Photos / Ines Futterknecht
Raised in a small village in Austria, OSKA moved to Vienna at 18 to pursue her dream of making meaningful music and connecting with listeners on a deeper level. In 2020, fate intervened when she signed with Nettwerk, and just a year later, she released her debut EP “Honeymoon Phase” to widespread praise and acclaim. The project earned her five nominations at the Amadeus Austrian Music Awards, as well as a nomination for the prestigious Anchor Award at the Reeperbahn Festival. In 2022, she followed it up with her debut album, marking another milestone in her blossoming career. Her upward momentum continued in 2023 with a performance at Eurosonic, where she was honored with the Music Moves Europe Talent Award—an accolade previously awarded to the likes of Rosalía, Dua Lipa, Hozier, and Adele. Then came 2024, a whirlwind year that saw OSKA opening for Coldplay and Maggie Rogers in her hometown, earning critical praise from notable outlets. Needless to say, OSKA has proven that she’s an artist with staying power.
Fast-forward to today, OSKA returns with another stellar collection of tracks on her latest album, “Refined Believer.” Produced by David Kosten (Bat for Lashes, Marina Diamandis), the ten-song project offers something for every listener. Her signature moody style is on full display from the opening track, “The Final Straw,” where her voice gently intertwines with acoustic guitar, creating a soothing and introspective atmosphere. The chorus is both ethereal and striking—a rare and compelling mix. “Like A Song” is another standout, with OSKA delivering emotionally charged verses that pull listeners into a tender journey through vulnerability. Other highlights include the previously released single “Gloria,” which remains as powerful as ever. The track explores the emotional journey of a young woman caught in a toxic relationship and judged harshly by those around her. As OSKA explains, “Despite the obstacles and the weight of public opinion, ‘Gloria’ becomes a story of resilience and self-liberation as she finally decides to walk away, choosing her own path without concern for what others may say.” The album closes with the title track, “Refined Believer,” a heartfelt ballad that serves as a bittersweet farewell.
Throughout “Refined Believer,” OSKA explores themes of trust, self-discovery, and quiet resilience. Life isn’t always easy, but we endure. And artists like OSKA remind us that even in our lowest moments, there’s a quiet, melancholic beauty to be found in the small things.
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