Over these last few months, emerging duo Oh Buddy! have been quick to establish themselves on the international scene. And with their recent debut EP ‘Where All Your Ends Just Meet’ continuing that vibrant ascent, they are back once again with their captivating new single ‘Home Is Where You Are’.
So we decided to join them in conversation to find out more about their background, as well as what they have planned next.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
Chase: I was born in Birmingham, AL but grew up in Denver where we both met as 5th graders. When I was 8, my neighbor was a retired school teacher who was learning drums and I remember seeing her Neil Peart size drum set and saying “I want to do that.” So I got her instructor’s number, called him up, and the rest is history.
Conor: Before moving to Denver and meeting Chase, I grew up in New Jersey and fell deeply in love with music at an early age. My mom was pretty instrumental in my discovery of music and introduced me to incredible singers early on. We listened to Rod Stuart, and Luther Vandross a lot growing up. She also bought me my first guitar when I was 12 and it was off to the races after that!
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Chase: Early on it was The Beatles and John Mayer. Nowadays I am moved by the intersection of good songwriting and pop musicality so artists like Harry Styles, Parcels, Leisure, and Jungle.
Conor: When I was learning to play guitar, I was very influenced by bands like The Allman Brothers Band and Journey. Regarding songwriting and what’s really moving me now, I’ve been really into The 1975, and pretty much all of female pop. They are kicking so much ass right now, it’s amazing.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
Chase: I think as high schoolers we had bands that we felt like could be good if everyone else wanted it as much as we did, but I would say not until we started our band in college did we really take it super seriously. We got our first booking agent and started touring super early and that really grew our experience.
Conor: I would totally agree. I think Chase and I also had some very formative experiences just writing music together during Covid that absolutely shaped a new idea of what could be possible for us with music and pop.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Chase: We work differently which is great but lately I feel like it’s a groove or simple chords and some gibberish. Then over the course of that initial listen comes lots of flowing lyrics. It always is a little different, but this is a general idea.
Conor: We just got back from an amazing writers trip, and I feel like we totally flipped the script on everything. In the past, a lot of it has just been refining ideas from a stream of consciousness. Lately though, I have been having a lot of success on just being super intentional in what I’m trying to say. It sounds obvious, but it’s a welcomed change for sure.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Chase: By listening to other artists, watching movies, reading, and honestly having your ears open when out in the world. Sometimes someone might tell a particular interesting story or have a unique way of saying a phrase that can start a whole song.
Conor: Musically, I’ve been having a lot of fun playing with some 80’s inspired colors and sounds. There are so many natural ways we are seeing those things work well with our music. Lyrically, there is so much going on in our lives and the world as a whole. It’s really been impossible to not have something to draw from.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Chase: Positivity, but on a deeper level. I think duality exists a lot in our music and with that comes a complex shade of happiness. One that is informed and experienced, but still optimistic.
Conor: Absolutely. This idea of duality in our music and lyrics has been a theme that has bubbled up for us in a big way. Especially in this process of writing our new record.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Chase: A lot. Over the years when we toured in other bands it was grueling playing to no one and working that up to a crowd. Now we experience the heat of constant social media creation and attempting to break through the noise, but in an earnest way.
Conor: Those are for sure big challenges right now. I also think that lately, we have constantly stripping away at the real “us” if that makes sense? How can we go deeper? How can we be more vulnerable and more “real”? All these types of questions are ones we ask ourselves all the time, and they continue to push us to get better.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Chase: Seeing people find our music somehow and then connect with it. Ultimate win is when they share it with others, come to a show, and know the lyrics. Huge win all around there.
Conor: Absolutely. There is another layer to this which is just the ultimate creative freedom of being a duo. It’s been a totally liberating experience as of late, and we have been enjoying the hell out of that.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Chase: By remembering it’s a journey and not a race. Taking inspiration, but also finding your own lane, which at times can be difficult. Ultimately, whatever you create is “your sound” so not being afraid of things that feel challenging or new.
Conor: I think it’s navigating the balance between being firm in your vision and knowing where there is room to compromise. It takes a strong vision and wisdom to break into this game, and we are always working towards that. It’s the dream baby.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Chase: We are working on a lot of new music with some incredible producers and really hoping to play some shows at some point next year which is an amazing feat to look forward to.
Conor: Touring is definitely on the horizon, but our main priority as Chase mentioned is finishing this record and really digging in deep.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Chase: Making people dance their ass off in some big rooms. I think if we can cut through and find our fans whatever else we want to do musically will be the cherry on top.
Conor: Couldn’t agree more. Taking this thing out on the road is something we are chomping at the bit to do. We miss that rush and doing it with this new music is going to feel so exciting.
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Listen to Oh Buddy!’s new single ‘Home Is Where You Are’ below.
