O.N.I.'s Jake Olde Opens Up About Personal Journey — Interview

Jake Olde, formerly associated with the band Oni, has embarked on a transformative chapter in his career with the formation of his new project, O.N.I. This evolution signifies more than a simple name change; it represents a profound personal and artistic rebirth. In a recent conversation with Loudwire, Olde shed light on the motivations behind this shift and the introspective journey that accompanied it.

Olde’s musical path is unconventional. Unlike many musicians who gradually climb the ranks through local gigs, he leapt into high-profile experiences early on, his third live performance being at the renowned Knotfest festival. This atypical trajectory contributed to a complex relationship with his identity and artistry, which he candidly acknowledged during the interview.

The transition from Oni to O.N.I. was driven by Olde’s desire to discard previous facades and embrace authenticity. He explained that the new project’s name, an acronym for “obey no illusion,” underscores his commitment to shedding past illusions and confronting reality head-on. This shift also includes a reclaiming of his personal identity, as he now performs under his given name rather than the stage moniker Jake Oni.

This period of self-discovery has involved extensive personal work, addressing long-standing insecurities and patterns of self-sabotage. Olde recounted struggles with behaviors that undermined his career and well-being, including substance use, which led him to seek rehabilitation earlier in the year. His approach to these challenges has evolved, moving from confrontation and rejection toward acceptance and compassion, enabling more constructive decision-making.

Creatively, Olde has found renewed inspiration working alongside producer Jordan Fish. Their collaboration has sparked enthusiasm for the direction of O.N.I.’s music, signaling a fresh and promising artistic phase. The partnership has also resulted in innovative projects, such as their recent release—a cover of R.E.M.’s classic “Losing My Religion.” This rendition emerged organically through collaborative brainstorming and was met with excitement from Olde and his team.

Olde described the recording process as liberating, highlighting a studio environment free of pressure where ideas flow naturally. This creative freedom contrasts with past experiences and aligns with his broader goal of authenticity and transparency in his work.

The public debut of the cover coincided with Olde’s appearance on Loudwire Nights, where he openly discussed the complexities of his past and his hopeful outlook for the future. The interview served as a platform for him to articulate the significance of his transformation, both personally and professionally.

Details regarding upcoming releases and tour plans remain limited, but the enthusiasm surrounding O.N.I. suggests a reinvigorated artist ready to redefine his place in the music landscape. Olde’s story exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of self-reinvention within the demanding world of contemporary music.

Listeners interested in hearing more from Olde can access the full interview through Loudwire’s platforms, where he shares further insights into his journey and creative process. His candidness offers a compelling look at the intersection of personal growth and artistic evolution.

As O.N.I. continues to develop, Jake Olde’s narrative underscores the power of embracing change and authenticity in forging a sustainable and meaningful musical career.