Celebrating Diversity: Orville “OH YEAH” Wright Of Oh Yeah Beats On How To Build Inclusive Communities
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Celebrating others is a great way to build with others for ultimate success.
In a world where diversity is often acknowledged but not always celebrated, we are taking a step forward to highlight the importance of inclusivity in building strong, vibrant communities. This series aims to explore the various facets of diversity — be it racial, cultural, gender-based, or within the differently-abled community — and understand how embracing these differences strengthens our social fabric. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Orville “OH YEAH” Wright.
OH YEAH is using his business and brand to spotlight countless communities. He has created bonds with powerful people across the globe using the power and connection of music. His plan is to continue bringing success and highlighting the excellence in others from different communities for the bigger picture.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about celebrating diversity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
It is an honor to be here with you all today. Thank you for allowing me this amazing opportunity! I grew up in an extremely diverse community in Colorado Springs. Because of growing up there, I have a true understanding of what it takes to help others stand out as much as myself. I stood up for others against bullies and discovered anomalies of forming friendships with complete opposites. Over the years, I honed in on that skill to amplify the results, audiences, and the impact. I always pursued music because I had the calling to make music and also dance to it. I first wrote songs (lyrics only) and later became a music producer for myself. My growth took place as a music producer when I conducted business for musical artists and people on the YouTube platform. I initially created background music for content creators but learned how to highlight their work with specific anthems. I do that now with publicly recognized Theme Songs (Anthems) that are played consistently in at least three different communities. The goal is to provide real representation in musical form for as many people as I can. I was also the first to create a new anthem for Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, even producing a short music video. Here is the link to watch and share! https://www.youtube.com/embed/sqAuBd3O-z8
Can you share an interesting or hopeful story where spending time with someone who did not look like you or who was different from you taught you something that has been useful to you?
Such a fitting segue question! There was this white kid named “Brandon” in elementary school who became my best friend for some time. The common ground that brought us together was a song from the 90s called “Cantaloop” by US3. We became best friends because we sang the song together all the time. I learned that there are a lot of others in the world who love music just as much as I do, and they come in many forms. I now use music as the main vehicle to connect with others through lyrics, rhythm, and melodies.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
As a musician, I really love the word “instrumental.” Here are three traits that make me instrumental to my own success and the success of others:
1. Trustworthiness
I have made it a habit everywhere and with everyone to display my honesty, loyalty, and transparency. One artist needed me to play their unreleased single for them to an audience. I was emailed the track, so afterwards, I deleted the track and email. I made sure to compliment them on the quality of the production overall, too. Some people may have taken advantage of another person’s song and maliciously released or sabotaged it. Leaders must be trustworthy in order to be effective and impactful on others that follow.
2. Respect
Being polite carries so much weight when dealing with others, whether business is personal or professional. Even with strangers, simple greetings can change their perspective of their entire day. Leaving the studio one evening, I helped out someone loitering outside of a 7-Eleven. Before entering the store, I asked the person how they were doing and if they needed something. Their response was, “Are you serious???” I said yes, and they told me what they wanted, so I obliged. We never know how someone’s day is going. What we can help (not control) is how we can make their day better. Others walk by and ignore people like this, but I choose to respect everyone and make a change. Leaders have to be respected and make sure they give out respect equally to work well with others.
3. Determination
I made two instrumentals for a friend and film producer and television host in Hollywood, Sally Colon, as a gift. The first response for one was, “I’m looking for something else” and “I think something is missing.” Immediately, I told her that I would start all the way over and create something amazing. I honed in on her background and got into the vibe. The next response was “I LOVE IT” and “WOW.” One instrumental became the Theme Song for her Amazon Show’s official first season. I only want to see the type of leader that has dedication towards success and the subject matter.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story that highlights the impact of diversity and inclusivity in your life or career?
Looking at diversity and inclusion, let me tell you about another incredible sister and friend in Television and Film. Cheryl L. Bedford is a powerful, influential, activist, and black film producer who makes sure to spotlight all forms that make up Women of Color in the television and film community. She created several movements to empower diverse people from her communities with initiatives such as the JTC List and Start With 8, a networking and career development program that empowers eight women with well-deserved advancement, per each one volunteer. Her movement Women Of Color Unite, an entire community of empowered women of color that create career opportunities and help eliminate the common stigmas and forms of marginalization against them, is what captivated me. I adore Cheryl and her movements. I also believe in the strengthening and empowering of all women of color, so the best way I could say so is through a Theme Song, entitled “ALL POWER”. Here is the Spotify link:
Cheryl told me personally that she loves the song so much that it had to become the Official Theme Song of the group, and the music is also on their Official Podcast! I even had the blessing to perform the same song live in front of hundreds of the members in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. I now strive to have the same impact and results, if not greater, with every future gift regarding Diversity and Inclusivity. I know that women are shining brighter than they have in the past, and it is because of their hard work in a movement like WOCU and a Theme Song to broadcast everywhere for more to learn about them.
How do you approach and manage the challenges that arise when working towards creating more inclusive communities?
One of the challenges for musicians is to be representative of others, depending on their core values. Most musicians only want their music played by others. I was fortunate to have early experience creating background music for YouTube content creators. The more I worked for others, the more I could become the continual solution for them and others. Just as I stood up for kids when I was growing up, I stood up for content creators, providing them with anthems they can play in their background and in their cars (as a few have told me). I think a lot of musicians choose not to face challenges and instead run away. Being patient and consistent, I can get on the same page with them to understand exactly what they want and how I can deliver right to them. I make certain to extend my expertise, creating music as a representational product.
What innovative strategies or initiatives have you implemented or observed that effectively promote the importance of diversity and inclusivity?
I have implemented using my theme songs to address the social injustices for women of color with the song “ALL POWER”, the Latin community, kids with terminal illnesses, and all of us in the aspect of seeking radical change. I push for positivity through songs like “Got A Go”, and also call for action to eliminate the publicly known content suppression, which is used across all social media platforms, with another song called “Anti Social Media”. My music is catchy and also carries powerful messages for drastic change in our present realities. I have a duty to spotlight the all-too-often marginalized people. I am seeing more impact through events in public and at award shows to spotlight communities as well.
In your opinion, what are the key elements that make a community truly inclusive, and how can these be fostered on a larger scale?
Key elements that make a community inclusive are celebrating diversity, providing and discussing education, and creating opportunities for connections. On a larger scale of communities, it makes more sense to educate people for continual growth and strength of the foundation of a community. When communities have discussions and even celebrate the diversity amongst the many members, this serves as an introduction to more of those that are different within the community. True inclusion is represented by communication, education, and the celebration of diversity. I expect larger communities to have in place, teams of educators that can successfully plan out the expansion of knowledge among other members. Online resources are really making an impact now!
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways We Can Build Inclusive Communities”?
1. Look for more connections through new interactions.
The greatest connections can often take place from new interactions in our lives. I once gained a friend and new fan by playing my music in my car one evening as I waited for a to-go order. A woman in the car next to me asked whose music was playing. I told her I created the music and where she could find more of it. That day, I made a sale, we exchanged information, and I now have another great supporter in her. It is a great blessing, and I am forever grateful.
2. Continue education and share experiences.
With all of my clients, I make it a priority to educate them with all the information that I have on something. I can easily create a “remake” of just about any song out in the universe. Musicians have also fought hard for their rights regarding music releases and royalties. When I am asked to recreate a song, I have the responsibility of letting them know the song can only be for personal use and without monetary gain (in any attempt to distribute the song alone). I like to actually use my first experience of a cover song on YouTube that notified me about where royalties would be directed… to the original owner of the song. This also happened when I created a song without any samples because it sounded that similar, and I am that good. I had to switch a lot more to be without conflict. I like to let my clients know upfront about any issues that can derive from how they plan on using music and their rights as owners of work that I created. Education helps all of us on our journey to success.
3. Planning and executing community events to the public.
Public events are incredible ways to get everyone together with a greater cause in mind. My old church always hosts community events for the public. One memorable event was a summer when I performed one of my earlier recorded songs for everyone to enjoy the day to. At the event, so many new faces were welcomed, and there was greater exposure due to the gathering. It is a good feeling to see people from different backgrounds becoming one together in a community.
4. Having open discussions about the community.
Understanding and growth can only come from gathering in community discussions. Just like a neighborhood watch meeting, everyone in the circle can unite with the common ground of community “oneness.” Often, discussions may involve matters such as security, hazards and concerns, reminders, and future events. This is an opportunity to gain understanding from someone else’s perspective in the community. The great thing about it is there will always be different ways to consider looking at something, and it helps with more of those that are different within the community.
5. Celebrating others is a great way to build with others for ultimate success.
Not everyone celebrates the same things. Recognizing other people’s cultural beliefs and celebrations can be a way to acknowledge and display your acceptance of them. A good approach to doing so is to ask about someone’s background.
How do you measure the impact and success of diversity and inclusion efforts, and what changes have you seen as a result of these initiatives?
Conversations are being held more often along with actual training (educational) to help eliminate the stigmas of conversation when introducing different cultures in a community. With more discussions being had, there is more possibility for equality across the board. I do feel that employers and businesses are taking action to catch up in the perspective of equality and an even playing board. There is still a lot of work needed, though.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
The Power of Two is my form of the “Pay — It — Forward” practice. The difference is the intent behind it to make sure that the universe is truly becoming kinder on a more equal scale. With strangers in mind, this can help eliminate the “default bias” that many exercise subconsciously. I practice The Power of Two daily and feel I am doing the work necessary to help our world grow together for greatness. I have even seen others immediately replicating the acts of generosity in lines for coffee and even at a few gas pumps.
I have a song entitled “Got a Go” (available on all platforms) that is the Theme Song to this Pay It Forward initiative. The song has also earned me a fair bit of revenue through streaming royalties. Here is the link for the song: https://open.spotify.com/album/05P2fAqpBBy3iHUYhUzL8X
How can our readers further follow you online?
I would really appreciate some more followers and their support on my Instagram.com @ohyeahbeats. There I post a lot of behind the scenes and sneak peeks of upcoming releases. On my Soundcloud @ohyeahbeats, you will hear some unreleased music. Stop by my Official Website ohyeahbeats.com for merchandise and music that includes a detailed bio so you can get to know more about me. Lastly, you can find more links on Linktree.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you continued success in your great work!
Thank you, and I am wishing success for more of us! It begins with more diversity, inclusion, and support!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Celebrating Diversity: Orville “OH YEAH” Wright Of Oh Yeah Beats On How To Build Inclusive… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.