Powered by ARMC | Inès Ouqs | Interview by Reggie Rasodi
We’re excited to have Inès Ouqs on #ReggiesMusicRush season 2! A North African DJ, artist, creator, and model, Inès spent the last 12 years honing her craft as a dancer before expanding her creative talents. With her videos gaining millions of views and a massive international following, she has solidified herself in the entertainment industry. Let’s get to know a bit more about one of her groovy singles called “Countdown 6-5-4” …in 3, 2, 1… (see what I did there?)
“I always want to spread positivity, even when there is negativity. As a dancer, I feel happiest when I dance, and it’s also my form of therapy, especially when I don’t feel my best. That’s the topic of my latest single.”
Hey honey, I’m so honoured to be doing this interview with you. I first heard your single when I was in Thailand waiting to get my flight to Vietnam and I was vibing hard. What initially inspired you to write your latest single?
Actually, it was one of the first songs I ever wrote. When I first heard the beat, I was smiling and dancing immediately. I took this emotion and put it into the song’s lyrics.
The fact that when I first heard it I was also smiling and dancing speaks volumes. Can you describe the narrative or concept behind the song’s lyrics?
I always want to spread positivity, even when there is negativity. As a dancer, I feel happiest when I dance, and it’s also my form of therapy, especially when I don’t feel my best. That’s the topic of my latest single.
We love positivity in this house! How does this single differ from your previous work in terms of style or theme?
I’d say it differs in terms of energy. My first release, “Fragrance,” is sensual and basically shows my softer side, whereas in “Countdown 6-5-4,” I’m showing a side that most people know me for.
I was actually listening through Spotify and the next track that played was “Fragrance”. Were there any significant challenges or breakthroughs during the production?
Aside from the beats, I have recorded everything at home and still do to this day. The challenge for me was not always having an objective point of view of the music I’m creating. My breakthroughs were the releases; I felt so honored once my singles were out.
Sweet. Can you discuss any notable collaborations for this single?
Not really, but looking towards the future, I can’t wait to do so!
What do you hope listeners will feel or understand from this song?
I always see art as a form of communication. So I hope that anyone who’s listening to my music feels like I’m directly talking to them, because that is my intention.
That’s very beautiful. Which emotions or experiences did you aim to express with this release?
For this release in particular: Confidence, Fun, Ease.
Love it for you. Did you incorporate any new techniques or musical elements in this single?
I start the song with rhythmic talking, which I don’t usually do.
Personally, I love visuals. How important is visual art in representing the message of this song, if applicable?
For me personally, it’s like the missing piece to make a song whole. It’s comparable to a movie adapted from a book.
Lastly, How did your personal journey or experiences shape the creation of this piece?
I wrote down some notes on a day when I wasn’t feeling well, because that’s what I feel makes my lyrics most authentic. That’s how I always write music. Months later, I had such a great day and combined my feelings and thoughts with the previous ones. That’s how “Countdown 6-5-4” was born.
Thank you so much, and all the best with your music career.