Frank Ocean had a pretty successful year in 2011 after having to release Nostalgia, Ultra for free, because of a lack of involvement from his label, Def Jam. The BBC News recently caught up with Frank Ocean in Hollywood for an interview as apart of their Sound of 2012 series. During this interview Frank Ocean talked about moving from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit, his rise to stardom, and his current relationship with Def Jam.
Frank Ocean on his debut project Nostalgia, Ultra
“Have you ever seen Boyz N the Hood?” he asks, referring to the 1991 film.
“There are certain movies that are shot with a summer haze, that look like the best part of summer. That vibe in that film is super nostalgic for me and I was chasing those colours, trying to make a record that had that feel.”
Frank Ocean on moving from New Orleans to LA after Hurricane Katrina
“The storm itself didn’t make me move, but the storm ruined my recording environment and the studio I was working in got looted and destroyed by floodwater,” he says. “I didn’t have a place to work in New Orleans so I left and came to LA.”
Frank Ocean on transitioning from songwriter to star
“There was a point where I was composing for other people, and it might have been comfy to continue to do that and enjoy that income stream and the anonymity,” he says. “But that’s not why I moved away from school and away from family.”
Frank Ocean on his rocky relationship with Def Jam
The record deal with Def Jam followed, but he grew frustrated at their inaction after, in his words, “signing a kid with dreams and talent with no intention of following through”.
Relations with Def Jam have been repaired and his second album – the first official release – is due this spring.
“We’re cool,” he says. “There is a new album coming. I’m super proud of it.”
For the full interview visit BBC News.
