Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Ottomatick

From the lab to the studio, Ottomatick is an emerging rapper and singer who’s leaving his mark on the world through his craft. Beginning his career testing children for food intolerances and eventually losing funding for a passion project intent on changing the planet, he left behind the politically wrought field in search of something more.

While backpacking through Central and South America, Ottomatick was inspired by the people and places he met along the way. Through poetry and a chance meeting with a Shaman, Ottomatick discovered a new path; facilitating healing through music.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Ottomatick about his journey, his new single “Ego Trap”, and what’s ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Ottomatick: I first discovered my passion for music while backpacking through Central America. It was during this period of my life that I began writing poetry in my journals on my travels. The feeling of bringing those poems and thoughts into fruition gave me satisfaction like I had never felt.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ottomatick: LeRome Swiss has had the biggest influence in my music career. It was LeRome who convinced me that life is best spent living in and creating music. His energy and enthusiastic attitude towards his musical career was very empowering in my transition from farming in Humboldt to creating music in L.A.

PC: You were working as a chemical engineer before making the transition into music. What did you learn from your experience as a chemical engineer that you’ve been able to apply to your artistry?
Ottomatick: Engineers have a different train of thought. We think outside of the box, putting information together and building our own conclusions for every situation. We’re always trying to make things more efficient or accurate. This kind of thinking leads me to analyze many aspects of life and society that need to change and consider how we can evolve them.

PC: What do you hope to say through your art?
Ottomatick: I hope to remind people what they are capable of and break them free from oppression. I hope to teach lessons and curate tracks that can harmonize humanity.

PC: Tell us about “Ego Trap” and the inspiration behind the song.
Ottomatick: “Ego Trap” looks at the influence society has on us.

PC: You’ve dropped a couple of singles in 2021. If you have to pick one that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Ottomatick: “Ego Trap” shows more of who I am as an artist. It showcases my intolerance for oppressive influences and drives in order to help free others from them.

PC: As we look ahead to 2022, what can fans expect from you?
Ottomatick: More singles, an EP, and an album.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ottomatick: Led Zeppelin.

PC: First album you bought?
Ottomatick: Kid Rock’s Cocky.

PC: First concert you attended?
Ottomatick: Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Ottomatick: Dark Side of the Moon. It ingrained in me the ability to be comfortably numb. So no matter how bad things ever get, the worst I can feel is comfortably numb, which is quite enjoyable.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Ottomatick: Whisky a Go Go.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Ottomatick: Towel.

To keep up with Ottomatick, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.