Gentry Haukebo, the mind behind 1oK, is a whirlwind of colour and life that I had the pleasure of meeting on a year abroad in Spain. Gentry is a Hip-Hop and Rap artist from Albuquerque, Unites States, that lives and breathes music; her music has a unique sound that cannot be mistaken for anyone else, she’s 1 of a kind. Her passion is obvious to anyone who knows her, from always singing a song under her breath to the Freestyle Friday segment she does on her Instagram to the DIY recording studio she built in her closet. If you were to type her name into SoundCloud you would encounter her originals as well as an abundance of collaborations with other artists that showcase the spectrum of her talents to the world.
If you could combine creative, funny, and smart in one word that would be Gentry. I am lucky enough to now consider her a great friend and found it a great pleasure to be able to interview her for the Beautiful Bizarre website. Please continue reading to learn more about the awesomely talented human that is Gentry, and keep an eye open for her new album “Taste Test”!
Album Release:
15th March 2019
Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud
How did you get started in music?
I have to give credit to my family because they were constantly playing music when I was growing up so I fell in love with it from a young age. My brother got me into guitar, but I’ve been singing and writing songs forever!
What is the meaning behind your musician name 1oK?
1oK stands for 1 of a Kind. Authenticity all the time, and alphanumeric words are fun.
What inspires the songs you write?
What doesn’t, haha. I think a lot of my inspiration comes from things I’ve been through, but I also write about experiences of other people and the shit everyone goes through on the day to day. Sometimes I don’t realize what my song is really about until I listen back to it and notice some parallels in my life.
Do you write all your own songs?
Since day one. Once I could talk I made a game called “Sing-Song” and it was basically just me narrating every situation in song for hours on end. I drove everyone crazy but I found a passion for writing songs so no regrets.
What is your creative process like?
I usually listen to some music that kind of matches my mood, then put on some instrumentals and just start singing melodies that fit. It’s a lot of gibberish before I put actual words into the song but it helps me loosen up and find some catchy riffs. If I’m really not in the mood to make music a nice beer never hurts.
Where do you see your music career in the next couple of years?
I just want to build upwards, so anywhere above where I am now is where I’m trying to go. More songs, videos, albums, and I really want to start doing more shows. I am always looking for people to collab with so definitely some of those in the future, as well.
If you could collaborate with anyone in a song living or dead, who would it be and why?
Ooooof. These are the questions that keep me up at night, haha. I guess in this particular moment I’m going to say Russ because he has been killing the game on his own for years, and I think we could mesh some melodies and make some magic music. #alliteration4you
Is there a theme with all the songs on your album?
This is my first album and it’s a mix of songs I’ve written over the past few years so there are different vibes and themes throughout it. But I definitely think it touches on not getting as much as you’re giving, whether it be energy, love, reactions, support or whatever else, and relationships in general.
What messages are you trying to convey through your music? What are the main themes?
Every song is so different in my eyes, and I ultimately want people to take away whatever message they need to from them. Love is a big motif in my music but love comes in so many forms that each song tells a different story and/or gives off a different vibe.
If you could only listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What kind of nightmare question is this? I plead the fifth.
How long has it taken you to create this album and to get it to the point you are happy for people to listen to it?
Too long honestly. The oldest song is from 3 years ago I’m pretty sure. I think I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I can’t even say that I am fully content and ready to share it, but I want to put it out there and see what happens. It is my first album so this is all a learning experience and I just want to see what works, what doesn’t, and what to do on the next one.
If you could pick any place to perform, where would it be?
At a festival like Rolling Loud, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, or Wireless would be unbelievable. There is also an art museum/venue where I’m from called Meow Wolf and I’ve always wanted to do a show there. It’s a rad place with a wild aesthetic.
How important is personal image to you? What would you say is your personal image?
I’m more concerned with my sound than my looks, for sure. I’m not very materialistic and most of my favourite clothes are from thrift stores and my Grammie’s closet, but I’d like to the think I keep it fresh.
What kind of aesthetic do you want to have as an artist? Do you want to engage with your audience or be more of a mystery as to who you are as an individual?
I’m an open book, but I’ve had people say I’m too humble and need to get myself out in the scene more. I’m currently trying to narrow down my style and in the meantime I just want people to enjoy my music and stay tuned.
What piece of advice would you give your fellow musicians who want to pursue music and make their own album?
I see people try to overdo a lot of things, so I think keeping it simple and close to home is always best. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to try new things and stand out. Be one of a kind.
Much love,
-1oK
