Oscar Stembridge is what some would call a prodigy. After getting his start on YouTube singing covers of famous songs, the 10-year-old is now the youngest artist to sign with Universal Sweden. The star is not only gifted vocally, but he is also a multi-instrumentalist, which is an important element in his music. Stembridge is ahead of his time, especially in his most recent track, “Losing You”. I sat down with the young musician to chat about his latest release and his plans for the future.
Courtesy of Oscar Stembridge
Ariel Zedric: What was the first instrument you learned how to play? At how old?
Oscar Stembridge: I was 5 1/2 years old when I started to play the piano. About a year later, I started to play guitar and ukelele and then started drums about three years ago.
Can you pinpoint the moment when you fell in love with music?
I have always loved listening to music and singing since before I could even talk but my first memory is when I was watching a video of Queen perform at Live Aid and I remember that I thought “I want to do that.” I think I was about 6 years old.
What was the inspiration behind your new song, “Losing You”?
It’s about not giving up on someone you love or are best friends with even if you have arguments. I guess the inspiration is that people should stick together even in tough times.
If ‘Losing You’ were to be made into a music video like your previous track ‘Train’, where would the setting be?
The great news is that my music video is coming out soon! So you will just have to see it!
Congratulations on signing with Universal Sweden! What does this mean for your career moving forward?
Thank you so much! Since I signed, I have met with loads of writers and producers and have started working on a lot of songs. So basically I will be able to record more songs and get my music out there a lot more with their support. It’s really exciting!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being young and in the music industry?
I haven’t really thought about it like that…I guess the advantages are that I get to start to live my dreams now already and I miss school a lot haha. Disadvantages are that I have to do some schoolwork while traveling and catch up but really I just love it and don’t really see any disadvantages.
Have you ever doubted your choice to pursue music? If so, what’s kept you going?
No never. It’s just what I do.
Courtesy of Oscar Stembridge
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
Freddie Mercury and Ed Sheeran. They are amazing musicians and showmen. They feel the music and perform it with real passion.
Where do you want to be in five years?
Madison Square Garden!
Follow Oscar Stembridge on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.
Featured image courtesy of Oscar Stembridge
