Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Orville Wright of OH YEAH BEATS Is Helping To Change Our World
Invest your time WISELY. Be careful with whom and what you spend a lot of time on. Often we all waste time that shows us later the bad investments where there is little to NO RETURN. Learn the patterns and determine where time is well spent.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Orville Wright of OH YEAH BEATS.
OH YEAH is waking up numerous communities in the world with vibrant Motivation Music that empowers. He helps to connect parties across industries for the bigger picture of everyone’s success. The message that he wants to iterate is that we can all win with true determination, selflessness, and transparency.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
It is such an honor to sit down with you on this topic! Thank you for having me. What led me to this career path is nothing short of fate and fortune mixed with a desire and talent to connect with others. I come from a multi-cultural community in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In that community, I faced challenges of acceptance, rejection, and life lessons that revealed my responsibility to display self-love and love for others. I discovered throughout life (even at an early age) how others want to feel loved and be heard. Before I made friends, I was considered an outcast who would soon unite with others through many of my talents that make others gravitate towards me and my missions. I found myself fighting bullies, seeking knowledge, and loving music. This is also my method applied in different aspects of my life. I always enjoyed creating music and writing lyrics but a significant change happened in high school when I discovered exactly how music can connect deep with others around me. I often wrote “remixes” or jingles and parodies to popular songs but with particular messages that my peers truly resonated with. I went through a few jobs while truly “finding myself” in the music industry. In the beginning, I only wrote lyrics to “instrumentals”. Soon I taught myself how to create my own instrumentals. For a few years, I only produced music and put song-writing on the back-burner. I then revisited writing lyrics when I identified how I wanted to deliver music and the messages for others. I began to see the bigger picture and how I could contribute to society with the highest value.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
The most interesting story during my career is how I have met so many celebrities and public figures across industries. How I have crossed paths with many of them is far from boring or typical. Most occasions seem to be astounding. At the beginning of my career while working a few day jobs, I once met the R&B singer Mya working on her Cadillac at a dealership (it would be funny if she remembers that). I am curious to know which of us was more modest and shy during the interaction. I have known some celebrities through my church also. It is such a small world and we are all really connected. I met several other public figures through other people to again indicate that we all have powerful circles but it is up to us to discover and tap into those anomalies. What I take away from this ongoing story in my career and life is that it is VITAL to remain humble, giving, and honorable human beings. When people practice this, they can reveal more of their talents alongside more connections that can create incredible opportunities. I wonder who I will meet next and when.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
It is my responsibility and desire to tell every young person to find their own personal goals in life. Focusing on someone else and their success can have you easily skipping important steps where you will learn and grow. Yes, it is good to observe the success of someone such as myself but find a way to make a completely different path. This is how you will discover more about yourself and grow simultaneously. When you are feeling challenged by the thoughts of your own and others around, this is the best time to determine how you can shine. There is so much beauty and wonder in success when doubt is present. Similar to myself, you are going to feel a heavy heart at times but PRESS ON. I believe in everyone of you who wants to be successful. You have the power already, you just need to discover it yourself.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My wife is someone who has impacted my life substantially. A great story and part of our lives I will share is when we were dating. Every Spring, many tourists and locals travel to view the cherry blossoms in Washinton, D.C. I decided to take her to see them one weekend when in route she told me that she wasnt feeling well. We had to travel over an hour in time back to her place. She then insisted on me enjoying the rest of the day without her as she slept. “Go hang out with your friends” is what she told me. With an entire day ahead of me, I jumped in my car, drove over to a nearby mall, and went for a walk inside. I walked past every store but one in particular caught my attention. Perhaps it was the lighting or the fresh familiarity as I had an account at Kay Jewelers. Suddenly I realized what exactly my next move was going to be. I was reminded through her actions time-after-time how selfless she is. How can someone (not enjoying their day) still desire that another finds pleasure in theirs? It was then I knew I was going to get her a b ebagwmewnt ring and try to be just as selfless, moving forward.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
Absolutely! My success is a tool that I allow others to access with by uplifting communities such as the youth in society. One thing I have definitely been against since a young age is bullying. I understand that nowadays kids face an astronomical level of bullying and peer pressure. I used one song (soon to be released) to uplift a friend and fan of my music to let them know I hear, feel, and see them in their daily battles. My second instrumental album “Thoughts Provoked In A Wonder”, donates half of all proceeds and royalties to IDRA.org. The album is particularly for kids to dance to, make videos to, and just express themselves. I want everyone to enjoy it though.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I grew up in a diverse community but understand exactly how kids grow up with difficulties “fitting in”. Many of us take this in to our adulthood, relationships, and certainly in the workforce, which sets up subconscious roadblocks and limitations. I want to make sure that this cycle stops or is severely reduced. I have the duty and responsibility to continue standing up for those who are still being built up to soon stand for themselves.
A specific moment when I decided to step up was watching a good friend on social media live. She is a mother who briefly felt helpless for her child dealing with bullying (in person and “cyber”). I may have been one of a few watching and commenting with encouragement but I knew that I could do more with my platforms and presence. I wanted to be that true friend and supporter because I truly had her support as well. I am always going to stand up for others, especially kids.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
My new good friend is impacted by this cause. I am told that her confidence is a lot higher now and she can face more obstacles. A greater attitude is present and the days are brighter despite the shade and storm that others try to bring. This just makes me ecstatic to know that I could help greatly improve someone’s life on a daily basis with my talents to uplift and encourage. I was told that she is so much more positive and was dancing around as she heard the song I dedicated for her. Alongside her, I am reminded also to make sure that I surround myself with those who genuinely care for me and believe in my success. I would like to believe the parents have better attitudes as well.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Indeed there are three things that can be done by everyone to support.
The first is to follow me on social media and play my music. I challenge you all to really dive into the lyrics I have written and recited. Understand the portrayal I am displaying for everyone of the others in the songs how connected we are by the human desire to succeed. The music I create is inspired by the people and it’s for the people, everywhere.
Secondly, paying it forward is how “the dream” (to succeed) continues on. Should any of us see someone in need, in trouble, or with a small ask… step up. We all have the responsibility to help “the dying human race”. Perhaps there is a job opportunity that you were going to forward to your friend, while blatantly ignoring the adamant and eager candidate who had an offer to wash your car. It’s hypothetical but imagine the efforts that so many of us use to be seen. Acknowledge the presence of others and maybe offer them an exclusive sit-down with a few executive friends and discover how your world can be turned upside down in a positive aspect.
The third thing (somewhat tied to the second) is spreading the word of mouth. Someone’s message just like the news is amplified and intensified with greater coverage/ exposure. Tell your friends and family about “Oh Yeah” and the message that I have in the desire for everyone to succeed more than how we have been. The majority of my music is simply a reflection of the great things in so many others I have been fortunate to cross paths and form an incredible relationship with. Don’t just talk about me, talk about the great things you have seen in someone else that affected your attitude in a day.
These are just three but so much more can be done if we all stop, reflect, and adjust to all that is around us. This is TRUE SUPPORT and GROWTH.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
Oh my goodness. How much time do you have? Just kidding.
1. Success is merely a reflection of your desire meeting your actions. How you perceive it all makes the difference.
2. Patience is a virtue. Such a cliché but with more understanding that the universe is a part of the equation, you can get past every obstacle that you face.
3. Invest your time WISELY. Be careful with whom and what you spend a lot of time on. Often we all waste time that shows us later the bad investments where there is little to NO RETURN. Learn the patterns and determine where time is well spent.
4. Learn from your weaknesses. We all struggle in one or more areas. How we correct those flaws is by confronting them versus shying away from them.
5. Understand this is a small world after all. We will cross paths with so many celebrities, public figures, and executives that maybe a “friend of a friend”. Be genuine and establish relationships EVERYWHERE.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Well I will humbly receive that compliment! With my influence, I still want to express my belief in the “Power of Two”. Pay it forward twice, whether you are doing two things for one stranger, or one thing for two strangers. Many of my “gives” to society tend to be in two’s and returns tend to be even greater. They make me feel so much better inside, even on my worst days because I am still contributing to make a better world for us all to live in. Remember and extend to the “Power of Two”.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is one that was revealed to myself earlier in life. “There is always sunshine after the storm”. All too often are we familiar with the upsets in life (big and small) that create set-backs. We can, however get through it with complete resilience. The beauty in life is that after the good is potentially a little bad, but shortly after… We will see even greater “good” that changes our outlook on life and become more thankful for the wonders. I certainly am very appreciative of the storms because with time, they appeared only to be minor showers. With this insight that I have, I am more positive in my days and have much more productivity.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Today if I was to have a sit-down with a prominent name, I think I would look forward to hanging out with Common. Someone as established in entertainment and disciplined in his life, I could just thank him and throw some praise over to him for his contributions to society. I have definitely been influenced by him and admire how he has remained humble in most of his steps. Perhaps he can tell me more about Chicago (I have never been other than a “lay-over).
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
I am so grateful and appreciative for this opportunity with you all and wish you even greater success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Orville Wright of OH YEAH BEATS Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.