In a world where most artists choose one lane, Harry Edgar Palacio refuses to stay in any. Known musically as Oregon Kool-aid, this Dominican-Colombian creative force has carved out a space that’s entirely his own—fusing underground indie rock, avant-garde literature, and provocative fine art into a body of work that defies easy categorization.
Palacio isn’t just a musician—he’s a movement. His breakout single “Coral Relief” reached #1 on the Luxembourg music charts and marked him as a global talent to watch. He has performed alongside Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated legends, including Ari Up of The Slits and former members of The Raincoats. These punk rock pioneers—once heralded by Kurt Cobain—saw in Palacio what so many others have: a raw, honest spirit who creates from the soul.
While some artists chase record deals, Harry was offered them. Major labels like Atlantic and Interscope Records saw his potential. Yet he chose to remain true to his underground roots, keeping creative control over his sound and direction. His discography, now 10 albums deep, explores everything from mythology and ritual to mental health and metaphysical journeys. Albums like Legba’s Nymphs, Behead the Satyr, and Satanic Church Music are more than music—they’re sonic art installations.
But his artistry doesn’t end with music.
Palacio is also an award-winning author with multiple critically acclaimed books, including Ambrosia, Sutras of Tiny Jazz, and Lazarus at His Desk. His writing—poetic, mystical, often surreal—has earned recognition from the Fjords Review, Quartz Literary Prize, and Willow Run Book Award. His prose-poetry has appeared in over 75 literary journals, solidifying his voice in both underground and academic circles.
As if that weren’t enough, Harry’s visual art has made waves globally. His work has been featured on the covers of Blotter Rag Magazine and Bellevue Review, and in over a dozen niche art magazines like The Bitchin’ Kitsch and Suburban Witchcraft. From New York City to the UK, Dominican Republic, and Italy, his pieces have graced galleries like Graffik Gallery, School of Visual Arts, and Paul Robeson Gallery.
He’s a former music journalist for Popfadblog, a seasoned college radio DJ, and a documented bibliophile—having read over 5,070 books, making him one of the top 50 readers globally. His obsession with knowledge is matched only by his drive to create and connect.
Perhaps what makes Harry most remarkable isn’t just the depth of his work—but the strength of his spirit. Living with schizoaffective disorder, he’s not just navigating multiple creative careers—he’s navigating a challenging mental health condition with fierce honesty. As a BIPOC artist, he uses his identity as fuel, not limitation.
Whether he’s performing at Paramount Theater in NYC, publishing a new book, or painting for an international gallery, Harry Edgar Palacio proves that boundaries are meant to be broken—and that true artistry knows no limits.
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/oregon-kool-aid/1622383995
