# Omar Apollo: From Midwest Beginnings to Global Stardom - Biography Flash Podcast
Discover the extraordinary journey of Omar Apollo in our latest podcast episode. Born to Mexican immigrants in Indiana, Apollo transformed from a self-taught guitarist working at McDonald's to a Grammy-nominated musical innovator and cultural icon.
This episode explores Apollo's DIY path to success, from uploading tracks to SoundCloud with borrowed money to his breakthrough album "Ivory" and his latest emotional masterpiece "God Said No." Learn how his Mexican heritage, family's culinary background, and working-class upbringing shaped his unique sound that blends genres and languages.
We dive deep into Apollo's creative process, fashion influence, and recent acting debut, while highlighting how he maintains authenticity despite international fame. His story represents the power of cultural pride, artistic vision, and unwavering determination.
Subscribe to Biography Flash for weekly updates on Omar Apollo's evolving career and inspirational journey that continues to break boundaries in music and beyond.
#OmarApollo #MusicBiography #LatinxMusicians #IndieSuccess #BiographyFlash
Some great Deals https://amzn.to/4mMClBv
For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Discover the extraordinary journey of Omar Apollo in our latest podcast episode. Born to Mexican immigrants in Indiana, Apollo transformed from a self-taught guitarist working at McDonald's to a Grammy-nominated musical innovator and cultural icon.
This episode explores Apollo's DIY path to success, from uploading tracks to SoundCloud with borrowed money to his breakthrough album "Ivory" and his latest emotional masterpiece "God Said No." Learn how his Mexican heritage, family's culinary background, and working-class upbringing shaped his unique sound that blends genres and languages.
We dive deep into Apollo's creative process, fashion influence, and recent acting debut, while highlighting how he maintains authenticity despite international fame. His story represents the power of cultural pride, artistic vision, and unwavering determination.
Subscribe to Biography Flash for weekly updates on Omar Apollo's evolving career and inspirational journey that continues to break boundaries in music and beyond.
#OmarApollo #MusicBiography #LatinxMusicians #IndieSuccess #BiographyFlash
Some great Deals https://amzn.to/4mMClBv
For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Omar Apollo born Omar Apollonio Velasco on May twentieth, nineteen
ninety seven in Hobart, Indiana, emerged as one of the
most innovative voices in modern music, weaving together his Mexican heritage,
personal struggles, and a relentlessly creative spirit. His story begins
with his parents, immigrants from Guadalajara, Mexico, who ran a
(00:32):
restaurant called El Supertaco and worked tirelessly at multiple jobs
to pave the way for their children's future. The family's restaurant,
though shuddered when Omar was born, left an indelible mark
on his cultural life, especially through the now famous family
Hot Sauce Disha Hot. Growing up as a first generation
Mexican American in a modest household, Omar learned early about sacrifice,
(00:56):
hard work, and the challenges of straddling two cultures. His
mother worked in the local school cafeteria and his father
delivered food by truck, anchoring him in a tight mint
working class community in the Midwest. According to interviews, Omar
often felt the strain of a language barrier at home,
as he was educated in English while his parents predominantly
(01:17):
spoke Spanish. Which sometimes made intimate communication a challenge. He
credits his older sister for shouldering many of the parental
responsibilities because their parents long hours at work often left
the children at home together. From a very un age,
Omar found comfort and musical expression by age twelve. After
asking for a guitar, his parents gifted him an electric model,
(01:40):
but without an amplifier. Determined, he traded it for an
acoustic guitar at a local pawnshop. He taught himself to
play by watching and mimicking YouTube tutorials, absorbing genres from
traditional Mexican folk to American pop, soul, and rhythm and blues.
He also credits his uncle n the experiences at church,
(02:01):
where he was both a ballet fau corico dancer and
a member of the choir, as significant influences. As a teen,
Omar worked shifts at McDonald's and Guitar Center, meticulously saving
money to buy a laptop and recording equipment. These jobs,
which he has described as grind work, ingrained and no excuses,
work ethic that would propel his music career. Omar's route
(02:28):
to music stardom was unconventional and very much a do
it your self affair. He started by uploading his earliest
recordings to SoundCloud in twenty sixteen, eventually earning just enough
support and encouragement to take the next step. As recounted
by the singer, the thirty dollar fee required to upload
his music to Spotify was only possible because a friend
(02:51):
spotted him the money. His twenty seventeen single Ooh Got
Me quickly found success when it was featured on Spotify's
Fresh Fines playlist, gathering thousands of streams in a single day.
By then, Umar was living in an attic, still grinding
away at day jobs and spending evenings making lengthy voice
memos of new songs on his iPod Touch to share
(03:12):
with his friends and family. Not all feedback was supportive
at first, but these early experiments solidified his commitment to
improving his songwriting and vocal chops. Apollo briefly attended Indiana
(03:33):
University Northwest, but left after only two weeks, finding academic
life stifling compared to his rapidly expanding musical ambitions. He
continued to produce him self release his music, putting together
his first extended play, Stereo in twenty eighteen, followed by
the EP Friends in twenty nineteen. During these years, Omar
(03:53):
embarked on his first tours across the United States and Europe,
expanding his following in cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
These tours laid the ground war k for a burgeoning
international fan base and gave him invaluable stage experience. By
twenty twenty, Omar had signed a record deal with Warner Records,
marking his ascent from the underground music scene to the
(04:15):
main street. That year, he released the mixtape Apollonio, followed
by his debut studio album, Ivory in twenty twenty two.
The album showcased an eclectic mix of English and Spanish
language tracks, demonstrating both technical skill and fearless emotional honesty.
Ivory featured the viral single Evergreen, which became a sensation
on social media platforms like tik tok and propelled Omar
(04:39):
onto the Billboard Hot one hundred. The critical reception was
overwhelmingly positive, with outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and n
E m All naming it one of the standout albums
of the year. He was soon nominated for Best New
Artist at the twenty twenty three Grammy Awards. A testament
to his rapid rise and the breadth of his influence.
In addition to his mute, Omar became a prominent figure
(05:02):
in fashion and culture. He was announced as an ambassador
for Youth to the People, a skincare brand, and starred
in high profile campaigns for the fashion house lov in
twenty twenty three. He also made waves at major music
festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza, and opened for superstar Sizza
on her SOS tour in twenty twenty three. Omar continued
(05:24):
to be celebrated for his advocacy regarding LGBTQ visibility in music,
proudly asserting his artistic identity and cultural heritage. Inspired by
poets like Mary Oliver and Victoria Chang, Omar's lyrical style
matured alongside his growing reputation. In twenty twenty four, after
a creative retreat in London, he returned with the highly
(05:45):
anticipated album God Said No. Written during a three month
stint in the United Kingdom and recorded at the legendary
Abbey Lawdbe Studios with executive producer Tayo Holme. The album
delves into themes of love, heartbreak and resilience. The project's
title was inspired by a friend's observation of his struggles
in a recent relationship. Featuring contributions from Mustafa and actor
(06:09):
Pedro Pascal, the album was praised by Rolling Stone as
a deeply emotional and poetic exploration of growth through pain,
Spike and Dispose of Me.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Lead singles from the album demonstrated Omar's willingness to push
boundaries while retaining his signature vulnerability and innovation. To promote God,
said no, Omar Abart on a world tour across North America, Oceania,
and Asia, performing electrifying live shows supported by opening acts
of as Kevin Abstract and Ravin Linnet. Additional recognition came
(06:41):
in December twenty twenty four when Forbes named him to
their thirty Under thirty list in Music.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Expanding his artistry further.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Omar made his acting debut in Luca Guadanino's film Queer
on September twenty twenty four, broadening his footprint in the
entertainment world. Despite global success and multiple creative Omar Apollo's humility.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
And loyalty to his roots for me uncompromised.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
He often celebrates his love of music, legacies and culinary talents,
sharing stories about her and promoting their family pot sauce.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
Omar credits his success to his family's support, relentless bride
and the lessons learned from men of heran parents determined
to give him the chance to chart his own path.
His journey from small town Indiana to international stardom is
the testament to artistic vision and the power of cultural pride.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Thank you for tuning in to.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
This biography flash on omar Apoulo. Come back EA tweek
for a new OK on what has been happening.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
With omar Apola.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
He should have subscribed Sun Quiet.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Please dot ai hear what matters
Omar Apollo born Omar Apollonio Velasco on May twentieth, nineteen
ninety seven in Hobart, Indiana, emerged as one of the
most innovative voices in modern music, weaving together his Mexican heritage,
personal struggles, and a relentlessly creative spirit. His story begins
with his parents, immigrants from Guadalajara, Mexico, who ran a
(00:32):
restaurant called El Supertaco and worked tirelessly at multiple jobs
to pave the way for their children's future. The family's restaurant,
though shuddered when Omar was born, left an indelible mark
on his cultural life, especially through the now famous family
Hot Sauce Disha Hot. Growing up as a first generation
Mexican American in a modest household, Omar learned early about sacrifice,
(00:56):
hard work, and the challenges of straddling two cultures. His
mother worked in the local school cafeteria and his father
delivered food by truck, anchoring him in a tight mint
working class community in the Midwest. According to interviews, Omar
often felt the strain of a language barrier at home,
as he was educated in English while his parents predominantly
(01:17):
spoke Spanish. Which sometimes made intimate communication a challenge. He
credits his older sister for shouldering many of the parental
responsibilities because their parents long hours at work often left
the children at home together. From a very un age,
Omar found comfort and musical expression by age twelve. After
asking for a guitar, his parents gifted him an electric model,
(01:40):
but without an amplifier. Determined, he traded it for an
acoustic guitar at a local pawnshop. He taught himself to
play by watching and mimicking YouTube tutorials, absorbing genres from
traditional Mexican folk to American pop, soul, and rhythm and blues.
He also credits his uncle n the experiences at church,
(02:01):
where he was both a ballet fau corico dancer and
a member of the choir, as significant influences. As a teen,
Omar worked shifts at McDonald's and Guitar Center, meticulously saving
money to buy a laptop and recording equipment. These jobs,
which he has described as grind work, ingrained and no excuses,
work ethic that would propel his music career. Omar's route
(02:28):
to music stardom was unconventional and very much a do
it your self affair. He started by uploading his earliest
recordings to SoundCloud in twenty sixteen, eventually earning just enough
support and encouragement to take the next step. As recounted
by the singer, the thirty dollar fee required to upload
his music to Spotify was only possible because a friend
(02:51):
spotted him the money. His twenty seventeen single Ooh Got
Me quickly found success when it was featured on Spotify's
Fresh Fines playlist, gathering thousands of streams in a single day.
By then, Umar was living in an attic, still grinding
away at day jobs and spending evenings making lengthy voice
memos of new songs on his iPod Touch to share
(03:12):
with his friends and family. Not all feedback was supportive
at first, but these early experiments solidified his commitment to
improving his songwriting and vocal chops. Apollo briefly attended Indiana
(03:33):
University Northwest, but left after only two weeks, finding academic
life stifling compared to his rapidly expanding musical ambitions. He
continued to produce him self release his music, putting together
his first extended play, Stereo in twenty eighteen, followed by
the EP Friends in twenty nineteen. During these years, Omar
(03:53):
embarked on his first tours across the United States and Europe,
expanding his following in cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
These tours laid the ground war k for a burgeoning
international fan base and gave him invaluable stage experience. By
twenty twenty, Omar had signed a record deal with Warner Records,
marking his ascent from the underground music scene to the
(04:15):
main street. That year, he released the mixtape Apollonio, followed
by his debut studio album, Ivory in twenty twenty two.
The album showcased an eclectic mix of English and Spanish
language tracks, demonstrating both technical skill and fearless emotional honesty.
Ivory featured the viral single Evergreen, which became a sensation
on social media platforms like tik tok and propelled Omar
(04:39):
onto the Billboard Hot one hundred. The critical reception was
overwhelmingly positive, with outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and n
E m All naming it one of the standout albums
of the year. He was soon nominated for Best New
Artist at the twenty twenty three Grammy Awards. A testament
to his rapid rise and the breadth of his influence.
In addition to his mute, Omar became a prominent figure
(05:02):
in fashion and culture. He was announced as an ambassador
for Youth to the People, a skincare brand, and starred
in high profile campaigns for the fashion house lov in
twenty twenty three. He also made waves at major music
festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza, and opened for superstar Sizza
on her SOS tour in twenty twenty three. Omar continued
(05:24):
to be celebrated for his advocacy regarding LGBTQ visibility in music,
proudly asserting his artistic identity and cultural heritage. Inspired by
poets like Mary Oliver and Victoria Chang, Omar's lyrical style
matured alongside his growing reputation. In twenty twenty four, after
a creative retreat in London, he returned with the highly
(05:45):
anticipated album God Said No. Written during a three month
stint in the United Kingdom and recorded at the legendary
Abbey Lawdbe Studios with executive producer Tayo Holme. The album
delves into themes of love, heartbreak and resilience. The project's
title was inspired by a friend's observation of his struggles
in a recent relationship. Featuring contributions from Mustafa and actor
(06:09):
Pedro Pascal, the album was praised by Rolling Stone as
a deeply emotional and poetic exploration of growth through pain,
Spike and Dispose of Me.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Lead singles from the album demonstrated Omar's willingness to push
boundaries while retaining his signature vulnerability and innovation. To promote God,
said no, Omar Abart on a world tour across North America, Oceania,
and Asia, performing electrifying live shows supported by opening acts
of as Kevin Abstract and Ravin Linnet. Additional recognition came
(06:41):
in December twenty twenty four when Forbes named him to
their thirty Under thirty list in Music.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Expanding his artistry further.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Omar made his acting debut in Luca Guadanino's film Queer
on September twenty twenty four, broadening his footprint in the
entertainment world. Despite global success and multiple creative Omar Apollo's humility.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
And loyalty to his roots for me uncompromised.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
He often celebrates his love of music, legacies and culinary talents,
sharing stories about her and promoting their family pot sauce.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
Omar credits his success to his family's support, relentless bride
and the lessons learned from men of heran parents determined
to give him the chance to chart his own path.
His journey from small town Indiana to international stardom is
the testament to artistic vision and the power of cultural pride.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Thank you for tuning in to.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
This biography flash on omar Apoulo. Come back EA tweek
for a new OK on what has been happening.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
With omar Apola.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
He should have subscribed Sun Quiet.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Please dot ai hear what matters
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