Isaiah Vargus, known by the alias, “Nostalgia,” was born on the historic streets of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.  Isaiah’s Love of music stems from his childhood. Isaiah grew up with a piano in his home and his natural curiosity led him to sit down and learn different chords, scales, and songs. Although playing the piano was just a hobby to pass the time, it became a valuable tool as this would be the beginning of what cultivated Isaiah to become a music producer. Although you wouldn’t be able to tell today due to his smile, positive vibe, and easy going demeaner. Things weren’t peaches and cream for Isaiah growing up. Isaiah grew up in a predominantly single parent household, where his father did most of the heavy lifting. As with any child, these circumstances had a profound effect on Isaiah’s growth and development. However, instead of allowing circumstances at home to steal his joy, Isaiah picked up the pen and began writing as an outlet for his emotions.  

Isaiah continued writing all the way up until high school and began to allow his gift for words to shine. As a way to support a friend going through hard times, Isaiah wrote a poem. This poem detailed what she was going through and with some words of encouragement brought her to tears. At this moment Isaiah realized how powerful his words were and vowed to use his artistry for good and to heal others. Soon after Isaiah also began to experiment, putting his poetry to music. Crafting his MC skills, he soon learned that he had a keen talent for rapping and fell in love with the art form.  

However, what really created the artist Nostalgia? I’m glad you asked. During Isaiah’s sophomore year in high school, he was given the opportunity to be in an actual studio. To make this experience even better the studio owner was the producer Oddkidout. Oddkidout allowed Isaiah the opportunity to play around with some of the equipment and was amazed at his natural inclination towards the art of producing. Oddkidout showcased Isaiah’s talents to his fan base via Instagram and sang his praises. This experience confirmed Isaiah’s ultimate call to be an artist. Since then, Isaiah has been producing and writing ever since; thus, Nostalgia was born.  

Nostalgia is defined by the webster dictionary as, “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.” Isaiah embodies this in every dynamic of his artistry. Whether its dope production which brings forth feelings of euphoria, lyrics that take you to a better place, or his warm, carefree, laid back, and comedic personality Isaiah’s music is sure to give you “Nostalgia.” “I Want music to be like a hug, like therapy,” Isaiah says in an interview held at his alma Mata, Albright College. Nostalgia is looking to have a project drop this coming winter, so be on the lookout for good vibes near you.  

Emerging on the scene with lyricism that boasts truthful emotional drive and quick-witted mindfulness, Odyssey comes from the streets of Philly as a natural born rapper. Odyssey began releasing music in 2015 with the project Me:2015, which set the tone for his versatile brand of rapping. That same year he was featured as a collaborative writer for the album, ‘Our evoL Child’, by Kazh. Since, he has been releasing singles such as ‘Waterfall’ and ‘Peas in a Pod’ as a tease for a bigger project to come.

Born Marcus Vargas, he would have to sneak rap and hip-hop into his house due to his parent’s lack of understanding for the art that a young Odyssey was indulging in. His journey began as Odyssey when he had to present a project for his class in high school about Homer’s Epic, The Odyssey. Instead of creating a PowerPoint like the rest of his classmates, he took to what he had been studying in secret. When the day came to present, he got in front of his class and performed his rap. As he finished the last bars the room fell silent and erupted in a burst of applause. Since then, he has recognized the power his words have to influence others and has been fine tuning his craft since to become Odyssey.

Odyssey’s inspiration comes from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Anderson.Paak, and Mac Miller. However, with the passing of the late Mac Miller, Odyssey has recently been inspired to take on new projects with a re-release of ‘Waterfall’ coming out soon with possibly much more to come. Mac had a big influence on Odyssey’s music career, often even being compared in rap stylings. After Mac’s passing Odyssey said in an interview that, “Mac was the reason I started rapping and was the fundamental to my maturing process and development as an artist and human being…Life is too short to mess around about the things you care about…I just want to make good truthful music”. The music that has influenced him can be heard in his voice and flow in his single “Waterfall”, in which Odyssey sends a message to the world, saying he will not swallow his pride and passion, but will spill it for everyone to hear.