Soul and country don’t seem like a natural music marriage, but Blake O’Connor has brought these genres together for his latest single “Soul Feeling.” I didn’t expect it to work as well as it does, but this is actually brilliant. Just see if you’re not tapping your toes along by the end of it.
“I wrote ‘Soul Feeling’ right around the time when I was heavily listening to a lot of soul-inspired music, and watching a bunch of old videos of the Muscle Shoal Swampers, who were the original rhythm section for Sound Studios,” Blake explained. “That whole era of music is very inspiring to me, from the musical approach to the way they got their sounds in the studio! And when I sat down to write this song, all I could think about was how the upbeat soul songs of that era made you feel.”
Blake gave his hometown of Port Macquarie a retro makeover for the fun video. Set in the local laundromat, it’s such a fabulous throwback.
Blake had to cut his tour with Diesel short due to the unfolding COVID situation, but hopefully it won’t be too long before we see him back on the road.
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
Blake O’Connor has dropped his first new music since winning the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent last year. His new song “Willin’ and Ready” is a feel-good slice of country-rock. It instantly won me over with its infectious energy.
The single came out of songwriting sessions with Aussie country power couple, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont. Superstar producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Bruce Springsteen) and Adam Eckersley then produced the track at Nick’s Byron Bay studio. The song’s video clip features footage from that studio session.
“It has been an awesome journey to bring this song to life,” Blake said. “From writing to recording it has been a high-energy process that really comes out in the song.” Reflecting on the lyrics he explained, “This is where I am at right now. I’m young, ambitious and I’m always on the move with my music.”
Despite COVID restrictions, Blake has been busy touring as far as he can. He’ll soon wrap up the Silver Linings tour with Sinead Burgess before heading on the road with Diesel, then playing his own solo shows. Catch him wherever you can at the following gigs.
13 February 2021 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton (with Sinead Burgess)
5 March 2021 – Centro CBD, Wollongong (with Sinead Burgess)
23 April 2021 – Coffs Golf Club, Coffs Harbour (with Diesel)
24 April 2021 – Maclean Bowls, Maclean (with Diesel)
13 May 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba
14 May 2021 – Fitzys Loganholme, Loganholme (with Diesel)
16 May 2021 – The Royal, Nundah (with Diesel)
21 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Diesel)
22 May 2021 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote (with Diesel)
28 May 2021 – Spring Lakes Hotel, Springfield Lakes (with Diesel)
29 May 2021 – Bribie Island Hotel, Bribie Island
11 June 2021 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (with Diesel)
12 June 2021 – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville (with Diesel)
13 June 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with Diesel)
16 June 2021 – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton (with Diesel)
17 June 2021 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone (with Diesel)
18 June 2021 – Bay Central Tavern, Harvey Bay (with Diesel)
25 June 2021 – Moonshiners, Tamworth
26 June 2021 – Wauchope RSL, Wauchope
1 July 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
2 July 2021 – Windsor RSL, Windsor
3 July 2021 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
