Osama Bin Draco is a Westbrook High School student. As a Senior,  this is his last year at Westbrook High School. He is a producer, pianist, songwriter, and beatmaker.  He makes all the songs by himself. Last week, he released his first single, “What You On”. Born and raised in Angola, Draco recorded “What You On”  by himself and there’s more material on the way. We caught up with Draco to learn more about his musical pursuits, inspiration, and what’s next for the seventeen-year-old artist.

How would you classify the style of music you create? 

DRACO: Hip-Hop and Afrobeat genres. 

Why music, instead of the other arts? 

DRACO: I choose it because we go through a lot of things in life. And when I was down, I was just listening to music and I felt good. Then I just fell in love with music. There is something about music that just attracts me. I don’t know how I can say; that’s why I choose to make music. 

So, with singles out there, can we expect any videos?

DRACO: Yes. It’s coming soon. 

Were there any surprises that came with releasing your first song? 

DRACO:  Nothing which surprises me for my first song.

Can you name one of your inspirations?

DRACO: There’s a lot of people who inspire me, but as of now, I’d say Michael Jackson is an artist who encapsulates a lot of what I aspire to be. Even many people don’t like and talk more about him. But to me, he is the one that gives me inspiration.

You’re an independent artist. Is that by choice?  

DRACO: I am an independent artist as of right now. I think it is great because I do own my mastering and my royalties for all of my songs. I can release a song any time I want, which is great to me . At the same time, I could argue that having a manager would be super helpful. Because to manage all the stuff by yourself—it can be a lot.

How do you define success as an artist?

DRACO: When many people know and love your work. 

Who or what gives you motivation?

DRACO: My big brother because he also does music. So it gives strength and pushes me to continue to do music.

Did you ever think about quitting music? 

DRACO: No. I never got the idea to quit music, as I said that I’m [a] producer, pianist, songwriter, and rapper. So I didn’t think about quitting music in general. But I did think about quitting rap.

What’s the biggest challenge artists face in the music industry?

DRACO: I don’t know if I can speak for other artists, but the hardest thing for me is figuring out my own sound, melody, brand and I think [these are] the biggest challenge to many artists out there these days. 

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

DRACO: I don’t know what the future holds for me, for my music and my career.

Any new music in the works?

DRACO: I am in the recording process now, and I will start this November to release the songs one by one so be ready.

What’s the best way for people to access your music?

DRACO: You can access my music by searching Osama Bin Draco on all streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon, and pretty much whatever platform you have access to. Also you can follow my Instagram account Osama Bin Draco.