Onoleigh Talks About The Nashville Music Scene, And Her New Single ‘Why Can’t We Dance’

Her new song is incredible!

Since her music debut back in 2021, Onoleigh has consistently been releasing bops. Today, she released a single titled ‘Why Can’t We Dance’. And we honestly think it’s her best yet.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Onoleigh about performing live, her favorite song she’s released so far, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

O: “Growing up, music was a huge part of my life and a source of confidence for me. Music gave me purpose, whether it was in band, chorus, or singing the national anthem at a football game. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in social work, I interned as a middle school guidance counselor. I would tell my students every day to dream big and do what scares them the most… at that moment I realized I was being very hypocritical and not doing just that. I decided to live by example, I made the move to Nashville where I literally found myself within the lifestyle. In hindsight, I feel that I was being pushed towards music as a career my whole life.”

Tell us more about your amazing new single ‘Why Can’t We Dance’.

O: “Why Can’t We Dance” was written during a very pivotal time in my life when I just wanted to go out and have a good time with friends and not get into anything serious or long-term. The lyrics very much inspired the rhythm of the anthem because I wanted a song that literally made you want to dance when it came on.”

What is your songwriting process usually like?

O: “My process has changed quite a bit over the years. Rather than determining what art is before it is
created, I now nurture the art that emerges. I used to have a title in mind when I began, but realized by
reaching for a specific “hook” I was cutting off the potential for the art to become what it’s intended to be. I now walk in with a concept, discuss it with my cowriters, and then we begin writing.”

If you had to choose, what has been your favorite song you have released so far and why?

O: “My favorite song currently released has to be “Beautifully Broken.” Since it came out, I have had a lot of people tell me the song impacted them in some way. The song was my first original release, and it gave me enough confidence to start releasing more.”

How would you personally describe the music scene in Nashville?

O: “Nashville may be labeled as a large city, but being a part of the music scene makes it feel like a small
town. Once you find your niche, especially in songwriting, there are no bounds as to who you can
collaborate with as everyone is very close. Opportunity comes when you least expect it and usually in the
most random ways. I’ve personally had an experience where I met someone early on in my musical
endeavors and it wasn’t until recently did we finally collaborate. The art will find a way, you just have to
put yourself out there and keep your mind wide open.”

What do you love the most about performing live?

O: “There is nothing quite like the high of performing live. It sounds cliché but the stage is actually the one place on this planet I completely feel myself, free from insecurity, sorrow, or worry. The energy of the
room mixed with the thrill of the music transcends me to a different place in my mind. It is also one of the
few places I am completely present for; no matter what is going on in my life, it all washes away the
moment the band kicks in.”

If you could collab with any music artist, who would it be and why?

O: “I would love to collaborate with the one and only Brandi Carlile. She embodies a perfect balance between powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Her songs have left me with a better understanding of the world around me… something I hope to provide for others too. Mix that with her angelic voice and amazing stage presence and I believe we’d have a fantastic collaboration.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

O: “You can follow my journey via Instagram, Facebook & TikTok and stream my music on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, & Pandora.”

Make sure to stream ‘Why Can’t We Dance’, available now on all music platforms!

Photo Credits: Ann Allister

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.