OpCritical
OpCritical discusses the inspiration behind “Parachute,” their activist approach to music, ambitious release plans, and their vision of creating fearless songs that inspire hope, freedom, justice, and change.
1. “Parachute” uses a powerful metaphor of survival and hope to represent freedom, justice, and happiness. What inspired this concept, and why did you feel it was the right message to share at this moment?
One of OpCritical’s members is a parachutist, so he understood the concept of how a parachute can save someone when everything seems to be lost. We decided to put this into a song by combining the three universal needs, freedom, happiness, and justice. In today’s political environment, people no longer feel safe and secure, so we want this to be an anthem that can rally people to reclaim their human rights.
2. Your music openly addresses political and social issues, something many artists avoid. What motivated OpCritical to make activism and social awareness the foundation of the band’s identity?
As Paul McCartney once said, “Do we really need another silly love song?” In the 60’s, music changed the world for the better. So we are trying to tap into people’s need to relate to music and lyrics that speak to them emotionally.
3. The music video tells a dramatic story where those driven by malice ultimately face the consequences of their own actions. What message did you hope viewers would take away from that visual narrative?
We are big believers in karma–you reap what you sow. So our amazing film director came up with the idea that no matter how evil a plot is, there is always hope.
4. You have mentioned that “Parachute” speaks not only to individuals but also to entire societies facing oppression. How do you balance creating songs with universal meaning while reflecting real-world struggles without losing their emotional impact?
We try to do both with each song. Make sure that the individual can feel it and its meaning, and see how it relates to countries and the world as a whole.
5. Releasing seven singles and videos in your first year is an incredibly ambitious pace. How has this rapid creative output shaped the band’s evolution, and what challenges have come with maintaining both quality and urgency?
Yes, and we are just getting started. The thing slowing down releases is the videos because they take time to do right. We usually record the songs in a few takes, do some overdubs, and send them for mixing and mastering, which can be done in a week or so. But the videos take more time. We are on course to release 12 songs with vids this year, and want to double that next year.
6. OpCritical was formed in response to what you describe as the dangers facing today’s world, with plans to continue releasing music until those dangers are gone. Looking ahead, what do you hope your growing audience will remember most about the band’s mission and legacy?
Well, we are already getting pressure to perform live, which we don’t want to do because then the music will become about us. But songs like Parachute are tailor-made for stadiums, so we may bite the bullet and go live at some point, especially if we get the right offer. But right now, we are happy in the studio. We want to be remembered for being fearless and making a difference.