Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky O.I..
Hi Ricky , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Miami. I graduated high school and university here. I was in a local band with my best friends here. Eventually, I got a real job and had to make the hard decision give up on my music. I was making decent money and I bought a nice starter apartment in Kendall. Things were going to plan but I felt like it wasn’t -my- plan. I mean I did everything to get myself here, but it was my -backup- plan. I decided it wasn’t too late. I want to live somewhere else. I want to see If I can find a new dream. I quit my job, sold my apartment and got a job as an English teacher in Korea. For two years, I learned the language, travelled all around the country and had a blast teaching kids English, even playing songs from their textbook on my guitar when possible! The work life of a public teacher in Korea is awesome. I found myself with enough time to start playing more acoustic guitar at home and even having fun with new melodies or song ideas. Eventually, I had 3-4 songs and I thought, I would go to an open mic and just see how they land. I did -so- bad. Somehow the crowd still laughed. Maybe some were laughing at me forgetting lyrics or chords or maybe stacking the audience with my friends bamboozled the crowd into thinking I was good. I had 9 years of performing experience with my band but this was different, I was alone, and I wasn’t trying to get soft head banging or a cover sing along song. It was my own songs trying to be funny… and succeeding… kind of. It’s a hell of a rush. I have been performing solo comedy acoustic music since then. After a few more years in Korea (mostly under covid lockdowns) I came back to Miami and decided to try my music for a wider audience. It’s hard starting in a new city but with the help and support of my family and friends I’ve written more and gotten better and better gigs. I performed in a few festivals around the country including New York, Palm Springs and Minnesota. I also released some music online. I have a lot more stories to tell and music to write. Hopefully, I’ll find a way to share them with a lot more people soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part is sticking with it. Comedy doesn’t pay well until you reach a certain level and I’m not a traditional comic. Musical Comedy is a niche within stand up comedy. There have been some huge acts like Bo Burnham, Tenacious D, Flight of the Conchords and loads more but I still often hear “wow, music and comedy? that’s original.” It’s great to stand out at a comedy show, but at the end of the day, maybe the market is smaller for comedy music. Also. leaving my life behind at 30 was a heck of an idea and then after spending 5 years abroad I came back saying I was going to be a comedy musician? As supportive as my family is, they can’t help but try and get me to try a more traditional path.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think that’s what this whole thing has been about! I’m a Musician/Comedian/Writer. I make people laugh with original comedy music. I’m proud of being courageous enough to follow this path and I’m different from others because of my style (acoustic pop rock?), catchy melodies, and witty lyrics.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The world has enough space for you. If you love what you’re doing or don’t, there will still be 20 people fighting for your job or promotion. I’d rather fight for something I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rickyoi.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ricky.o.i
