From an attic in Indiana to the Grammy stage
In short: Before his debut album entered the Billboard 200, Omar Apollo was working at McDonald's and living in an attic. Using a borrowed $30 and YouTube tutorials, the singer-songwriter transformed from a kid trading an electric guitar for an acoustic one into a global R&B sensation.
Born in Hobart, Indiana, to Mexican immigrants from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Omar Apollo’s musical journey began with modest tools. At age 12, he acquired an electric guitar but lacked an amplifier, leading him to trade it for an acoustic model at a pawn shop. By 17, he was working at McDonald's to fund the laptop and microphone necessary to teach himself through YouTube cover videos. During his childhood, he performed as a ballet folklorico dancer and sang in his local Catholic church choir. He also received early musical instruction from his uncle.
His breakthrough was driven by digital DIY streaming. In 2017, Apollo used $30 borrowed from a friend to upload the song "Ugotme" to Spotify. The track quickly gained momentum, earning 20,000 streams in a single day and eventually surpassing 15 million streams a year later. This momentum carried him through various EPs and tours, including the "Want Tour" and "Voyager Tour" in 2018 and 2019.
Apollo's career reached a new peak with his 2022 debut studio album, Ivory. At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, this album secured him a nomination for Best New Artist. The album's success was further bolstered by the track "Evergreen," which went viral on TikTok and eventually debuted at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. Today, Apollo's sound—a blend of R&B, pop, and Latin influences—continues to evolve, seen in his 2024 album God Said No, which was inspired by poets like Mary Oliver and Ocean Vuong. His second studio effort was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. This project was heavily influenced by the works of poets such as Victoria Chang.
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