Nashville Band Oracle Blue Releases New single, “Herbal Tea” features bass legend MonoNeon

Debuting March 12th*, Herbal Tea is about disconnecting from the online world that feeds anxiety, perfection, lavish lifestyles and just letting everything be.

Oracle Blue, a Neo-Soul, electronic music and Black American Music band, has been touring with numerous Grammy-winning acts for the past five years and winning numerous awards for their impeccable performances and
soulful songs. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, mental health has been a challenge for touring bands and musicians. Oracle Blue’s own mental
health was of the utmost importance as they struggled with a new life of virtual concerts, recording and maintaining creativity all at home.

“Over the course of quarantine I found myself spending more and more time on social media, feeling overwhelmed by the polarized opinions of others” says Liz. To cope with the adversities, they disconnected from social media to re-energize and “pour” into their recordings for 2021. “When I shifted my glance from the screen to my mental health, my panic attacks subsided, I had a clearer vision for my creative endeavors, and I felt more compassionate toward myself”, says Liz.

I chatted with the band via Q&A — Check out their responses below:

What was the most memorable moment while recording your new single “Herbaltea” ? Liz: I had a great time recording the track as we were also able to stay involved with the production. Zach had been tracking horns for a few days straight on the song in our little home studio, and I had this idea that he should take the entire horn section and gradually shift it up an octave to create a sort of Looney Tunes climax before the vamp at the end of the song. Zach and Justin both built a lot around that idea. I think that not only was it my favorite moment in the creation of the track, but also my favorite moment in the entire song!

Zach: Probably the day we got the bass part from MonoNeon and the drastic change in the song once we had it. We had simply reached out to see if he liked the song and then all of the sudden he sent back this amazing bass part that framed the entire song in a new light! We stayed up late listening and geeking out over what he had done and imagining how we’d use it, play off of it, produce around it, etc. A very exciting few days!

Music is sometimes the inspiration and motivation to spark change — Do you feel that this song will inspire listeners to disconnect and refocus?

Liz: I hope that each listener will take what they need from the song. I’m sometimes hesitant to push an intention behind what I write, because I feel like once I create something it’s meant to be carried by each person as they see fit. But I do hope that it inspires listeners to find validation from themselves instead of others, and to let go of the incredible stress of the past year that we’ve all had to carry — even if only for three minutes.

Zach: I feel like if people are really listening to the words then they’ll get exactly what they need from it. The way Liz writes leaves so much room for personal interpretations. Without being vague or generic, she seems to dance around the point she’s making while simultaneously giving you everything you need to figure out what she thinks the song is about. It’s almost like a riddle.

What is next for the group?

Liz: We have some talented artists lined up to remix “herbaltea”, a single coming up this spring with Charleston-based artist Oukuo, we’re collaborating on a song with Nashville R&B artist Brian Nathan, and currently wrapping up the writing for a full-length album! We’re also involved with an emerging media firm as sound designers, and are collaborating with a 3D printing company for a high-tech mask that I’ll be able to sing through on stage. All that to say, a lot is in the works, and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to say that during this hectic time!

Zach: Several collaborations with artists we admire and are privileged to call friends, working on finishing the writing for our upcoming album, continuing our plunge into the world of music tech and sound design, and working with some really amazing companies to make the life of the musician better!

What advice would you share with an artist who is unsure of their journey? Liz: Spend time with people who really know you. Meaningful art comes from a place of authenticity, so it’s important that we as artists surround ourselves with people who keep us honest and humble.

Zach: Figure out a way to meet your basic necessities while being able to make creating and being inspired to create your main focus. It’ll be different for everyone. Some people will sleep less, some people will move back in with their parents, some will reduce the amount of luxuries in their life, etc. The solution doesn’t matter and no solution is better than another, just do the one that works for you right now.

Oracle Blue was founded by Liz Kelley and Zach Douglas who are classically trained musicians. They are known for their soulful swagger, moody vocals and timeless songwriting with a bit of edge. You may have also seen them supporting Grammy- winning acts such as Lalah Hathaway, Victor Wooten, Becca Stevens, and Steve Bailey

Find out more about Oracle Blue : www.oracleblueband.com

*Edit — Due to unforeseen circumstances the release date has been moved to March 12, 2021. Follow Oracle Blue for more updates.