Oenz

Residing on the southern slopes of Wales in the UK, Oenz centres around the voice and songwriting talents of expat Kiwi Paul Owens and the musical finesse of South African artist Celia Owens. Their music can be defined as smooth rock with melodious, subtle influences of blues. Oenz are currently promoting their debut single ‘Help me’ which they have released to raise funds for research into cancer treatment and prevention. Introducing Oenz… Both Paul and Celia had a passion for music from a young age. As a child Paul perfected his vocal abilities with the help of great acoustics in the kitchen, while drying dishes. From the early days Celia developed her musical talent using a more formal technique and became classically trained in piano and clarinet. She later went on to perform with the South African National Symphonic Wind Ensemble and various other orchestras and jazz groups. In Christchurch, New Zealand they formed Swift; a 4½ piece covers band (”that’s when the bass player decided to show up”, said Celia). Paul explains, “Rehearsals were interesting, as we would all cram into a small inner city flat with the drums and amps blasting out. Luckily the elderly neighbour next door was deaf! (and she wouldn’t have liked the noise either)”. Paul later went on to work for a South African record label and now here they are... Q: Where did you grow up? A: (Paul) Christchurch, New Zealand. (Celia) Cape Town, South Africa. Q: What instruments do you play? A: (Paul) Lead vocals and guitar (well I try!). (Celia) Piano, keyboard, clarinet and saxophone. Q: Who are some of your life influences? A: (Paul) The All Blacks and Nelson Mandela. (Celia) I admire people who live true to themselves, people who celebrate their individuality. Q: What’s your favourite film? A: (Paul) Dances with Wolves. (Celia) Forest Gump or The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Q: What’s spinning in your CD player these days? A: (Paul) Stevie Wonder, Basshunter and Nickelback. (Celia) Paolo Nutini, Van Halen and Bob Marley. Q: What’s the latest track you’ve downloaded? A: (Paul) Forget you – Cee Lo Green. (Celia) Dynamite - Taio Cruz. Q: What are you best known for? A: (Paul) Being cheap… I mean finding a great bargain; and enjoying a good BBQ (Braai). (Celia) Online shopping and cooking/baking.