Artist OTNES Talks About Their New Single ‘Spin’ And Being Apart Of ‘Disney Reimaged’

They are going the distance!

Known previously as Emily Blue, singer-songwriter OTNES has proved their longevity as a performer. They recently made headlines after being selected as one of the artists behind ‘Disney Reimagined’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with OTNES about changing their stage name, favorite Disney show, and more!

What is the meaning behind your stage name ‘OTNES’?

O: “OTNES is my last name. I changed my name in an effort to get in touch with who I really am, and to encourage myself to be vulnerable in my art. It also feels very androgynous compared to my past artist name and I find a lot of freedom in that, to explore my gender presentation and celebrate the fluidity of that.”

Tell us more about your amazing new single ‘Spin’. What was your songwriting process behind it?

O: “I actually wrote this song on a long drive home, by myself. I was leaving a work appointment and just started singing to myself. I pictured it all without any instruments, and over the course of about two months we gradually recorded it and made it real. It’s mostly about grief, loss, and growth— like when you grow, you leave behind things that were once beautiful. It’s bittersweet.”

We absolutely loved your version of ‘Go The Distance’. What was your experience being one of the five artists chosen for Disney Reimaged?

O: “It was jam-packed, busy, and incredible. I truly loved the whole experience especially the music video. It was definitely the biggest crew I’ve ever been on set with and they gave me so much freedom both in the visual and in the song itself. Ultimately, I just had a blast.”

Now that you are a part of the Disney family, what is your favorite Disney movie/TV show?

O: “I’d have to say Suite Life of Zack and Cody was a fave growing up.”

If you do another cover with Disney in the future, which song would you love to do?

O: “I’d love to do a song from Mulan, maybe Reflection.”

How would you personally describe the music scene in Nashville?

O: “Vast, exciting, and at times hard to tap into as a newer artist here in town. So many big and small bands roll through here and there’s always something great happening.”

What advice would you give to fellow music artists who are in the LGBTQ+ community?

O: “Oh man, I feel like it’s the community itself that has made me who I am. I would only give the advice to really lean on your support system and celebrate that, because the safety and joy I feel around other queer people is unmatched.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

O: “Stream ‘Spin’ on Spotify, and catch me on IG @mxotnes.”

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.