OSHY
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The best kept secret in music

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"OSHY, DA LIFE OF A SINGER"


OSHY, DA LIFE OF A SINGER

Harlem-native Oshy on his music, his inspirations, and his new album "Da Life of a Singer"

Article by Michelle Destruge
Photographs by June Urueta

Early morning in Harlem, the city is waking up and going off to work and school. I stand outside on the corner of 125th and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and gingerly sip my first coffee of the day. I walk around, wasting time before my first meeting with vocalist Oshy (pronounced ah-shee) and congratulating myself on being so early and so prepared. Five minutes before our scheduled meeting I call Dream Sound Studios to see if Oshy has arrived. I am startled to hear his voice pick up the phone. Apparently I wasn't as early as I thought. Not only was he already there, he was working on some songs for his Christmas album and had been for quite a while. I guess its tough keeping up with man like Oshy; the multitalented, self-confessed "workaholic" whose new album Da Life of a Singer drops at the end of October.

24 year old Thomas "Oshy" Byrd was quite literally born with music running through his veins. His father was an R&B singer and at a very young age Oshy knew he wanted to be like him. By the time he was in high school, Oshy had lost much of his interest in school but music was a constant. He became affiliated with gangs for the protection they offered him in school, and he started skipping class to serenade young ladies, a habit that got him the nickname "R&B." He was kicked out of school by the end of his tenth grade year and finished a few years later with his GED.

The reality of the world outside of school was harsh. Oshy took it upon himself to enter the workforce working at McDonalds for a short stint and then stocking shelves at Rite Aid to make ends meet. Work was difficult. Oshy had to deal with the frustration of disrespectful customers and demanding management-- but it was his music that got him through. He would sing as he walked down the street and put on "performances" by himself late night in Morningside Park. Looking back, Oshy had this to say of his time out of school "school is a priority. It's like a job. Once you have one you have to take care of it. You need to take care of it…music will be there when you're done." At the time, he had no idea just how right he was. One day as he was singing on the street, he was befriended by a man named T.Rex (a rap artist who can be heard on DJ Webstar's Album "Webstar Presents…Caught in the Web") who introduced him to music producer Ron Browz, a man who quickly pushed Oshy into the studio to start recording.

At the age of 18, Oshy was approached by his best friend to start a four-part group titled "Gifted Gentlemen." The group lasted about four years, but came to an end when the group was sold to Atlantic records against the wishes of "Gifted Gentlemen." Shortly after that the group reformed as "Die Hard." Again, the group's success was short lived - lasting only about a year. While Oshy had a deep respect and admiration for his group members, the end of "Die Hard" proved to Oshy what he had felt in his heart all along-- he was meant to be a solo artist.

Now sitting across from Oshy in the studio, it is clear that his instincts were right all along. Oshy's music oozes the kind of soulful melodies that one wishes they too could create if they could only unlock the secrets that are tucked away in their minds. Oshy's masterfully written lyrics are meant to tell a story, and although the meaning of some of his work is hidden under his skillful use of metaphor and symbolism, once uncovered, the stories told are satisfyingly familiar. Oshy continues to hone his craft by really taking some inspiration from a variety of musical genres and a standout list of musical influences including (but not limited to) Michael Jackson, Prince, R. Kelly, and Jodeci. When asked why he looks outside strict R & B to rock, pop, urban and neosoul his response is simple: "[you] don't have to stay in this box in order to make music."

Ironically, the "boxlike" studio has been Oshy's home for some time now. Working tirelessly, Oshy has the ability to create music the way that many create sentences-- with a facility that is second-nature. Within a month Oshy had written forty songs that he was forced to cut to the fifteen tracks on his LP Da Life of A Singer (Dream Sound Records) due out late October 2006. The rest of the tracks are put away, perhaps for a future venture. Although it's difficult to predict what Oshy will do in the future because before his first solo effort has dropped, Oshy has almost completed a Christmas album, and before he has finished writing his songs for the Christmas album, he is writing songs for his next album-- one that promises to make use of his interest in pop, funk, and rock while keeping his feet grounded in R & B.

Oshy is a man who has not learned to quit. In fact, in talking to him, one gets the impression that it is a combination of his determinatio - MXWL Magazine (mxwlmagazine.com)


"OSHY in Billboard Magazine"

OSHY

Da Life of a Singer
Released: August, 08, 2006
Record Label: Dream Sound

Track: Title: Composer: Time:

1 Intro
Oshy 1:10

2 Enuff Love
Oshy 4:23

3 Let's Get In
Oshy 3:03

4 The Best Sex in the World
B., Flip/H., Dijuan/S., Antwuan/W., Chad/Oshy 3:30

5 Come Here Wit It
Oshy 4:17

6 If It's Possible
Oshy 3:44

7 (Skit) Oshy 1:04

8 I'm Sorry Oshy 4:23

9 Girl It Ain't Nothing Corporal/Oshy 3:25

10 Give Me What I'm Asking 4 Oshy 3:12

11 Be Wit Someone New
Oshy 3:40

12 Poppin Bottles
Oshy 3:11

13 I Was Wrong
Malone, Julius/Malonsome, Teffany/Oshy 4:16

14 What Am I Gonna Do?
Oshy 4:15

15 Outro
Oshy 1:08

Releases
Year Type Label Catalog #:
2006 CD Dream Sound 91309
- Billboard Magazine (www.billboard.com)


"R&B Artist 'Oshy' To Release Debut This Summer 2006"


RnB (2006-04-28)
R&B Artist 'Oshy' To Release Debut This Summer 2006

For a couple of years now there has been a buzz about a young man named Oshy from Harlem New York. From the ramblings, it was said that the singer/songwriter/producer was one of the most talented and refreshing artists to appear on the scene in a long time. His drop dead good looks and breathtaking vocals have caused a number of people in the industry and in the general population to stop and take notice.

He was once part of a couple of groups that were offered deals from Atlantic, Sony and Warner Bros, but those deals never went through due to creative differences. Those experience allowed Oshy the opportunity to really learn the game and learn what is to his best interests. Now after 2 years of creating music that is sure to connect with his audience, Oshy is ready for his solo project to explode onto the scene. Many labels have approached the talented singer, but it was Dreamsound Records that he chose to call home.

"This is a label that I feel comfortable with and I know that they are about the artist and not just for self," Oshy said. "Dreamsound is very particular about the talent of which they sign and the other then myself, all the producers and songwriters are proven record sellers who have worked with the likes of Usher, Destiny's Child, 50 cent, Ludacris, Nas, Lil Kim, Tupac, Whitney Houston, Barry White, and Carl Thomas ...just to name a few."

As his first single, The bouncy and sexually energized "Enuff Love", gets ready to hit the streets Oshy spends his time putting his finishing touches on his debut CD which is due to drop internationally during the early summer (date to be announced soon).


- Top 40-Charts.com


"OSHY- Urban Streetz Review"

Review By: MJ AKA Marissa J. Lonardo


Artist: Oshy
Genre: R&B/Soul
Album Title: Da Life of A Singer

Artists Stats: Oshy, which means "The Best Comes" in Cherokee Indian, is not the R&B crooner's real name, his birth name is Thomas Byrd. Oshy grew up in Harlem, NY. His father was a member of the R&B group "Total Climax." Oshy learned the art of singing and songwriting by emulating his father. Oshy is signed to Dream Sound Records.

Album Assessment:
The 15 Track offering is definitely a nice piece of work for all to enjoy. For the men out there that want to put their girl in the mood, Oshy has helped you with this EP. And for the ladies you will thoroughly enjoy Oshy, in his entire splendor. With a range that varies from song to song this album will not leave you disappointed. Some stand out tracks, “Enuff Love” a nice slow jam that is definitely satisfying and is like candy for the ears. The best collaboration track goes to Teffany Malonsome, with the song “I was Wrong” a great blend of her and Oshy’s voice make the song a true standout. Some short falls are “Let’s Get It In,” although Oshy shines, the rapper on the track, Skeem, sounds like an imitation Fifty Cent and the imitation continues on “Come Here Wit It,” another good song, but this time the same MC sounds like he is trying to be part of Dip-Set.

The album as a whole is really nice on your ears. The fact that Oshy either wrote or co-wrote every track on the album; and he’s easy on the eyes to boot, will solidify not only why he’s a great singer but why we also need to know about his life.
- UrbanStreetz.com


"So You'd Like to Buy the Hottest Music on the Planet..."

A guide by mowood "mase2867"

I write for a magazine and I love good music...music with real singers. I'm an R&B cat and I want to share my playlist. Chris Brown is still hot. Unpredictable is still one of my favorites for the year...however, I actually liked his first cd from the early 90s...but this is as hot as it gets. In My Own Words is another hot CD that no one should be with out. Highly recommended. and lastly, but dont let the order fool you...I recieved a early copy of this CD....yo, this is the best CD that I have in my whole collection. This may just be the best CD to drop in about a decade. If you want to get your hands on the CD that is going to knock everyone else off the charts, get Da Life of a Singer. - AMAZON.com


"WIN A PROM DATE WITH R&B ARTIST OSHY"

Thursday, March 15, 2007


Prom Date With R&B Artist OSHY...

WIN A PROM DATE WITH R&B ARTIST OSHY

ESSAY CONTEST

Sponsored By B.U.E. / LAW PRODUCTIONS & HEAVEN BOUND MUSIC

Enter The Contest & Have OSHY Be Your Prom Date.

INCLUDES:

-Date for the entire night

-Deluxe limo service

-Door pick up

-Video of your night with OSHY

-Personal sernade (OF YOUR FAVORITE OSHY SONG)

-Personalized autographed OSHY CD

-Corsage

SHORT ESSAY:

-Choose one (1) of your favorite OSHY songs

-Write in a essay why this is your favorite song

-Must be grammatically correct

-No profanity (a.k.a. NO CURSING)

-On top of page include the following:

a) Name:

b) Address:

c) Phone number (s):

d) Email address:

e) Date of prom:

f) Name of school:

g) Location of school:

h) Time of prom:

MEET OSHY:

www.myspace.com/oshyda1

SUBMIT ESSAY TO:

bue1@hotmail.com

bue-2@hotmail.com

bue-3@hotmail.com

RULES:

- Must Be A Graduating High School SENIOR With Parental Consent

- Submit Your Essay By April 20, 2007

- If You Thinking About Cancelling You Must Do So 10 Days Before The Prom You Listed

- Must Reside In The 5 Boros Of New York City

- One (1) Picture Taken With OSHY Holding CD!

ONE (1) ENTRY PER PERSON
- B.U.E. Productions/ Law Productions/ Heaven Bound Music


Discography

OSHY- "Da Life of a Singer"

Available on Amazon.com, CDBABY.com, Itunes.com, and in major stores WALMART, TARGET.

ALREADY LISTED IN BILLBOARD MAGAZINE-SCHEDULED FOR AIRPLAY IN JUNE, 2007!

Da Life of a Singer
Released: August, 08, 2006
Record Label: Dream Sound

1 Intro Oshy 1:10

2 Enuff Love Oshy 4:23

3 Let's Get In Oshy 3:03

4 The Best Sex in the World 3:30
B., Flip/H., Dijuan/S., Antwuan/W., Chad/Oshy

5 Come Here Wit It Oshy 4:17

6 If It's Possible Oshy 3:44

7 (Skit) Oshy 1:04

8 I'm Sorry Oshy 4:23

9 Girl It Ain't Nothing Corporal/Oshy 3:25

10 Give Me What I'm Asking 4 Oshy 3:12

11 Be Wit Someone New Oshy 3:40

12 Poppin Bottles Oshy 3:11

13 I Was Wrong 4:16
Malone, Julius/Malonsome, Teffany/Oshy

14 What Am I Gonna Do? Oshy 4:15

15 Outro Oshy 1:08

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

In the world of music, there are great singers, talented songwriters, amazing vocal stylists, and producers who are at the top of their game, but it is a rare thing to find all the aforementioned embodied in one person like it is in extraordinary R&B artist OSHY.

Oshy (which means "the best comes" in Cherokee, Indian- a part of his heritage), discovered the art of singing and songwriting while watching his father, a member of the R&B group "Total Climax," rehearse, record, and perform. While emulating his father’s vocal style and sensibility, family friend and celebrated R&B/ Hip Hop producer Ron Browz (Lil' Kim, Snoop, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, DMX, Big L, Fat Joe, Jae Millz, and Nas) saw something special in Oshy at a young age and encouraged him to not only sing, but to also learn and understand writing and vocal arrangements.

Browz was extremely influential in the young artist’s early growth as a performer and songwriter. With Browz as a mentor, Oshy was able to write and stylize songs for several groups that were offered recording contracts from Atlantic, Sony, and Warner Bros. labels.

Although these negotiations ultimately stalled due to creative differences, the experience allowed Oshy the opportunity to learn the game, hone his craft, and subsequently sign with Dream Sound Records, a label that is dedicated to promoting him as a formidable solo artist.

"This is a label that I feel comfortable with. I know that they are about the artist and not just for themselves," said Oshy. "Dream Sound is very particular about the talent of which they sign and all the producers and songwriters are proven record sellers who have worked with the likes of Usher, Destiny's Child, 50 cent, Ludacris, Nas, Lil Kim, Tupac, Whitney Houston, Barry White, and Carl Thomas ...just to name a few."

In addition to Browz, Oshy has worked with industry powerhouses such as Big Drawers (Destiny's Child), Wynetta Wynn (Sony songwriter), Red Spider, Frantic, and Frost. He sat in on sessions with R&B groups 112 and Jagged Edge, and has been touring with such superstar acts as Ludacris, Bilal, and Floetry.

Oshy’s debut CD, "Da Life of a Singer," was released internationally in August, 2006, and has sold thousands of copies, solely with the support of minimal, grassroots marketing. With the album scheduled by Dream Sound to be released for radioplay in June, 2007, Oshy is destined for instant recognition and mega-stardom. "Da Life of a Singer" will be the focus of a world-wide marketing blitz this year, and will include the completion of two hot, new music videos.

In addition to "Da Life of a Singer," Oshy is currently in the studio once again at Dream Sound, recording a new album set to be completed by the summer.

With every listen of his riveting songs, and every view of his electrifying performances, Oshy elicits new fans. It is only a matter of time before Oshy is a household name on the lips of every R&B fan on the planet.