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We asked OSTAR about his music, his creative process, and the words that carry the most weight in his scene.
What almost ended up being your artist name before you landed on ‘OSTAR’?
Honestly, there was never another name. The moment I came up with OSTAR, it just felt right. To me, it represents being a "STAR" and reflects exactly who I am.
If someone heard just one track from you, which should it be, and why?
DARWIN. If you want to understand who I am as an artist, that's the track to hear. It reflects my identity, my mindset, my sound, and everything I love creatively. It's the most honest representation of OSTAR.
Weirdest place you’ve ever written a bar/lyric?
Honestly, I record, write and record voice notes anywhere. While waiting for the bus, while working, or whenever an idea comes to me. But the weirdest place has to be the bathroom.
What’s your toxic creative habit?
I can spend hours changing something by 1%, then end up going back to the very first version.
What’s something you had to unlearn to grow musically?
Trying to make music that everyone would like. Once I started making music that truly sounded like me, everything changed.
What word from your dialect hits hardest in your scene/crowd, and why?
Honestly, not just one word. I love the whole Algerian dialect. Every time I use it in my music, it feels like home. It's a huge part of who I am as an artist.
Who’s an artist from your city that deserves more love?
I am from Tizi Ouzou, and honestly my city's music scene is pretty small, so I don't really know many artists from around here. But I believe there are a lot of talented people across Algeria who just need the right opportunity to be heard.
Dream collab: who’s on your wishlist & why?
TIF and NAJM. I really respect how they've built their own identities while staying true to themselves. I think we'd make something fresh that represents North Africa in a new way.
If your music were a place, where would it be?
The Casbah of Algiers. Every street has a story, every corner has character. I'd love my music to feel the same way.
How do you get re-inspired when you hit a creative block?
I stop forcing it. I go outside, spend time with people, travel if I can, or just live life for a while. The best ideas usually find me when I'm not looking for them.
