Today, we’re sitting down with singer-songwriter Omar Apollo. Omar grew up on a musical diet of his parents’ favourite musicians like Pedro Infante, Los Panchos and The Beatles. The 23-year-old began playing guitar himself aged 12, whilst singing in his local church choir and dancing ballet folkorico. Once his lustful, multi-octave pop songs left his bedroom for the internet, he started racking up millions of streams. His first album, Apolonio, came out in 2020. Omar’s Unsung choice is American R&B, neo-soul musician Cody Chesnutt.

Cody’s 2002 album, The Headphone Masterpiece, was recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder in his bedroom recording studio. The record was met with critical acclaim for its compelling, imaginative take on alternative R&B. Despite a brush with stardom, Cody has never found mainstream success and has always maintained the status of an elusive, underground artist. Fitting then, that Pixar tapped him to write and perform as a show-stealing subway busker in their blockbuster 2020 movie Soul.

Omar speaks with Tara Joshi. Unsung is produced by Eliza Lomas and mixed by Becky Street with theme music from Facta. The series leads are Luke Sutton and Duncan Harrison.

"She's Still Here" by Cody Chestnutt

"5 On A Joyride" by Cody Chestnutt

"She's Still Here" by Cody Chestnutt

"Ugotme" by Omar Apollo

"Trouble" Omar Apollo

"Magic In A Mortal Minute" by Cody Chestnutt

"The Seed" by Cody Chestnutt

"Beauty Boy" by Omar Apollo

"Look Good In Leather" by Cody Chestnutt

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