Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oscar Neidhardt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Oscar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I ever took? Trading the familiar streets of London for the untamed beat of Los Angeles, all to pursue a full-time career as a songwriter and producer. At 24, I was young, starry-eyed, and let’s face it, my bank account was holding a pretty low note. I knew almost no one in LA, and the industry, well, it can be quite intimidating…

But sometimes, you gotta trust your own rhythm, right? I believed in my ability to craft captivating melodies and shape sonic landscapes, and the thought of playing it safe felt more like a fading harmony than a fulfilling crescendo. So, with a backpack full of dreams and a leap of faith, I took the stage.

The opening act wasn’t exactly a sold-out stadium tour. More like solo sessions and quiet production nights than chart-topping hits and flashing lights (though, hey, a creative mind can dream!). Starting from scratch in a new city, alone, was no easy melody to compose. But I had one thing on my side: persistence. I networked, collaborated, and most importantly, never stopped creating, putting myself out there like the hook in a catchy tune.

Slowly, the music started to connect with the right people. I met incredible individuals who became my LA family, mentors, and collaborators. Opportunities arose to work with top artists, crafting songs and shaping their sonic vision on major records. I carved out my own space in the industry, establishing myself as both a songwriter and producer, bringing my unique sound to life.

Five years later, I can confidently say that leap of faith was the best decision I ever made. It wasn’t an easy symphony to write, but the rewards – the growth, the experiences, the people, the music – have been a beautiful composition. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a single note. It took hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of “putting myself out there,” but hey, that’s the rhythm that keeps songwriters & producers like us going, right?

Oscar, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey everyone, I’m Oscar Neidhardt! Music has always been my lifeblood, ever since I was a kid jamming in my musician father’s studio back in Paris. That’s where the spark ignited, and I knew music was my calling.

Fast forward to 18, I chased my dream and moved to the UK with my band, River Becomes Ocean. While playing bass and making music fueled my soul, my true passion lay in songwriting and production. So, I traded the stage for the studio, diving headfirst into London’s creative scene.

But sometimes, you gotta follow your gut. Drawn by fresh energy and personal challenges, I took a leap of faith in 2018 and landed in Los Angeles. It was tough starting from scratch, but I had one guiding principle: persistence.

And persistence paid off! I’ve since collaborated with incredible artists like Thirty Seconds to Mars, Kacey Musgraves, and Adam Lambert. A highlight? Executive producing Thirty Seconds to Mars’ latest album, “It’s the End of the World But It’s a Beautiful Day,” where I not only produced the number 1 single “Stuck” and 5 other songs, including the epic “World on Fire!”, but also handled all the vocal recording, editing, and mixing.

That brings me to today! Primarily, I’m a songwriter and producer, but I recently launched my own music production company, Jealous Heart Music, to offer even more comprehensive services to artists. At Jealous Heart Music, we offer full-spectrum production for songs and media of all types, including vocal recording, vocal production, editing, mixing, and even consulting sessions for aspiring musicians.

What drives me? Creating a safe space for artists to express themselves freely. I guide them through the entire process, helping them achieve their sonic vision while capturing their unique essence. It’s all about collaboration, positive energy, and making great music that inspires us all.

Want to know more? I’m a reliable, detail-oriented perfectionist who loves saying “yes” to creative challenges. My studio is a welcoming haven on the west side of LA, and both I and Jealous Heart Music are eager to connect and collaborate. Let’s make some magic together!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson I unlearned? Trusting myself and my musical instincts. When I started making music, I fell into the trap of chasing after other artists’ sounds. I analyzed chords, harmonies, and production techniques, trying to replicate what I admired. While this helped me understand music on a technical level, it stifled my own creativity.

Imagine music as a conversation, not a math equation. The greats like Nirvana, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles all have distinct voices because they poured their unique stories and emotions into their music. Copying others might initially spark learning, but it ultimately leads to uninspired, derivative work.

Why do we get bored by repetitive sounds? Because they lack authenticity. What resonates with listeners is genuine expression, the vulnerability of laying bare your soul through music. You can’t force this kind of connection by replicating someone else’s recipe.

Think back to why you fell in love with music in the first place. What moved you? What stories did you connect with? That initial spark, that’s your guiding light. Trust your emotions, your instincts, and the sounds that naturally emerge from within. Embrace the imperfections, the quirks, the things that make your music uniquely you.

My early London studio days were filled with faceless imitations. They lacked soul because they weren’t my truth. I had yet to discover my own voice, my own story to tell. Blindly following industry trends left me feeling lost and creatively unfulfilled.

The turning point came when I stopped worrying about replicating others and started trusting my gut. I focused on sounds that resonated with me, melodies that sparked emotions, lyrics that poured out my unfiltered experiences.

This shift wasn’t easy. It meant silencing the inner critic, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing vulnerability. But with each genuine creation, I felt a deeper connection to my music and a stronger sense of purpose.

So, to aspiring musicians out there: you are enough. You have a unique voice, a story only you can tell. Don’t let the pressure to conform drown out your individuality. Trust your instincts, tap into your emotions, and let your music flow authentically. Remember, true connection comes from genuine expression, not imitation. Let your magic shine, and create art that is uniquely yours!

This journey isn’t about seeking external validation. It’s about the intrinsic reward of creating something authentic and meaningful. Of course, connecting with listeners is a beautiful aspect of music, but it’s a byproduct of genuine expression, not its sole purpose.

So, unleash your inner artist, silence the self-doubt, and trust your creative compass. The world awaits your unique voice. Make music that moves you, and share it with the world with confidence. You might just surprise yourself with how many resonate with your authentic sound.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think the most interesting question in the entire creative journey is “why?” Why write songs? Why chase hit status? Is it just Grammys, social media attention, and onstage thank-you speeches? Sure, those things are exciting, but they’re fleeting. What happens after the Grammy win? Another trophy? It sounds shallow, doesn’t it?

After a decade in this industry, I’ve come to a simple truth: my mission is to enjoy making music, and hopefully make a living doing it. Don’t get me wrong, another number one hit would be amazing, but when “Stuck” reached the top of Alt Radio, my first thought wasn’t “wow, I win!” It was more like “cool, let’s celebrate the journey!”

What truly mattered? The weeks of pouring our hearts and souls into “Stuck” and the whole album. The shared moments of creation, crafting something unique from scratch – that’s what I celebrate. And when people connect with that music, that’s the real deal.

The spark that keeps me going is that feeling of creating something special with colleagues and artists. It’s the moment you know you’ve captured something magical, something nobody expected. That’s it! That’s the joy that fuels my life.

Creating, collaborating, and sharing music with talented people – that’s what I live for. And writing this, I can honestly say, “I’ve made it!” Achieving success feels great, but it’s the journey that matters most.

Of course, dreams and goals are essential! Aim high, shoot for the stars! But keep your expectations grounded, because rejection is part of the game. As I always say, “Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.” Find balance, celebrate every win and learn from every loss, and most importantly, enjoy the freaking process! That’s the true reward, and that’s what drives me every single day. I love it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscargot__/?hl=en
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• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ondhrdt

Image Credits
Stacey Streshinsky