Ozuna with his new champagne brand, Vocation. Processed with VSCO with g6pro preset
Puerto Rico reggaeton star Ozuna is joining a long, storied tradition of musicians with their alcohol brands with the launch of his luxury champagne, Vocation.
“Vocation is a Blanc de Noirs, made exclusively with 60% Pinot Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir black grapes. It is currently available for sale in Puerto Rico and San Martín, distributed by CC1 Companies; New York; New Jersey; and Miami, with distribution plans next year in various states of the United States and in the Dominican Republic,” according to a press release.
As is well known, music and alcohol can go together like, well music and fashion, music and trashing hotel rooms used to (of course there are many musicians who choose to be sober today, which is great for them).
But for those who like to indulge they are part of a long storied history that includes the great jazz artists who played the Cotton Club in Harlem in the 1920s, Frank Sinatra and his relationship with Jack Daniels and of course the wild partying rock ‘n’ roll days of the 70s and 80s.
Of course of late alcohol brands have been more associated with pop and rap stars, including Diddy and his Ciroc brand; Jay-Z, who recently sold his share of D’USSE Cognac to Bacardi; Post Malone, Maison 9 Wine, and others.
So Ozuna is in good company. I spoke with him exclusively about what champagne means to him, how the new business will inspire his music and more.
Steve Baltin: What does champagne represent to you?
Ozuna: I’m a wine lover in general, and after touring vineyards through Europe and really learning about the process of making champagne specifically, I was hooked. This started as a hobby and creative outlet and now it represents something groundbreaking. To me, champagne is celebratory. And I’m celebrating making this move into owning my own brand of champagne, and turning my passion into something so much bigger.
Baltin: Every artist I talk to who does ventures outside of music says it influences them musically. Like ASAP Rocky with fashion or musicians who paint. So does the creativity and business of doing your own champagne influence you musically?
Ozuna: Oh absolutely. Everything is intertwined. Music is reflective of my life, my passions, my highs, my lows… and building a business and having a new creative outlet, this only helps me to gain new inspiration for my music. Art is everywhere. Even the Vocation bottle is a work of art and a creative outlet for me. Every detail of Vocation, from grape to cork has been a labor of love and artistry. The same as my music, no detail is overlooked.
Baltin: What are the three best songs to listen to while drinking the champagne?
Ozuna: Jay Z ft Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” Future ft Drake, “Life is Good” and
Rihanna, “Diamonds.”
Baltin: Are there artists that inspire you in the way they have gone from music to business?
Ozuna: I’ve worked with so many incredible people throughout my career so far who have made the leap to business owners. And I look (as a fan) at what artists like Jay-Z are out there doing, or Pharrell. They’re so inspiring, out there building brands from the ground up, investing in themselves, growing wealth. I see them, and I am certainly inspired!