Dublin-based Onemac Project is a collaborative endeavour between songwriter Michael MacMahon and singer-songwriter James O’Conner, who combine to present a fusion of local and international influences, crafting music that connects with a global audience. Both accomplished artists in their own right, Michael MacMahon is an award-winning songwriter, DJ and producer, and James O’Conner is a seasoned singer-songwriter and recording artist with an impressive track record, including two critically acclaimed albums and a Top Ten success in Ireland.
Their journey as Onemac Project began in 2021 with the release of their debut single “Day by Day,” followed up by a string of well-received songs. The year 2023 marked a prolific period for the duo as they embarked on a weekly songwriting collaboration, resulting in enough material for three full albums.
The debut album, The Hermit Speaks, has already struck a chord with fans around the world, with a sophomore release, The Hermit Burns Bridges, set to drop in April next year and an unnamed album following in September 2024. Bringing us a taste of their first full-length record, they share the song titled “It’s Payback Time,” a smooth rock pop jam full of vibrant instrumentation, catchy hooks and a superb vocal arrangement.
Channeling the laid back, smokey rock aesthetic of acts like Alabama 3, with “It’s Payback Time,” Onemac Project blends blues, rock, folk, pop and touches of jazz into a timeless and highly enjoyable sound. Brimming with memorable melodies, charming vocal performance and slick musicianship, “It’s Payback Time” serves up an engaging sound that’s at once familiar and entirely original.
Opened by gentle organ tones over the pulse of a drum beat, James O’Conner’s rich vocal leads enter to usher in a mellow sound of grooving bass lines, funky guitar rhythms and shuffling drums, joined by bright brass tones and stunning backing vocals in the chorus. Raising the energy from subdued delivery to bursts of of soulful impact, they craft a truly infectious sound.
It’s a stellar track that offers the perfect example of the songwriting prowess and performance panache of Onemac Project. With buckets of new material set to drop next year and beyond, the future looks bright for this exciting outfit.
Listen to It’s Payback Time below
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