Del Osei-Owusu talks to NOVACUB

Hello Louise, how are you?

I’m good thanks, adjusting to the season change and I’m kinda loving it! It’s hibernation time.

Congratulations on the release of “SHOULD WE BE OVER?” How does it feel?

I haven’t released music for a long time so it’s been so exciting & terrifying, the perfect mix haha!! I’m sharing some pretty big emotions so it feels vulnerable but it’s defo easier than last time round because I know I’m always changing and growing. My album ‘Just Not Me’ came out right after this single too, so it feels like a big emotional offload for me!

What’s the story behind the song?

So this song was written when I was feeling a lot of anger. I felt trapped in a relationship with someone who had broken my trust and the resentment towards them had gotten out of control. It was the only outlet I had to release those feelings before I could properly address them and make changes in my life.

It’s from your debut album “Just Not Me” what’s it been like putting that together?

It’s been a journey of self discovery more than anything. Working out how to put a collection of songs together and exactly what I want to say has been the main focus for me. In the end this record is about not having all the answers and starting to get to know myself. It’s a slow, gentle, never ending process.

What’s your favourite track?

Dying to Know feels like my most personal song and a current fave. It’s the hardest song I’ve written emotionally. I was rock bottom so it really kept me going through a dark time and now it reminds me of what I overcame.

What did you learn about yourself while putting it together?

That I’m a very sensitive person haha no I mean I guess I already knew that but its highlighted the work I need to do on myself. I have been able to face a lot of my insecurities through this process and the fact that they’re written down in song format is very helpful haha. Relationships are complex enough and if you’re not able to function on your own healthily then adding someone else to the equation is complicated. So I’m so thankful self reflection has led me here.

It’s all part of a bigger body of work, this being part one describe it in three words.

Ego
Pain
Self

You’re an artist and drummer from London how did it all begin for you?

I always loved music and so did my family. Since I was young, I’ve felt drawn to creating music and particularly drumming. I begged my parents to let me start drum lessons as I was dying to explore my passion. After a long time of trying to convince them, they let me start having group lessons once a week and after they saw how committed and obsessed I was getting, they invested in me. The belief they had in me drove me to work really hard, get out into the real world and try and create opportunities for myself.

What did you listen to starting out?

I listened to a lot of random stuff honestly. I always loved pop mainstream music because it was easy to remember and sing a long to. So a range of random stuff like Fleetwood Mac, Paramore, Enter Shikari, Good Charlotte, Billy Joel, Blink 182, Beyonce. Like anything that was popular – I then got into funky jam music to improve my skills on the drums and finally in my 20s explored other worlds which I’m honestly doing now. Discovering new worlds that I kinda missed when I was younger.

Who are your three favourite drummers?

Jharis Yokley
Zac Farro
Mick Fleetwood

What are you listening to at the moment?

Like I said, I’m listening to loads right now as I’m trying to broaden my horizon and grow as a musician/artist. So a big range honestly. I’ll give you a list:
Dijon
Prince
The Cure
Sonic Youth
Sade
Smashing Pumpkins
Foliage
Jay Som
Hayley Williams new album
Taylor Swift’s new album
Geese
Blood Orange

There’s way more on the list but I’m working my way through these at the moment!!

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on the ‘part 2’ album that comes after this one. I am aiming to release it mid/end 2026. It’s the continuation of growing into myself. I’m excited because I feel like I’m starting to connect to myself & my sound more – which has taken me SO long!! I’m also working on a record with Bloc Party & other friends too that I’m excited to finish!