Singer/songwriter/arranger/guitarist Elise Okusami, who records as Oceanator (supervillain or superhero?), came up in the DC punk scene, playing drums, guitar, and bass; she then learned fingerpicking by listening to Elliott Smith records. Okusami is the sole songwriter/arranger of her music, although she has tapped friends/members of the Oceanator touring band for recording. She also releases music on her own label, Plastic Miracles, as befits a DIY musician/entrepreneur.

Oceanator’s songs, while rooted in a rockenroll and punk community garden, also play with synthy-pop and even 1950’s sock hop feels. Some songs feature chuggy-aggressive guitar and a voice like a sweaty hug in a mosh pit from a friendly stranger who picks you up after you’ve been knocked down. (Ah, those before-times.) Okusami happens to be an “avid science fiction reader, well-acquainted with authors like N.K. Jemisin and Ron Currie Jr.” and Octavia Butler (Ad Hoc interview). It seems a natural fit then that her wide-ranging 2020 album, Things I Never Said, touches both on caring for the people around you in difficult, maybe even apocalyptic times - and the imagery of those graphic, dystopian end-times. There’s also an underlying promise of comfort throughout the album, “a vital reminder that love and friendship, both with others and herself, will always reign victorious in our darkest moments” (Riot Act Media PR).

Oceanator joins us for the podcast to nerd out a little about recording, hint at the next record, and play some of her songs. - Caryn Havlik

Set List: “A Crack In The World”  “I Don’t Mind” “Hide Away”

Watch "A Crack In The World":

Watch "I Don't MInd":

Watch "Hide Away":