The Man in the Hat Comes Back

The Way We Roll

A tech journalist, by day, a musician by night Steve O'Hear is a quietly confident disabled person, all the time. Earlier this year, Steve released an album entitled, ‘Between Floors’. After a few listens, Simon and Phil decided that they needed to have a chat with the man in the hat.
Steve has a large presence in the niche field of tech finance journalism. He's been working from home (effectively shielding) way before it became commonplace. It means he's adept at networking and good at developing leads from afar, but he does wonder if he's missed opportunities by not actually being in the room.
What is striking is Steve's approach to disability, how he presents, and thinks, about himself. He cites a conundrum - those who get entirely involved in disability rights, well, that's a loss of their skills and talents in other areas, right? However, if you don't get involved, you don't step up, are you really making a difference? Is what you’re doing instead, truly worthwhile? Steve, Simon and Phil explore the pros and cons of being a ‘normal' and a ‘professional’ disabled person.
Steve explains music is his best friend. He was in a band at University and played the clubs. Years later, he got the band back together and they’ve made the album they didn't have the time, money or equipment to make whilst at University. Steve talks us through the process, his influences and the stories behind the songs from the reformed band, now called Otis Max Load and the Thirteen People.

Twitter Tech Crunch

Twitter Personal
Steve’s Website

Spotify In Between Floors

Apple Music In Between Floors

YouTube Trailer

Chapter

1. Introductions (00:00:13)

2. Early Years (00:04:44)

3. Disability and all that Jazz (00:10:16)

4. Music is my best friend (00:26:37)

5. Music clip "The Bump" (00:29:38)

6. Music clip "Walk in the Park" (00:39:37)

7. It's a Wrap (00:40:22)