BY JORDYN PAUL-SLATER// Omar Velasco, also known as Omar Apollo, is a 22 -year-old Mexican American singer and
songwriter from Hobart, Indiana. He started playing guitar at the age of 12, mainly playing at
church events in Chicago. He grew bored of this and stopped playing consistently. At the age of
18, Apollo started to branch out his tastes in music to the likes of Gary Numan, John Mayer and
Elliott Smith amongst many others. He picked up his guitar again and has continued playing
ever since. After dropping out of college 2 weeks in, Apollo began writing and recording a mix
of alternative, soul, funk and pop music. In 2017, he released ‘Ugotme,’ which was an overnight
sensation. After, he released various singles and two EPS: Stereo (2018) and Friends (2019).
For me, Omar Apollo’s music kind of popped out of nowhere. I was looking at Spotify’s
Pollen playlist, as I often do, to find new music that I could add to my new monthly playlist at
the time. I don’t remember which song hooked me in to explore his discography, but I do recall
being obsessed with the Stereo EP, especially the song “Hijo de Su Madre.” I loved how
effortlessly he blends Spanish and English while maintaining a soft, haunted minimalist style to
his vocals.
But, more importantly, I fell in love with Omar Apollo’s appreciation and constant
referencing to his heritage. Reading some of his interviews while listening to my favorite songs
of his made me realize how much of his family and culture affects the sound and delivery of his
songs. Also, in his interview with Pitchfork magazine, he talks about being financially able to
support his parents. That’s a big life goal of mine, and it’s inspiring to read that someone you
look up to has the same ambition and was able to achieve it. I just love Omar Apollo so much,
and I can’t wait to dance with one of my closest friends to ‘Hijo de Su Madre,’ ‘So Good,’ ‘Frio,’
and so many more favorites at my favorite venue.
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