Since releasing her debut single “Ghost Stories” in 2021, Onoleigh has been on quite an incredible career path. She has worked with some of who’s who in the music industry from John Oates (Hall & Oates) to Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift) and Producer Brandon Hood (Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts), had her song “Sunshine & Lemonade” included on the soundtrack for the movie “Gringa” and was featured in CMT, The Boot, Taste of Country and MusicRow. Today she follows her dance-floor anthem “Why Can’t We Dance” with the release of her latest and very personal single “Tightrope” available here.
We recently caught up with Onoleigh to talk about her musical journey, John Oates and the new single.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
O: My name is Onoleigh and I am a singer-songwriter, currently living in Nashville TN! I am from a tiny cornfield-surrounded town in Illinois. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Social Work and went on to work in a middle school as a guidance counselor. After encouraging my students to follow their dreams, I realized I wasn’t doing just that for myself.
With that in mind, I dropped everything and made the move to Nashville where I have led a career in music ever since.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
O: Stevie Nicks and Brandi Carlile have had a heavy influence on me both personally and as an artist. They have both led paths of brilliance and created music that mends the soul. I hope to have a similar impact on my listeners.
CN: On October 6 you are set to release your new single “Tightrope” – a song about the struggle to find a balance in life as you’re chasing after your dreams – something that is very relatable to anyone who has a goal they are striving towards but still have to deal with the day-to-day along the way. Can you share your inspiration behind the song?
O: Just like you said, there is a constant struggle to find balance in day-to-day life while trying to execute a long-term dream. Artistry is a way in which you just become after a while and it’s weird and messy and absolutely not linear. I wrote this song because I needed to write it, not like many other songs where I wanted to. I actually felt this song in the depths of my soul and used it to verbally sort out some of the turmoil going on inside my head… Since writing it, I turn it on to validate what I’m feeling. Growing up is hard… and completely unpredictable, and I think everyone can relate to that.
CN: You co-wrote the track with Kenny Foster, who also sings harmony. What was it like to work with Kenny in writing the song and then in the studio?
O: I met Kenny Foster on a writer’s round playing at the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival a few years back. Following that performance, we scheduled a write. I have the confidence to write from a more vulnerable place because of him, and “Tightrope” marks the beginning of doing more of that. Because I am an extremely sentimental person, I felt it was absolutely necessary to have him sing harmonies on the final master. He is a professional in the studio as well… the man listened to the track through only a couple of times and created some fantastic harmonies. The song is almost mixed like a duet- I’m extremely proud of how it turned out sonically, but also of what it represents.
CN: Do you often pull inspiration from personal events in your life when writing?
O: Writing music is how I make sense of the world around me, so a lot of my songwriting reflects the process of me “figuring it out.”
CN: Early in September you opened up for none other than the John Oates at CMA Theatre. What was that evening like?
O: That night is forever branded in my brain. The CMA theater is already such an iconic venue so that in itself was so very special. On top of that, opening for the one and only John Oates was surreal. His fan base is so loyal and they were so inviting to me and my guitarist, Paul Sidoti.
CN: You have collaborated with John in the past – who has nothing but incredible praise for you – but what did it mean to you as a songwriter to be on the same bill as one of music’s most iconic songwriters and in that venue?
O: John is so down to earth that I often forget just how iconic he is when collaborating with him. He is a well of stories and songs and learning from a legend like him is something I will never get used to or take for granted. It has been a pleasure to not only collaborate with him but truly get to know him as the wonderful human that he is.
CN: Speaking of venues, you have performed on some incredible stages including the legendary Bluebird Café and most recently you had your own Artist in Residence at Nashville’s Virgin Hotel. What is your favorite thing about performing live with such intimate audiences?
O: I love the element of surprise at my shows… when every audience is different, the show can move in a direction that is only apparent from moment to moment. I rarely have a set list; I like to feel through things with my audience. There is something so special about a room of 60 vs. 6,000. I love to hear about where people came from and ultimately how music has saved them, just like me.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
O: Chris Stapleton or Marcus King.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
O: Sam Smith in Chicago, IL. I loved his early album In the Lonely Hour.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
O: Empathetic. I have a very strong ability to feel with people, and not for them. I use this word as a descriptive trait because it very much infiltrates every aspect of my life. I have had to learn how to be productive with this trait, as it used to control me, but I have learned over the years that it only makes me a better friend, person, and songwriter.
CN: Where can fans catch you on the road this fall?
O: I will be playing for the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on October 17th, so come out and catch the game! I am currently working on many fall dates and as always, come see me at the Virgin Hotel every Friday.
CN: What’s cookin’ for 2024?
O: Lots of new music and shows!!
CN: Thank you Onoleigh!
O: THANK YOU! You can follow my musical journey via Instagram, Facebook & TikTok
Pre-save “Tightrope” here.
For more information on Onoleigh, visit her website www.onoleigh.com.