Owen Lee – O’sound

OWEN LEE O’SOUND The Full Sound

“Remain humble. And even when you’re winning, work like you’re in last place!” Words of inspiration from artist Owen O’Sound Lee, a gifted musician, songwriter, and vocal arranger. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Lee relocated to Nova Scotia in 2014. Before coming to Nova Scotia, he had produced his own album titled The Full Sound in 2012. Having performed alongside industry greats like Mariah Carey, Drake, and Kardinal Official, to name a few, Lee is highly sought after for his incredible musical talents. Here on the East Coast, his impact continues to grow. With roots planted, Lee and his wife are currently raising five children – two sons (ages 7 and 4) and two- year-old triplet daughters. Lee says he came from humble beginnings. Born and raised in Toronto’s west end with his two siblings and Jamaican parents, his inner-city upbringing was filled with musical influences; everything from reggae to gospel. “I discovered my ability to sing at five years old and continued to learn by harmonizing with my mom around the house as she was singing church hymns.” Lee was seven years old when his father brought home a stack of CDs for him one day. In that pile was artists, Canadian born performer, Deborah Cox and the legendary group Boys II Men. Lee memorized all the words and harmonies to almost every track on the CDs, and credits that exposure as having had a direct influence on his current sound. By the time he was eleven, he had written his first song. “Now at age 32, I can still remember how it goes,” he exclaims. Owen attended the Fine Arts Music Program at York University. “I would end up spending hours and hours in the studio creating music, writing and recording for others and for myself.” That immersion honed his technical abilities and launched him into directing musical choirs. His first experience as Musical Director was in 2007, at just 20 years old. Under his leadership, that group went on to release three albums and perform across Ontario and the United States. After relocating to Halifax, Owen served as the Minister of Music at Emmanuel Baptist Church and currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA). Being an artist is being your own business. To be successful, musicians must be and think like entrepreneurs, always planning their next move. As a full-time musician, Lee has been operating as a business for quite some time. His hard work is paying off and while he has the accolades to prove it, he says artists must remain vigilant. “You are your own boss and are responsible for your own fate. As exciting and liberating as your career can be, it can also be extremely volatile and non-secure if you aren’t organized. We have to focus on being industry professionals just as much as we focus on being creatives. This means registering a business, tracking expenses, applying for grants, registering with federations and so on and so forth” Lee says God, family, and music are his priorities – in that order. His music is often inspired by his experiences and life situations or the things happening around him, and he is grateful for the ability to make a living doing what he loves to do. Those who enjoy his work are inspired by his passion but Lee’s ultimate desire is to serve as a role model for his children. “I want my kids to never feel guilty about pursuing what they love as a career, and to understand that anything can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and passion.”

By Wanda Taylor Photography by Ezabriell Fraser

Owen Lee, O’sound

Owen O’Sound Lee O’Sound (902) 579-6533 osoundis@gmail.com