Alt-RnB/Soul Duo The O'My's Reflect on Connection and Isolation With Their New Single "Lonely"
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Soulful Chicago-based duo The O’My’s return with new single “Lonely”—their first release of the year and a teaser of more music to come later this fall via ADA / Warner Music Group. Singer-guitarist Maceo Vidal-Haymes and multi-instrumentalist Nick Hennessey celebrate intimate connection on the new track, while the upcoming body of work will further delve into the human experience, interaction and its absence.
“Lonely” has an inescapable warmth in its endearing sound. Written over a concentrated period of isolation during the pandemic, it channels their raw introspection and emotion into blissful motifs. The comforting falsetto harmonies sung by Vidal-Haymes glide over a gentle yet rich drum groove as tasteful brass instruments garnish the essence of the song. All these textures come together impeccably to embolden the duo's message of community and compassion as Vidal-Haymes croons on the bridge, “You make me better than I ever was without you.”
Vidal-Haymes states, “Lonely is not simply a love song but an affirmation of the healing and transformative power of relationships and love. During the pandemic we learned to depend on and make space for ourselves. The isolation allowed for us to take away distractions and hone in on our intentions and identity. By that same token, the pandemic’s isolation forced us to not only reflect on ourselves but also on those people in our lives that bring us love, strength and compassion.” He adds, “We hope listeners take away the understanding that we cannot make it in this world alone. The work of living a good life starts within but needs companionship and community to flourish.”
“Lonely” came to fruition in 2020, first with the chords and then a verse from Vidal-Haymes. During a writing session at home, Hennessy developed the bridge chords and Maceo finished the lyrics with help from Pivot Crew member Frsh Waters. They would then spend the next year creating multiple productions for the song and with each rewrite Vidal-Haymes and Hennessey pushed their boundaries to the next level. Surviving through the pandemic with the power of music, the two challenged themselves with unfiltered artistic expressions that served as a savior. Vidal-Haymes says their new music “incorporates what we have learned as growing producers, writers, and men but at its core it’s what has always made The O’My’s.”
Hennessey notes, “Early in the process of writing this song we knew it was a special one. The question was where do we want to take it production wise? Most of the time that’s the biggest challenge. The more that you love a song it starts to become this precious thing sitting on a pedestal. But it’s not actually done yet, it’s a beautiful song for sure, but where do we want to take it and the listener sonically? Several productions later we can safely say that ‘Lonely’ has found its home in this iteration.”
Their forthcoming project promises to reach new heights in light of the trials and tribulations throughout the last two years, bringing forward their refined sound of evocative soul music.
Listen to “Lonely” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with The "O’My’s on their website and social media.