New song by Ophi 1. “Darkness” is the latest collaboration of singer Ophi 1 and beatmaker Jakspin, a moody neo soul gem about the dark times in our lives.
While the jazzy boom bap beat builds a thick atmosphere, Ophi 1 tells about his willingness to live without darkness. This song is dedicated to all the people suffering from depression. The pain and the helplessness of being in this dark state can be overwhelming. Ophi 1 works through his experiences trying to soothe his pain through music. Sonically the production balances between the slick production style of the 90s and a classic laid back yet funky backbeat. Atmospheric strings build a breathing basis while a desperate piano cries in the dark. Ophi 1 sings so delicately that you can feel the energy of hope and hopelessness at the same time.
About Ophi 1
Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Ophi 1 is of Greek and Lebanese origin. He fell in love with music at an early age and made his first instrumental on a crappy Casio keyboard and a tape deck at the age of 12. He started collecting records and soon became the go-to guy for mix tapes and deejaying at parties playing hip hop and R&B. He played at clubs at the age of 16 and at 19 he started producing for singers and rappers such as local female MC Brixx and the American R&B group 4U.
Being a fan of both soul music of the 70s and hip hop of the 90s, Ophi 1 always has been bridging the gap and combining the best elements of both worlds. Finding inspiration in the masters of their game, Stevie Wonder and J Dilla were an essential influence in forming his unique style. Ophi 1 started exploring other genres throughout the years while digging deeper into Jazz and playing the piano. Ophi 1 became a self taught producer with an amazing feel for intricate melodies and sophisticated but yet minimalistic productions.
Today he plays the piano, vintage synthesizers, drums, percussion, guitar and bass.
Where did the name Ophi 1 come from?
Ophi is short for ophichulus which is a rather unknown star sign that’s between the scorpios and the sagittarius. It’s considered the healing zodiac and that’s exactly my approach to making music. I want to create the best I can in order to help people release stress and make them feel good. Besides it really is my star sign because I was born on December 10th.
