Mahomet Native Onoleigh Releases Genre-Bending Single “Drink And Cry”
Country-pop sensation Onoleigh officially released her new single, “Drink And Cry,” on September 20.
The emerging Nashville artist, originally from Mahomet, blends her country roots with modern pop production, creating a standout track that captures the emotional complexity of post-breakup heartache. Produced by Grammy-nominated Emile Ghantous, “Drink And Cry” showcases Onoleigh’s dynamic vocals and her ability to fuse genres in a fresh and powerful way.
“‘Drink and Cry’ was written in LA with LA-based writers, so naturally it took more of a pop shape,” Onoleigh shared in a recent interview. “Once we had the bones set, I wanted to balance the genres by incorporating organic instrumentation and keeping the reverence for country music.”
The track was co-written by Onoleigh, along with top-tier songwriters Josh Goode, a two-time Emmy Award-winner, and Sam SZND, a four-time Platinum songwriter known for his work with NCT Dream. The song’s foundation was laid during writing sessions in Los Angeles, but it came to life when Nashville’s best musicians added their signature sound.
“After we wrote and structured the song in LA, I felt it was necessary to bring on some of Nashville’s best musicians to bring the song to life,” Onoleigh explained.
A Powerful Collaboration with Emile Ghantous
The collaboration with Ghantous marks his first Nashville-based project and has helped push Onoleigh’s music in bold new directions. Known for his work with some of pop music’s biggest stars (Pitbull, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony), Ghantous brought an energetic, modern twist to the single’s production.
“Emile is very talented,” Onoleigh said. “The way that man’s brain works is like none I had experienced prior. He has a way of hearing the potential production of a song even before any instruments have been laid down. From the moment I walked into the studio on our first session, he would push me to try things I hadn’t ever thought I was capable of doing in the vocal booth—I really feel I have grown as an artist because of his faith in my abilities.”
The single’s instrumentation, which starts with a soulful banjo, builds into a powerful blend of country and pop, illustrating the emotional tension of moving on from a relationship that isn’t good for you.
“I feel the best music really comes from an honest place, and earlier this year, I was first-hand experiencing the pain of knowing someone isn’t good for you but having a hard time getting your heart to agree,” Onoleigh said. “This song was tough to write because I wanted to encapsulate the exact feeling I was experiencing at the time. I believe we did just that.”
A Growing Fanbase and Future Projects
With over 500,000 career streams and 30,000 social media followers, Onoleigh has been making waves in both the country and pop scenes. She’s opened for the legendary John Oates and has been featured in publications like CMT, The Boot, Taste of Country, and MusicRow. “Drink And Cry” is already garnering attention, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
“I think ‘Drink and Cry’ specifically will be exciting for my listeners because it’s got a familiar darkness, but a refreshing energy to it,” she said. “This single feels different because I am finally at an age where I know what I want to say and, through experience, how to go about saying it.”
“Drink And Cry” is part of a five-song EP that Onoleigh plans to release early next year. She believes this project will time-stamp her current stage of artistry, offering a deeper look at her evolution as both a songwriter and performer.
Roots in Mahomet
For Onoleigh, her hometown of Mahomet has played a significant role in shaping her career and keeping her grounded through the journey.
“The support that has come from Mahomet is something I will never take for granted,” she said. “Being from a small town, I always feel very grounded. I think growing up in the cornfields gave me a perspective that I carry with me every day.”
“Drink And Cry” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
