We were lucky to catch up with One Peace recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, One Peace thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Being around music growing up was the basis of my musical prowess. My dad played guitar in a hair metal band in the 80’s so I got to see him shred which always amazed me. Both my brothers can play drums, one plays guitar and bass. My oldest brother played in a hardcore punk band. I would attend the crowded shows in small venues trying not to get rag-dolled in the mosh pit considering I probably weighed around 100 pounds at the time.

The house was always filled with music. Bob Marley, Metallica, Lenny Kravitz, Rage Against the Machine, RHCP, Gorillaz and much more. My eldest brother put me on to all kinds of hip hop which I fell in love with around age 13. I started to write my own little bars and thought “damn I’m kinda good at this” Years of putting pen to pad later, at my current age of 27, I feel I have such a strong access to my soul. My art is my relief.

I have been learning piano lately and let me tell you, learning music theory has been the most beneficial thing for my artistry. If I could I would tell my younger self to get a damn keyboard and master it. Learn about harmony and songwriting. Figure out what makes great songs great.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in a small town in Colorado, recently moved to LA in the end of 2022. I had planned on doing so for years so I feel very blessed to finally be out here. I’ve written music about a mixed bag of things, but it’s primarily an empathetic approach to my human experience. I want to inspire people to realize their potential through listening to my trials and tribulations. I want people to recognize me for my lyrical skill and musicianship.

I’ve recently realized that I haven’t done everything in my power to become to man I want to be. So I’ve been meticulously crafting myself, putting my head down, staying out of the way so I can do the things I love for a living.

Often times my best work comes to me from some seemingly infinite source other than myself. I’ll get a beat from a producer, or just make one myself then the lyrics literally present themselves to me. It’s as if the universe is speaking through me. I believe it’s Socrates that said “God takes the minds out of poets and uses them as his vessels” That is the dopest quote. The best feeling in the world is creating a cohesive body of work that that represents my experience. Whether that be one song or a whole album.

What sets me apart from other artists is my skills as a lyricist, my flow and cadence, and my very human approach to creating art. I know I’m flawed in many regards artistically, but I practice everyday and am constantly trying to upgrade my sound.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was 19 years old I got into some trouble. Pretty much I got in a drunken fight which landed me in prison for a year. Growing up I was not necessarily a good kid either. Smart, but ridden with angst and always getting into some sort of chaos.

When I first started rapping I went by The Opticyst (the optimistic lyricist). It’s a mouthful I know. Then I shortened it to just The OP. My closest friends and collaborators call me OP. If you see my in the street call me OP. Anyway, upon my release from prison my brother recommended that I rebrand myself stating: “The O.P. is kind of convoluted and hard to search on platforms. OP should stand for something.” After some time of us trying to find what it could mean, I get a call from Joey my eldest brother (who produced a lot of my original projects). “BRO I GOT IT. You came out of all this hardship in One Peace!” I was like damn, that’s hard. Funny enough we had no idea the most popular anime in the world is of almost the same name.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve seen so much good and bad in this world. I’ve seen broken systems claim my friends. I’ve seen drugs take people’s ambition, reducing them to slaves of their vices. I’ve had friends give up hope and even end their own lives. I’ve witnessed injustices and felt the suffering of others due to my empathic nature. I am the therapist of my friend group. I get sought out to bring ease to my loved ones.

I’ve also seen the good people are capable of. I know the power we hold within us as humans. We all have the potential to become whole, to self actualize, to be happy. I’ve seen the most grandiose landscapes, eaten delicious food in foreign lands, had amazing conversations about all life’s joys and woes. I’ve learned about how to heal myself and others. I have created a strong, healthy body and mind to attack life head on with. I want people to hear my stories. I want them to know they are not alone, and that they can live a beautiful human experience. I am still finding my voice artistically to convey this message, but it’s been a worthwhile journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/onepeacenugget