Omar Apollo’s ‘God Said No’: A Bold New Chapter in Music and Style
Omar Apollo’s latest album, ‘God Said No,’ released through Warner Records, marks a significant evolution in his musical journey. With executive producer Teo Halm by his side, this album arrives a little over two years after his critically acclaimed debut, “Ivory.” Leading up to the album’s release, Apollo teased fans with singles like “Spite,” “Less Of You,” and “Dispose of Me,” the latter of which he performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“God Said No” features notable collaborations, including musician Mustafa on “Plane Trees” and actor Pedro Pascal on a spoken-word piece aptly titled “Pedro.” The album’s title reflects Apollo’s take on the phrase “lo que sera, sera” (whatever will be, will be), encapsulating a humorous yet poignant outlook on life’s inevitable ups and downs.
In conjunction with the album, Apollo will launch the God Said No North American tour on August 20th in Indiana. The 29-date tour will see him perform in cities such as New York, Boston, Toronto, and Houston, culminating in shows at iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Hollywood Bowl. The tour will feature support from Kevin Abstract, Malcolm Todd, and Ravyn Lenae on select dates.
The creation of “God Said No” began after the whirlwind success of his debut and the intense touring that followed, including supporting SZA and Billie Eilish. Apollo spent three reflective months in London, drawing inspiration from poets like Mary Oliver and Ocean Vuong and musical icons like Kate Bush and Beyoncé. In the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios, with producers Halm, Blake Slatkin, and Carter Lang, Apollo crafted a deeply personal and emotionally charged album, shaped by the aftermath of a tumultuous love affair.
Apollo’s debut album “Ivory” in 2022 was celebrated for its genre-blending and multilingual approach, earning him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and commercial success with hits like “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All).” His acclaim extended to year-end lists from NPR, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, and performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and Jimmy Kimmel Live! He also became a prominent figure in fashion, serving as the first ambassador for Youth to the People and fronting LOEWE’s menswear campaign. His recent Met Gala debut in a custom LOEWE suit garnered widespread praise, cementing his status as a multifaceted artist and style icon.
