In a riveting analysis of the music industry and its cookie-cutter “popstar” lifestyle, Canadian artist OLENKA draws attention to the all-too-common lifestyle of “living it big” in her new single, “Sad Boy Popstar.”
“Sad Boy Popstar” is a fantastically produced single with all of the characteristics of a radio-ready hit — seemingly on key with OLENKA’s ambitions. Her understanding of songwriting and production results in an uncanny yet intoxicating combination of 808s, trap drum kits, and electric guitar. With enough atmospheric layering tucked into the overall mater, OLENKA leaves enough headroom to get lost in — symbolic of the gates opened as one climbs the socioeconomic ranks.
‘It’s easy to compare yourself to the greats but remember that you are not them; you have your own journey,” the London-born, Toronto-based artist shares. “Stay true to yourself while you grow. There’s nothing wrong with the grind — just don’t put your mental health on the line. Don’t let part of yourself die on the journey to the top.”
OLENKA’s take on the rise to stardom is one we have seen play out too many times, making “Sad Boy Popstar” such a harrowing tale to tell. The dilemma between “the grind” and reality is often skewed in the fog of success, and “Sad Boy Popstar” highlights this disparity savvily.
“Everyone wants to be a ‘Popstarʼ like Drake, ‘Starboyʼ like The Weeknd, or a ‘Rockstarʼ like Post Malone,” she muses. “You can absolutely do that, but just know the negative repercussions that come with fame and fortune.
“Chains and rings may look nice but that’s not all there is to music and being an artist.”
OLENKA’s take on stardom isn’t a new one, although it often gets brushed aside. “Sad Boy Popstar” reflects on the material desires that often-overcome individuals who find their situation taking a change for the better – especially financially. Couple a large influx of cash with a growing desire to continue living a “normal” life, things can get messy.
“Having a goal for fame and fortune can make you compromise your morals and boundaries,” she says. “The top can be lonely – gold chains and gold rings can’t buy you friends. Everyone wants to be famous, but they don’t know the darkness that lies within the light of fame. Will fame and a chain truly make you happy?”
Heavily influenced by radio hits, OLENKA has traveled down her own path in the genre, blending pop, soul, and R&B effortlessly. Being born into a bloodline ripe with music, OLENKA follows in her parents’ footsteps. Graduating from the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College, she uses her knowledge of sound engineering to further advance her creative and production prowess.
Following her breakthrough release, “Poppin’” in 2019, OLENKA’s roster of released singles soars to include “Break Yours,” “Purple Rose,” and more.
