On the evening of September 21st, 2023, music enthusiasts in London embarked on a soulful journey with Oceanfromtheblue. Performing at the enchanting Courtyard Theatre, Ocean, accompanied by his live band, delivered an unforgettable experience as part of his “Way to Blue Tour” in Europe.
Ocean, known for his unique blend of R&B, took the stage in London, captivating the audience from the very first note. The evening was divided into two parts, each showcasing a different facet of Ocean’s remarkable talent.
The first half of the show featured Ocean’s live band, adding depth and richness to his soulful melodies. Fans were treated to a mesmerising performance that demonstrated the seamless synergy between Ocean and his band, creating an atmosphere that resonated with the audience.
As the evening progressed, there was a remarkable shift in energy. Halfway through the performance, Ocean’s live band took a well-deserved rest, and he teamed up with his pal Laune, at the DJ station. The transition brought a dynamic twist to the show, with Ocean taking on more energised songs that had the crowd on their feet.
After this high-energy collaboration with Laune, Ocean’s live band made a triumphant return to close the show, uniting the two distinct halves of the performance into a harmonious whole. Ocean delighted fans with a mix of his latest tracks, leaving them eager to embrace his evolving sound. It wasn’t just about the new music; Ocean also delivered his classic hits, including the beloved “Sherlock” and “GIRL,” much to the delight of his dedicated fanbase.
Following the electrifying show, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ocean for an exclusive interview. He shared insights into his artistic journey, the inspiration behind his music, and the excitement of bringing his “Way to Blue Tour” to Europe. Ocean’s passion for music and genuine connection with his audience shone through, making it clear why he is a favourite in the R&B scene.
Interview
Davide: Let’s start with a little introduction of yourself, for people who meet you for the first time, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the music industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in music and become an artist?
Ocean: Hi, Oceanfromtheblue. I am an R&B artist from South Korea mainly based in Seoul. That all started from the moment after joined a school band when I was in middle school. Being on the stage with the crowds has always inspired me to become a musician and it always will.
D: “Way to Blue” is your European tour and you are almost to the finish line, 4 more dates to go. It was also your first one with a live band, what can fans expect from this tour, and how has the experience been so far?
O: People who are used to listening to my tracks on streaming platforms are expected to experience my music with a live instrumental session, which offers a completely different listening experience compared to radio tracks. The band session gives a more energetic and lively atmosphere. I hope everyone attending our show could vibe with it.
D: London is known for its vibrant music scene. What were you looking forward to the most about performing in London and connecting with your European fans during the “Way to Blue” tour?
O: First of all, I was less nervous because it was the second time I had a concert in London. With my band members, I was feeling confident enough to give a better show because of it. It was especially a great honour to be in the city where all the great bands I have been respecting started their music career.
D: Your latest album, “NEWRNBERA”, has received a lot of positive attention. Can you share the creative process behind it and what themes or messages you aimed to convey through the music? What inspired this new album and era?
O: “NEWRNBERA” was the project where I wanted to showcase my passion for diving into different genres of music. I was eager to dig and search for the fresh type beat extensively and improvised the songwriting and lyrics in real-time. All the creative process went so nicely and smoothly.
I have been a big fan of old contemporary R&B music artists, let’s say NEYO, Chris Brown, and Trey Songz. At some point I encountered the phenomenon of singing rap is identified as R&B music. This project summarises what I think is the R&B music. I wanted to stick to the root of R&B and vibe with contemporary soundscapes of R&B music simultaneously.
D: K-pop has a massive international fan base and it is getting bigger than ever. How do you feel about the global reception of K-pop, did that effect positively affect your career and how do you engage with fans from different parts of the world?
O: I am 100% sure positively affected by the global reception of K-pop. And I also regard myself as a K-pop artist. I am looking forward to my music contributing to the growth of the K-pop industry. I usually take advantage of SNS accounts to communicate with my global fans. I am trying to reply to as many messages as possible.
D: Are there any artists, both within and outside of the K-pop industry, that you would love to collaborate with in the future? What artists or genres have influenced your music the most, and how have they impacted your artistic journey?
O: I can’t name specific artists I want to collaborate with for there are so many. I would say Chris Brown has influenced me the most and had a positive impact on my artistic journey.
D: NEWRNBERA was released recently, but are there any new projects or personal goals on the horizon you’d like to share with all of us?
O: I am super happy that I already have achieved all my goals this year thanks to you guys. I am going back to my studio to take the next step in the following years. Please look forward to my next step and support me just like you have been doing until now. Sending big love to my fans and people who support my music.
D: When you’re not creating music or performing, how do you like to spend your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that might surprise your fans?
O: I make it a rule to go to the fitness gym regularly and that is my one and only hobby these days. And feeding my pet snail is one of my daily routines to keep myself feeling good.
D: Thank you so much for your time Ocean, it was very nice to meet you again after Barcelona at Bubble Pop, and I hope to see you again soon!
The “Way to Blue Tour” in London was not just a concert; it was an immersive experience that showcased the evolution of Ocean’s musical career. His ability to seamlessly blend soulful R&B with high-energy beats demonstrated his versatility and enduring appeal to fans of all musical tastes.
For those who were present at the Courtyard Theatre on that Thursday evening, it was a night to remember, a night where the depths of Ocean’s musical talent met the heights of his passion, leaving an indelible mark on the London music scene.
DAVIDE K-POP 
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