50 Facts About Omar Apollo

Early Life and Beginnings

Omar Apollo's journey from a small town in Indiana to the global music stage is nothing short of inspiring. His early life and musical beginnings laid the foundation for his unique sound and style.

1. Omar Apollo was born Omar Apolonio Velasco on May 20, 1997, in Hobart, Indiana.
2. His parents immigrated to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico.
3. Apollo grew up with three older siblings.
4. His parents worked multiple jobs to support the family.
5. He was a ballet folklorico dancer and part of his Catholic church choir.
6. At 12, his parents bought him an electric guitar, which he later traded for an acoustic guitar at a pawn shop.
7. Despite no formal music lessons, Apollo taught himself to play the guitar.
8. He started writing his own songs in high school.
9. Apollo's early success came from uploading his music to SoundCloud.
10. He worked at McDonald's to save money for a laptop and microphone.

Breakthrough and Career Path

Apollo's career took off with a viral hit on SoundCloud, leading to opportunities that propelled him into the spotlight.

11. Apollo's breakthrough single, "ugotme," uploaded to SoundCloud in 2017, amassed tens of thousands of plays overnight.
12. His early SoundCloud success caught the attention of music industry professionals.
13. In 2022, he released his debut album, "Ivory," which received positive reviews.
14. "Ivory" earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
15. Apollo's music blends elements of R&B, alternative R&B, and pop with influences from soul, funk, hip hop, Latin music, trap, and bedroom pop.
16. He draws inspiration from artists like Neil Young, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Prince, Bootsy Collins, Rick James, and The Internet.
17. Apollo performed at renowned festivals such as Coachella, Something in the Water, and All Points East in 2022.
18. He opened for SZA on her SOS Tour in early 2023.
19. Apollo's impeccable style has been featured in various fashion publications.
20. He has collaborated with brands like Youth to the People and Loewe.

Musical Style and Influences

Apollo's genre-defying music and diverse influences have shaped his unique sound, resonating with fans worldwide.

21. Apollo's music primarily blends elements of R&B, alternative R&B, and pop.
22. His early exposure to reggaeton had a significant impact on his musical style.
23. Growing up, he listened to his parents' favorite musicians such as Pedro Infante and Los Panchos.
24. Apollo's own influences include diverse artists like Neil Young, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Prince, Bootsy Collins, Rick James, and The Internet.
25. He seamlessly incorporates both English and Spanish lyrics into his songs.
26. Apollo's song "Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me at All)" from his debut album "Ivory" became a TikTok hit.
27. His Grammy nomination for Best New Artist brought him more visibility and recognition within the music industry.
28. Apollo's live performances are known for their energy and engagement.
29. He has garnered attention from prominent music publications like Pitchfork, NME, and Rolling Stone.
30. Apollo's bilingual background is a significant aspect of his music.

Personal Growth and Identity

Apollo's journey of personal growth and exploration of identity is reflected in his music and public persona.

31. Apollo has spoken about his personal growth, particularly in terms of body image.
32. He weighed 220 pounds during his tour and decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
33. Apollo has discussed his experiences with Catholic guilt and body image.
34. He reflects on how his faith and cultural background influenced his self-perception.
35. Apollo's response to queerbaiting allegations went viral on Twitter.
36. He clarified his sexual identity and showcased his wit and sensitivity.
37. Apollo is openly gay and emphasizes that his sexual identity is not a choice but an integral part of who he is.
38. He takes pride in his Mexican heritage, often infusing elements of Latin music into his tracks.
39. Apollo's music has been a tool for personal growth.
40. He reflects on how his experiences with body image and Catholic guilt have influenced his songwriting.

Fashion and Style

Apollo's fashion sense is an integral part of his artistic expression, reflecting his eclectic personality and musical influences.

41. Apollo's style has evolved over time.
42. He now dresses in a way that reflects his personality.
43. Apollo often wears different outfits for pre-show, show, and post-show appearances.
44. He has collaborated with fashion brands like Youth to the People and Loewe.
45. Apollo starred in the fall/winter 2023 men's campaign for the fashion house Loewe.
46. He was announced as the ambassador for the skincare brand Youth to the People in early 2023.
47. Apollo's love for hiking and nature has inspired his music and style.
48. He often draws parallels between his hiking experiences and his career.
49. Apollo's fashion sense is deeply connected to his music.
50. He often dresses in a way that reflects his personality and the mood of his songs.

Omar Apollo's Rising Star

Omar Apollo's journey from a small-town kid in Indiana to a Grammy-nominated artist is nothing short of inspiring. His unique blend of R&B, funk, and alternative rock sets him apart in the music industry. With influences ranging from Neil Young to Prince, his sound is as diverse as his background. Apollo's bilingual lyrics and genre-defying music resonate with fans worldwide. His debut album "Ivory" and the follow-up "God Said No" showcase his growth and versatility. Beyond music, his impeccable style and collaborations with fashion brands like Loewe highlight his influence. As he continues to evolve, Omar Apollo remains a beacon of authenticity and creativity. Keep an eye on this rising star; his journey is far from over.