Nashville-based singer-songwriter Onoleigh recently released the fiercly up-tempo dancefloor filler “Why Can’t We Dance”, which was co-written alongside Jonathan Wyndham & produced by 4x ACM nominee David Dorn.
This latest release centres around the rush of emotions that come from wanting to be in love. The song serves as a showcase for Onoleigh’s songwriting creativity & offers a chance for listeners to embrace a roaring anthem.
Onoleigh has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding the release of “Why Can’t We Dance” & the creative process behind the song. You can check out the full interview below.
Hey Onoleigh, thank you so much for this interview. Can you start by telling readers who might be unfamiliar with your music a little about yourself?
Onoleigh: I am a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, TN. I’m originally from a tiny town surrounded by cornfields in Illinois.
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Onoleigh: My passion for music goes back to my school talent shows, marching band, and even singing the national anthem at football games. Until I pursued a different career path in guidance counselling, I didn’t realize my true calling was music.
Have you always known that you wanted to pursue a career within the music industry?
Onoleigh: I didn’t realize music would be my career path until my senior year of college. At the time, I was studying social work at the University of Missouri and getting ready to take a full-time job as a guidance counsellor at a middle school. I absolutely loved working with the children, but I realized that while I was encouraging others to pursue their dreams I needed to do that as well. Music was really pulling at me and songwriting has always been an avenue for expressing myself, so I took the leap and moved to Nashville.
How would you currently describe your musical style?
Onoleigh: I try to not put my art in a box if I’m honest. For a long time, I would limit myself as to what I was creating because I was more worried about what it was than what it meant… I like a lot of different types of music, lots of which depend on the kind of mood I am in or even how I’m feeling that day.
You just released the new single “Why Can’t We Dance”. How did the inspiration for the song come together?
Onoleigh: This song was inspired by my live show. Performing is at the top of my list of favourite parts of this career path… so when I got to the studio that day, I wanted to write something that would kick off my show and set the scene for the remainder of my set.
You co-wrote the song alongside Jonathan Wyndham & produced by David Dorn. How did the idea for you to work alongside Jonathan & David come together & how did you find it?
Onoleigh: Lyrically, I went into the studio and told Jonathan that I was sick of all the love songs… I wanted a song that really emphasized living and had the hook “It’s not you, it’s not me, I just don’t want to be in love” and from there we came up with the super catchy melody that, in my opinion, literally makes you dance. I knew I had to cut this one as soon as possible. We decided to get a small group of players and let them quite literally rock out after I showed David the demo a year later. The guitar solo in the solo section was actually a one-take wonder! I’m very happy with how everything eventually turned out.
What does this song personally mean to you?
Onoleigh: I am very much an overthinker in life and this song is a reminder to just live in the moment and not worry too much about what’s to come. This song quite literally talks about how important it is to just have fun and leave it all out on the dance floor.
If listeners could take anything away from this song, what would you like it to be?
Onoleigh: Living in the moment is extremely important and we should all try to be more conscious about it as it can be especially hard these days. Living is fun when you let it.
Do you have any further releases planned for this year that you currently tell us about?
Onoleigh: I have two more singles called “Tightrope” & “Walls” which are set for release in the fall. They are much more vulnerable and songwriter-based, which I cannot wait for!
What advice would you offer to someone looking to pursue a career within the music industry?
Onoleigh: Consistency is more important than perfection, I would argue. The music industry is extremely passion-based and with that said, sometimes it’s really hard to emotionally show up every single day… we are only human. The important part is that you always show up and what you once thought was an imperfect mindset, can actually be creating some of your best work. It’s so dang tough but man, is it worth it.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Onoleigh: Try to always be kinder than you feel…you never know the impact you can have on someone that day.
You can check out the official video for “Why Can’t We Dance” below or listen on more platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 