Ocean Tisdall has recently unveiled his powerful new single 'White Lies,' an anti-Valentines pop anthem, following the release of his highly-praised debut single, 'Broke Up With My Best Friend,' at the end of 2021. The release of his new single truly cements him as an emerging artist within the pop music scene and he is certainly one to watch out for in 2022.
'White Lies' sees Ocean Tisdall channel his broad and euphoric alternative/pop sound that he has managed to cultivate for himself. This song sees him showcase some of his most compassionate and vibrant song-writing so far in his career.
Here at The Lowdown, we had the chance to exclusively speak with Ocean Tisdall about his new single, his plans for the remainder of the year and much more. Keep reading to check out what he had to say!
You have recently released your new single, 'White Lies.' What has it been like for you to have new music released?
"Having new music released has been the wildest journey so far - going from an idea in my head to a fully-fledged song that people are listening and relating to always feels so strange. I'm so excited to have 'White Lies' out, as this was the first song I ever wrote for this project. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!"
For anyone who hasn't heard your new single yet, can you sum it up in a couple of words?
"This song shows how difficult it is to be in love with someone with amazing blue eyes."
How long did the single take to come together, right from the initial writing stages?
"Writing this song was actually quite easy. It came out like word vomit whilst quarantining with my co-writer in my dead great uncle's abandoned farmhouse. Interesting fact...most of the original vocals were recorded under a bedsheet and are in the final version. I guess the energy in the house was pretty good. I had to wait until after lockdown to master 'White Lies,' but it was definitely worth the wait, because we got to go to Abbey Road Studios and do it, which was insane!"
What is the meaning behind your new single?
"Being trapped in a toxic relationship with someone who's addicted to those little white lies, but because they have the prettiest blue eyes, you just keep falling and falling whilst struggling to figure out whether to leave or stay."
Do you have a favourite lyric from the single?
"My favourite lyric from 'White Lies' would definitely have to be: 'Why did Billie get it so damn right? I fell into your ocean eyes.' That lyric for me ties the whole song together. When I was going through a break-up, I remember listening to Billie Eilish's 'ocean eyes' on repeat and it being so relatable to what I was going through. When talking through the idea of this song, we just kept saying: 'Why did Billie get it so right?' and it became the driving force of the creation of this song."
Going back to your roots, has music always been something that you have wanted to be involved in?
"Yes - 100%! Not even knowingly wanting to be a part of music, it was just always there within my household. My Mum was constantly playing old country music. My sister would specifically say listen to the lyrics and the story. I think this is the reason why I love storytelling so much. When I was young, I even put on little performances and shows for my family (I actually still do it now!). I guess music just always came naturally to me and that's why I love it so much!"
You derive musical inspiration from the likes of Troye Sivan. Do you feel that such artists have a bearing on your music?
"Troye Sivan is one of those artists that not only do I love his music, but I would say he inspired me by being 100% himself. He was someone that I could look up to and see myself in. His EP 'Blue Neighbourhood' really connected to me, because it was the first time seeing a gay couple's love story explained through music. I related to seeing those types of struggles on TV and in the public eye, because it made me feel seen."
What is coming up for you this year? Wil there be an EP/album on the way?
"Yes there is! There will definitely be more singles and an EP this year, which is so crazy to say, as it was such a process. I wanted it to be perfect and really relate to everything I was going through from the age of fourteen up until now. I'll definitely be doing some shows. I can't wait to get out there and see all of my fans and hopefully create some new ones along the way."
What is one thing you would most like to achieve with your music?
"Winning a VMA award would be the biggest highlight of my whole career, especially growing up with dyslexia and not really connecting with stories through reading. Visuals have always been a huge thing to me. To be recognised for my own visuals and ideas would be so surreal!"
Finally, do you have a message for all those who support you?
"I'd just like to say thank you so much for accepting me as myself. One of the hardest things to do is put yourself in front of the world and be 100% authentic and for you guys to constantly support me is a feeling that I'll never get over. I love you all so much. I know it's cliché, but never hide or be ashamed of who you are. Things may feel difficult right now, but there are always people out there that will love you and accept you for who you are, just like you all have done for me."
Ocean Tisdall's new single 'White Lies' is out now and is available to purchase and stream through all major music purchasing and streaming outlets.
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By Rachel Dempster