Ochuko Akpovbovbo Says
12 musical questions with Ochuko Akpovbovbo + her playlist request: "I love sad white boy music but I don't want anyone to know it"
Welcome to a new series where I ask people whose substacks/vibes/taste I enjoy, some fun and revealing musical questions! I also ask them to choose a theme for a playlist I create for them. I’m excited about making some hopefully really strange, beautiful, fun, silly and interesting playlists for everyone. To start, I am delighted to have someone who I think must simply be described as a Substack star,
, who writes As Seen On, a newsletter primarily about business, culture and Gen Z trends. Ochuko requested I make her a playlist titled "I love sad white boy music but I don't want anyone to know it." or as she puts it “basic stuff that’s low key good, but embarrassing I guess,” and it’s full of songs that often made me feel both devastated and very powerful at the same time, leading me to believe that sad white boys just want to weep while driving their cars.
Which fictional character would you love to make you a playlist?
Sharpay Evans from High School Musical. You know how she used to curate those soundtracks for her life? I'd really love one of those.
You’re having people over, what music do you put on?
I usually start out putting on this awesome soft rock band called Infinity Song. They are this really cool black sibling band from NY but not quite mainstream yet, so it makes for great conversation. Afterwards I usually let the guest decide what we listen to. I'm a bit shy about my music taste and people are usually happy to put their own thing on.
You’re on a date and the person tells you that x is their favorite song/band/album. You decide you never want to see them again. What is it?
Hmmmmm. Okay this is weird, but I don't have super strong opinions about music. There's stuff I like and dislike but I care very little about other people's taste. So I doubt there's any genre or artist or album that'll turn me off that intensely. That said, I do not like most rap music, and so if that's the person's thing, well there might be a few bumps in the long run.
You’re on a date and the person tells you that x is their favorite song/band/album. You decide you want to marry them. What is it?
Jazz! But only because this happened. I met my boyfriend at a mutual friend's birthday party and I knew he played jazz, I thought he was cute, and so I lied that I loved jazz too. I barely knew what jazz was. He took my number "to send me some music", which he never did but he ended up asking me out. Jazz has been a big part of my life since then. I know a lot now and I love it!
A movie with a perfect soundtrack?
Ooooo Mamma Mia is an all time fave. But recently the Sinners soundtrack was amazing. Evita! A musical but I hope that still counts.
Which musicians wardrobe would you love to own?
I'm going to cheat and make us all remember Zendaya is a musician lol. So I'd say her.
You can choose the song your greatest enemy will have stuck in their head for the next week. What is it?
Girl, anything by Enya. Not to offend anyone but she gives me the chillsssss.
What’s the name of your most used playlist?
Chill Mix on Spotify. Followed by Indie Mix. I usually find a new song or two that I save to my personal playlist.
What’s something you do that has to have music accompany it.
Going on walks for sure. And writing.
Which artist, dead or alive, would you most like to write a song about you?
Coldplay. Or like Mumford and Sons. Or the Lumineers! Imagine someone writing ‘Fix You’ for you! Wild.
The dance floor has emptied and it's up to you to fix it. Which song do you put on?
Pon de Replay!
The music collaboration you dream of?
Beyonce x Rihanna. Wild to me that it's never happened. And It never will! But a girl can dream.
thanks so much for having me!!