Catch Of The Week: Ohyah
Meet the duo Ohyah, from Boston
Good friends Shaq and Ry (aka: Ohyah) describe their sound as “summer sun, shades on, windows down.” A few seconds into their new release, “No Release” and there is no doubt this duo has hit their target. And has a potential summer hit in their hands.
The crafty, catchy, feel-good vibe here, feels universal. You can almost hear it in a beach parking lot, as those thirsting for a sandy escape grab their summer essentials out of the trunk. The music of Ohyah could certainly slide into both country and pop categories. After all, when you are seeking “good vibrations” the genre lines become blurred.
Ohyah is on to something. And that something may be what we’ve all been looking forward to for so long. It’s that feeling of lightness, fun, being carefree, if only for a short time. Escape. That’s what we’ve been craving. And here it is.
Recorded in Boston, “No Release” cleverly plays on the fishing terms, “catch and release. “And ironically, the music of Ohyah is just the release from reality we’ve been hoping to catch.
Hook, line and sinker.
Listen to Ohyah
According to Shaq and Ry, “No Release” is about meeting someone new and “waiting for the big moment to happen.” When It does, it’s never quite what you had expected. This original song was written after a friend of the duo went through this and they realized it’s a place most of us have been before.
Ohyah Answers
Members: Shaq and Ry
From: Boston, MA.
Grew up in: (Shaq) Jerusalem, Israel. (Ry) Norfolk, MA.
Current single: “No Release”
What lead you to music: (Shaq) My parents are both musicians, so it was the natural path for me! (Ry) *Same answer as Shaq*
How old when you started: (Shaq) 10. (Ry) 10.
First country song you learned: (Ry) One Line Wonder – The Avett Brothers. (Shaq) Crushin’ it – Brad Paisley
Instruments played: (Ry) Vocals, Guitar, Bass. (Shaq) Vocals, Drums, Guitar, Bass.
Who inspires you?: Keith Urban, Oasis, Kacey Musgraves, Sure Sure, Sheryl Crow, Bahamas (& many others)
If you are a band, how did you get your name?: People kept asking us if “Shaq” and “Ry” were our real names, so eventually we came up with an answer; OHYAH.
Awards/accolades: Coming soon!
Dream duet partner(s): Paul McCartney, Keith Urban, Ed Sheeran, Scott Avett, Beck
What songs do you like now on Country 102.5?: Still The One – Shania Twain
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: (Shaq) Chef. (Ry) Basketball Player
Day job: (Shaq) Sound engineer/Music Producer. (Ry) Mover
Most Proud Moment: (Ry) Getting “No Release” Out there! (Shaq) Submitting our first single “Outta My Mind (Ohyah!)” for release!
Crazy thing that happened in your music career: (Ry) Opening for Dropkick Murphys. (Shaq) Playing the 1025 Street Party twice!
Other things you like to do: (Shaq) Cooking, fly fishing, traveling. (Ry) Basketball, wakesurfing, roller coasters.
Name at least 3 frivolous fun facts about you: (Shaq) I love heavy metal, and I have three citizenships/passports! (Ry) I have a smile on my knuckle, and Shaq and I met at Loretta’s Last Call!
Mantra: You’ve gotta Burrata
Upcoming dates: TBD! Check out our socials for upcoming events/releases!
Ohyah Network
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: [email protected]
