Omyügen, the moniker of innovative US-based singer-songwriter, producer and filmmaker Michael X. Schallert returns with a new single, ‘Dark Corner’, released on November 3rd, 2023 via Omyügen Records. The track was mixed by Sean Dorrian, who worked on a number one billboard song with Breaking Benjamin, and mastered by Chris Athens, who has worked with the likes of Drake, Kodak Black, Hollywood Undead and Joji, to name a few. Sponsored by the Wyoming Art Council, the US-based artist has worked as a producer for rap artist Gunnr and had his music featured on UKTalk Radio top 10 charts for Feb ‘22. In addition, ‘Dark Corner’ has already premiered and received support from EARMILK. The track is emotionally potent and moody – it is a somber slice of the mind of someone feeling so alienated by anxiety – a widespread experience in the digital age. We took some time out the speak to him on all things music, life and creativity.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Honestly i just make music because i love it. I love the feeling of creating. It’s the best high in the world.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It really depends on the song. i tend to think a lot, so I’m always coming up with new song ideas like lyrics, different types of sonics I want to try, etc. But most of my songs start with the sound first.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
No
What’s on your current playlist?
Lately I’ve been on kind of a dreamy wave, so any music that fits that category, I listen to. there’s artists like king krule, d4vd, gibran alcocer, etc
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
Sadly, i have yet to perform for my fans, but soon! i hope to have a good connection with my fans when on stage.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
Nothing too crazy. I just mess around with different instruments and chords until I find a sound I like and then add my own vibe to it. I don’t really know exactly how I add my own vibe tbh. it just kind of comes to me.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Most of the time I’ll open ableton live and then just mess around with different sounds til I have a good beat I wanna use. after, I kind of just hum without lyrics until I find a flow that I feel matches the beat and write lyrics to that flow. once I have the lyrics I’ll record the vocals. I typically will record like 8 different layers for each section and then end up only using 2 or 3 of them. once I have everything recorded i get a rough structure and mix then move on to the next song, there will be days where record 5 + songs and days where I only record one, so each day in the studio is different.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Qow that I think about it..im not too sure if there was specific moment. I kind of have always been obsessed with music as a kid growing up & when I got my own music equipment when I was 18, it turned into an obsession of creating music.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Water
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Yeah, i really like jack dudely, samir knox, shxrda, jeff vibes, and a lot of others. those are just the ones I can think of right now
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Chaos tends to get my creative juices flowing. it sounds a little weird, but I recently realized that some of my best songs were created when I was overwhelmed with the world around me. But also being in environments that feel zen and calm help get my creative juices flow. Also, for short films, going on walks and exploring random places with my camera and tripod gets my creative juices flowing.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I use a MacBook Air, Ableton Live, a neumann tlm 102 mic, and an audio interface. I own a guitar I barely know how to play, so I’ll occasionally use that to make a song. I use the piano here at my college sometimes too!
Any side projects you’re working on?
Yes. I’m always working on side projects. right now I’m working on a new song called “bright eyes” and a couple of eps for next year
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
When it comes down to finding my own sound I feel like just experimenting around with new sounds and genres has helped with my craft. also going in without any expectations of myself and just letting the sound flow through me freely helped me refine my craft and create something that sounds like me.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
For the rest of the year I plan on dropping one more song after dark corner. imma try to make a lot of one min short films too!
Famous last words?
live freely with purpose.
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