Jake Olde Discusses His Transformation from Oni to O.N.I.

On August 9, Jake Olde made an appearance on Loudwire Nights and delved into his personal and musical evolution, transitioning from his previous band, Oni, to his new project, O.N.I. This candid conversation revealed the deep introspection that has characterized his journey.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Olde shared with host Chuck Armstrong the extensive self-reflection he has been undertaking. “I’ve been really trying to do a lot of shadow work in terms of finding out who I am,” he explained. For him, this process is profoundly real and essential, stemming from a background that has shaped his insecurities.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Olde noted, “I come from a very interesting situation in my life; my third concert ever was Knotfest. I pretty much skipped the entire ‘garage band’ status. It’s very bizarre.” This unorthodox path has influenced not only his music but also his personal identity.

Reinventing Himself with O.N.I.

The transition from Oni to O.N.I. — which stands for “obey no illusion” — has been a significant milestone for Olde. “This is a clean slate for me trying to begin anew with my real name, not going by Jake Oni anymore,” he expressed. This name change symbolizes a deeper commitment to authenticity and self-acceptance. “I’m learning to just exist with who I really am, take the mask off as it were,” he added.

Confronting Personal Struggles

During the interview, Olde candidly discussed his battles with self-sabotage. “So many times in my life, I’d sabotage everything, whether it be lying or chain smoking before I have a tour coming up,” he admitted. This self-destructive behavior often resulted in him throwing away opportunities when things began to improve.

Now, Olde is approaching these inner conflicts with compassion rather than rejection. “I’m coming to that point where I’m approaching that sabotage person inside of me with love… It’s easy to make the right decisions and I’m not afraid,” he shared, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance in his personal growth.

Focusing on New Music

In addition to his personal transformation, Olde has also renewed his focus on creating new music. He has been collaborating with producer Jordan Fish, expressing enthusiasm about the direction their work is taking. “I’ve been working with Jordan Fish and it’s awesome. I love where the music is going and I’m very excited,” he revealed.

On the same day as his Loudwire Nights interview, Olde celebrated the release of O.N.I.’s new cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” “Jordan Fish was like, ‘Let’s do a sick cover,'” he recalled, explaining how the concept came together with input from his team. “It sounded so sick,” he said of the final product.

The Creative Process

Olde described the collaborative effort as a “dream team of creativity,” emphasizing the joy he finds in the studio. “I love being in the studio writing… I don’t ever feel pressure in the studio. I just kind of do my thing,” he stated, showcasing his passion for music-making.

Conclusion

Jake Olde’s journey from Oni to O.N.I. is a testament to the power of self-discovery and transformation. By shedding the past and embracing his true identity, Olde is not only redefining himself but also creating music that resonates with authenticity. As he continues to navigate this path, fans can look forward to the evolution of his artistry and the meaningful messages behind his work.

FAQs

What does O.N.I. stand for?

O.N.I. stands for “obey no illusion,” representing Jake Olde’s commitment to authenticity in his music and personal life.

What inspired Jake Olde to change his band name?

Olde felt that transitioning from Oni to O.N.I. was necessary for his personal growth and to reflect his true self, moving away from the persona he had previously adopted.

What recent music has O.N.I. released?

O.N.I. recently released a cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” which Olde described as part of a collaborative effort with his team.

How has Jake Olde addressed his personal struggles?

Olde has been engaging in ‘shadow work’ to confront his inner conflicts and self-sabotaging behaviors, approaching them with love and acceptance.