The Zeitgeist: Omar Apollo Opens Up
Fueled by the raw emotions of his breakup, Omar Apollo’s sophomore album “God Said No” takes fans through an emotional journey of heartbreak, self-discovery and resilience.
In June, the pop star released his highly anticipated “God Said No,” the heartthrob’s most personal work to date. The album title reflects a conversation Apollo had with a friend about surrendering to the challenges the universe presents, embodying the notion of allowing pain to take its natural course. The title is also a play on the Spanish phrase “Lo que será, será,” which roughly translates to “What will be, will be.”
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“I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t in a good place to be writing an album, but the situation was so circumstantial I thought, ‘why not write this pain until it’s gone,’” Apollo told Rivet. “It took eight long months of back-to-back work [to finish ‘God Said No’], although some songs were written two years ago.”
Apollo’s 14-track album features heartfelt songs like “How,” “Dispose of Me,” “While U Can” and “Empty.” However, while each track delves into a deep emotion, Apollo revealed that the most challenging song to write was “Glow.”
“I’ve been ignorant, I can be like that. We don’t conversate, we just burn our backs. Lying on a star, we still stay intact. You’re my only one, I can promise that. If we go to hell, you can hold my hand, brace yourself, water pulls the sand. Before you leave, give me one more dance,” the song expresses, highlighting Apollo’s vulnerability.
Despite the emotional toll of writing the album and reliving his breakup, the singer said he enjoyed the process, particularly collaborating with producer and songwriter Teo Halm.
“Teo Halm is a genius to me. I’ve always enjoyed making music with him, even when it doesn’t come out,” Apollo said. “I’ve [also] been making music with Blake Slatkin since 2018, so it felt good to work with someone I started with. Mustafa [who’s featured on the song ‘Plane Trees’] is my best friend, so sometimes I forget we’re both artists. Making music with him is a bonus in our friendship—he’ll always be in my life.”
These collaborative efforts not only enhanced the creative process but also contributed to the album’s success.
“God Said No” debuted at number 56 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number 14 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, with 10,000 pure album sales and 16,000 album-equivalent units. This marks Apollo’s highest-charting album yet.
“This album has really become a time capsule for me, proof that [my breakup] happened,” Apollo said.
To celebrate the album and its success, the 27-year-old singer is embarking on the U.S. leg of his world tour. After kicking off earlier this summer in Melbourne, the tour will now visit U.S. cities like Austin, Seattle, Los Angeles, among others.
“I feel like for the first time I’m giving this album and tour a proper representation through dance, lights and visuals,” Apollo said. “I’m excited to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, Indiana, and Red Rocks—those are going to be special. Chicago and Texas always show crazy love, and I remember Atlanta being really loud too, which I’m [really excited for].”
While on tour, Apollo expressed that connecting with his fans is one thing he is looking forward to the most.
“I’ve been getting really long messages [from fans] that I enjoy reading,” he said. “I love hearing them break down songs or tell me specific lyrics that stuck with them. They’re still stuck to me.”
Sidechat with Omar
Rivet: What is your favorite denim brand?
Omar Apollo: Varsity Los Angeles
Rivet: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not making music?
OA: Eat.
Rivet: What’s one thing you must bring on tour with you?
OA: Disha Hot, my hot sauce brand that I recently relaunched.
Rivet: What are you looking for in your next partner?
OA: I don’t need a man.
Rivet: How does fashion influence your music or vice versa?
OA: Through visuals and shows.
Rivet: What fashion trend are you currently obsessing over?
OA: Ballerina shoes.
Rivet: What’s something you always do while touring?
OA: I read and watch TV on my iPad. Probably going to play spades or bring a video game, too.
Rivet: What advice would you give someone currently going through a breakup?
OA: Don’t get into another relationship, just be sad. Give yourself five years.
Rivet: What keeps you up at night?
OA: A lotta shit that doesn’t matter.
This article is published in Rivet’s Fall 2024 issue. Click here to read more.
