OAR Releases “Gonna Be Me (the Friendship Song)” Featuring DJ Premier and Brady WattOAR Releases “Gonna Be Me (the Friendship Song)” Featuring DJ Premier and Brady Watt Rock band OAR has unveiled their new single, “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song),” featuring the legendary DJ Premier and multitalented Brady Watt. OAR’s Secret Success Despite their significant impact on the music industry, OAR remains somewhat of an underappreciated force. The band has sold out Madison Square Garden, filled Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and amassed a devoted fan base. Collaboration with Legends “Gonna Be Me” showcases OAR’s evolution while preserving their signature sound. The collaboration with DJ Premier adds a fresh layer of production, and Brady Watt’s musical contributions provide an organic touch. Inspiration Behind the Song Lead singer Marc Roberge explains the inspiration behind the song, stating that it celebrates the importance of striving for the best in friendships. DJ Premier’s Excitement DJ Premier expressed his admiration for OAR and recalled their initial meeting when they discussed a potential collaboration. He credits Roberge’s guitar melody and Watt’s creativity for the rapid completion of the song. Brady Watt’s Enthusiasm Brady Watt echoed the excitement, expressing his long-standing admiration for OAR. He describes the songwriting process as a collaborative effort that led to the creation of a special single. Summer Tour and Non-Profit Support “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song)” coincides with OAR’s nationwide summer tour. The tour features supporting acts like Fitz and The Tantrums and Ripe. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Heard the Global Fund, OAR’s non-profit organization that supports youth and education.
OAR releases “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song)”
Platinum-certified rock band OAR may be music’s biggest, best-kept secret. The Rockville, MD band has quietly made a significant impact on the music scene, selling out Madison Square Garden twice, filling Red Rocks Amphitheatre a dozen times, earning platinum and gold plaques, lighting up the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, and building one of the most dedicated fan bases in the world.
OAR is thrilled to announce the release of their new single, “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song),” featuring and produced by legendary DJ Premier and dynamic virtuoso Brady Watt, available now. This collaboration promises to be another summer anthem for OAR, combining their signature sound with legendary production from the iconic DJ Premier and essential musical contributions from Brady Watt.
“Gonna Be Me (the friendship song)” further demonstrates OAR’s ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to their organic roots. The collaboration with DJ Premier and Brady Watt adds a fresh and natural element to their grassroots approach, making this single a must-listen for both longtime fans and new listeners.
“The first time we played Madison Square Garden, we walked out to Gang Starr’s “Work.” DJ Premier is such a giant in music, but also in the world of OAR. To have the opportunity to create a song from scratch with him, and the genius of Brady Watt, is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Marc Roberge stated. “Just like our best friendships in life, we have to stand up and work for the good stuff. We are so grateful for our friends in music and in life.”
DJ Premier shared his excitement for the collaboration: “I’m a fan of OAR, especially their live album releases. I met Marc a few years ago when I was at a NY Rangers Hockey game with DMC from RUN-DMC and we had a conversation about working on a record someday,” Premier recalled. “Fast forward, we ended up booking a session at my studio, mainly to bounce some ideas off Brady Watt. I heard them both sing the first few words in our Live Room and I started beatboxing a drum pattern for myself. By the time they got into my control room, I had the drums programmed and Marc brought his guitar and strummed the opening melody to my cadence. From there, he and Brady wrote the rest of the lyrics and before I knew it, we had a song and a single. It happened that fast.”
Brady Watt also expressed his excitement about the new single and his admiration for OAR. “I’ve been a fan of OAR for a long time and it’s always been a dream to work with them. After my manager met Marc on the Howard Stern show, he brought him into the studio for a session with Preem and I, and he was aware of my Bass & Bars series. Marc walks into the studio, picks up his guitar and plays the first riff of ‘Gonna Be Me,’ and I was like, that’s it,” Brady shared excitedly. “I started adding some extra structure to the chords and Preem started making a beat out of it in the next room, and it literally happened when we met; we wrote this song. We started recording the guitar parts, started humming melodies, Marc and I pretty much went bar by bar and wrote the song. It was amazing and we knew it was going to be a single. We just built from there, writing about life, friends, worrying about people and the love we have for our family and the day. That’s what the song is about, friendship; and it’s my favorite collaboration I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you to Marc and Premier for believing in me.”
“Gonna Be Me (The Friendship Song)” arrives as OAR launches their nationwide summer tour, which kicked off July 16th at Red Hat Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC. The tour will run through November and will include stops at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Hard Rock Live, Oceans Calling Festival, Merriweather Post Pavilion (home venue), LA’s Greek Theatre and The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City. Joining OAR on the tour will be Fitz and The Tantrums, Ripe and DJ Logic, making for an unforgettable concert experience. DJ Premier and Brady Watt will also be joining OAR on tour for special dates. All of OAR’s tour dates are listed below and you can purchase tickets to all events here https://www.liveoar.com/tour.
Marc Roberge of OAR said: “It’s time for us to get out there and play a full set, jam and have the best summer of our lives again. We can’t wait to spend this summer with our friends Fitz and the Tantrums, Ripe and DJ Logic!”
A portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to the band’s non-profit organization, Heard the Global Fundwhich has raised more than $1.2 million since its inception to support youth and education in underserved communities across the United States.
