from Sa-Ra accepting a random caller to producing a full blown album with them; that’s an incredible story. What is it about their style of music that drew you to them specifically?
It’s magic and mysterious. Their music is extremely unique and enigmatic.

How would you describe your own sound?
Uh, my sound… beyond category. I honestly have no idea lol. How would you describe my sound?

It doesn’t sound like anything out in the open right now and that’s definitely a good thing. There were some political messages on your tracks. Do you draw a lot of inspiration from these themes?
Yeah, something like that. I mainly did it cuz I didn’t want people rapping on those beats lol.

Lol that’s definitely a more interesting way to do it. So other than “Fantasy”, are there any other official projects we can look out for in 2011?
I’m going to put out a production album; all songs produced by me, of course. And maybe an album with Dana La Rock. That’s about it so far.

Haha you make it sound like you don’t have too much going on, but it seems like you’re in a really good situation to grow this into something substantial in the near future. What other things are you into other than music, and how do they influence your sound?
Lol, man I’ve learned from past experiences not to hype anything too much, or speak too soon. I like surprises too, so yeah.

Besides music, I like to read from time to time. Playing chess is cool too, so is driving around. I like to drive around while listening to music. All that just helps me reflect on who I am, which helps me make music that is an exact reflection of me and my many sides.

Anything else you wanna say to the people out there on the internets?
Be good people. Not everyone can be deviant or edgy. It’s ok to be normal.

From what I’ve heard thus far, Uziii’s beats have a really chill vibe about them. He is surrounded by extremely talented and supportive people. And like all great talent, he has been practicing and honing his musical skills since a very early age. In my humble opinion, there is no telling where someone like Michael Uzowuru can go within the next few years. Respect to Mr. Uzowuru for spending some time to do this interview.

Make sure you keep up with him and listen to his work with the links below.

Follow: @michaeluzowuru
Listen: michaeluzowuruproduction.bandcamp.com
Tumbl: uziii.tumblr.com