Artist Introduction
What’s your stage name and where are you from?
Shako Speel outta the city of Lost Angels.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
“My homies all used to say “”You feel me?”” pretty frequently, so I started remixing it and “”Shafeel me?”” birthed “”Shaquille me?”” then along came “”Shaquille O’Neal me!?”” which was followed by “”Shaquille O’Spielberg!?!””
After having decided on the name “”Odditory”” to rock with, I started feeling that the name was corny. One day, I was laughing to myself about Shaquille O’Spielberg and said “”Shaq O’Spiel”” has a ring to it. I’m sure you could see where that went.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
It all started as an obsession with collecting CDs and having headphones on everywhere I went, around the age of 12.
Around 17, it lead to me wanting to be a producer for about a year until the idea was abandoned in lieu of me spontaneously discovering my writing and reciting ability as I sat around, while an old homie threw on a beat to write to.
Since then I’ve just been developing my artistry and perspective, while hoping to provide the universe with something worthwhile.
Fan Engagement
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
“Sky Whales” (feat. KeShawn Sensei) is one of my favorite songs because of how unique the instrumental is. That aspect of the beat caused me to write in a calculatedly relaxed, yet persistently engaged manner. I enjoy gaining a different feeling from each verse I write, and this one was most definitely fulfilling in a wonky way.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Dope shit. Simple and plain. Whatever the fuck that means.
Behind the Music
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
I was always comfortable outsourcing when I wanted to record music, but ever since I cut out the middleman and started recording from home, I’ve been able to bridge a serious gap between my soul and my craft.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Alchemist. He makes the dopest beats I’ve ever laid ears on, and I also formed my style around all of the Alchy instrumentals I could illegally download and keep on repeat.
Future Aspirations
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I see it helping me appreciate my existence more and more by way of helping me accomplish and access an abundant creative ability that I could’ve never imagined having as a child.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Perpetual polishing of the gift.
Recent Work & Contact Info
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
All platforms.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Email.
