OKKADY - Hey Darlin'

On Rotation: OKKADY "HEY DARLING" (EP)

Indie pop duo OKKADY, consisting of artists Keturah Church and Drew Frey, offers a vibrant debut with Hey Darlin’, a heartfelt exploration of personal reflection, love, and the sense of belonging. Obviously drawing inspiration from Nashville’s diverse music scene that values storytelling, OKKADY fuses dreamy, synth-driven indie pop with the warmth of country influences, creating a sound that truly bridges genres and is uniquely their own.

By the first few tracks, it’s obvious Hey Darlin’ delivers a unique blend of indie pop with a country twang, showcasing OKKADY’s ability to meld electronic elements with organic instrumentation. Tracks like “Wasting Time” highlight this fusion, combining electrifying guitar riffs, a driving drumbeat, and hand-clapping rhythms that add a lively, rock-infused edge. The production, full and layered, ensures each song has moments that are both expansive and intimate, striking a balance between modern pop sheen and the raw authenticity of country music. OKKADY’s sound feels like a perfect reflection of today’s Nashville, a melting pot of musical influences and rootsy charm.

Lyrically, Hey Darlin’ easily makes you feel seen, embodying the storytelling lyrics that Nashville is renowned for with imagery and personal emotion woven into every track. A standout song “Home” captures this perfectly, particularly in the poignant second verse that references a grandfather who “keeps holding on,” grounding the song in themes of family and the longing for a sense of home. This depth of narrative is present throughout the album, whether in the introspective yearning of “Hey Darlin’” or the anthemic, bittersweet reflection of “Wasting Time.” The duo’s lyrics are as memorable as their melodies, further evoking nostalgia and connection.

To put it simply, OKKADY’s debut album Hey Darlin’ is a stunning introduction to the duo’s artistry, blending indie pop’s allure with Nashville’s famous artistic storytelling in a way that feels fresh. Perfect for listeners that are ready to hear something that is finally sounding different, OKKADY’s genre-blending EP might just be on repeat.