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MUSIC CITY MEMO: Onoleigh Explores Post-Breakup Turmoil in Country/Pop “Drink and Cry”

This Power-House Vocalist Teamed Up With Grammy-Nominated Producer Emile Ghantous And Hitmakers Josh Goode And Sam SZND




NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Sept. 20, 2024) – Onoleigh released her dynamic single “Drink And Cry,” today, Friday, September 20. The track was produced and co-written by Grammy-nominated Emile Ghantous (Chris Brown, Pitbull, Fifth Harmony, Celina Sharma) along with hitmakers Josh Goode (2x Emmy award-winning songwriter) and Sam SZND (4x Platinum songwriter, NCT Dream’s “Glitch Mode”). This single represented a fresh chapter of songwriting evolution in Onoleigh’s musical journey.

 

Recorded at the historic Layman Drug Company in Nashville, the single opens with a soulful banjo before diving into the emotional turbulence of post-breakup heartache. Its confessional lyrics and genre-blending production highlight Onoleigh‘s ability to fuse country roots with pop sensibilities. “Drink And Cry” was crafted between the sun-soaked studios of Los Angeles and Nashville’s historic session players.

 

‘Drink And Cry’ is about how you can swear you’re so over your ex, but the moment you have one too many drinks on a Saturday night, you’re going to want to call them and end up right back where you started,” said Onoleigh. “I said to my cowriters, ‘no one will ever have to worry about me drinking and driving, but they will have to worry about me Drinking And Crying!'”

 

Onoleigh‘s journey to LA for a writing trip with Emile Ghantous (Pitbull, Chris Brown, Boys II Men) resulted in his first Nashville-based project. Together, the two churned out a collection of songs that perfectly encapsulated the sound she had been working toward: high-energy, explosive pop production coupled with heartfelt country lyrics. Topped, of course, by Onoleigh’s signature powerhouse vocals. Back in Nashville, Onoleigh added her touch of roots-rock infused instrumentation to the songs with the help of some of Nashville’s most acclaimed studio musicians. 

 

Originally from Mahomet, IL, Onoleigh’s musical path began at 16, performing cover songs for tourists in Nashville. She quickly gained a reputation for her commanding stage presence and stunning vocals. Since then, she’s opened for John Oates at CMA Theatre and been featured in CMTThe BootTaste of Country and MusicRow.


Connect with Onoleigh

 

 


About Onoleigh

Onoleigh knows what she wants to say. The 26-year-old Mahomet, IL, native has spent the past few years in Nashville honing her sound and mastering her craft, but her story had begun years before. As early as 16, Onoleigh began making frequent trips to Music City, where she was quickly accepted into the Broadway circuit. She cut her teeth playing cover songs for tourists, and learned to keep their attention with her powerful stage presence and stunning vocals. Early champions including singer/songwriter John Oates (of Hall & Oates) and session musician David Dorn helped her build her creative communities and find her voice in the writing room.

 

Fast forward to 2024, and Onoleigh travelled to LA for a writing trip with hit-making writer/ producer Emile Ghantous (Pitbull, Chris Brown, Boys II Men). Together, the two churned out a collection of songs that perfectly encapsulated the sound Onoleigh had been working toward: high-energy, explosive pop production coupled with heartfelt country lyrics. Topped, of course, by Onoleigh’s signature powerhouse voice. Back in Nashville, Onoleigh added her beloved organic instrumentation to the songs with the help of some of Nashville’s most acclaimed studio musicians. And now, all that’s left to do is to share this music with the world. Her first single from the project, “Higher Standards,” released in August 2024, and her current single, “Drink And Cry,” is out now.

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