In the pursuit of finding oneself, and in the pursuit of finding happiness, we often forget the one thing that keeps us grounded, literally: our beautiful home planet of Mother Earth. At the expense of what was once bountiful resources and a wholly healthy ecosystem, we, collectively as humankind, have quickly forgotten what it means to be a part of ensuring a future on Earth.
In a sinfully smooth, dreamy soundscape both reposed yet pleading, LA duo Okay Cool has debuted with "Back To You"—a subtle nod to Mother Earth—a rhapsody that seeks to inspire change and awareness. However, it is also a track that speaks to our relationships between two, of something we are all familiar with as people experience loss, grow apart, change and ponder the timeless question: do I go back to you?
""Back to You" was one of those songs that just fell into place," Jenna Maranga, one half of Okay Cool, states. "It's meant as a bit of a love letter to mother nature, with a subtle plea to give her back what she deserves." Like the last puzzle piece finally finding its way onto the board, "Back To You" is an audial reverie that magically and effortlessly finds a way into your heart and begs you to ponder the question yourself.
A composition of lush textures and soulful subtleties, Okay Cool brings a uniquely seductive yet relaxed sound to the table. Laden with unassuming yet heartwarming instrumentals, the duo channel soul and R&B for a delectably warm ballad, driven with authenticity and charged vocals like warm caramel—sweet, smooth, and satisfying. Its simplistic nature provides a robust foundation in which to build passion, resonating boldly without any need for punchy snares or kicks, yer wholly envelops us in a narrative we all understand.
Okay Cool is the collective alter ego of Jenna Maranga (aka Isla June) and Rich Gonzalez, beginning simply as a casual jam in 2017. Maranga is also the singer/songwriter behind alt-indie outfit Isla June and an alumni of NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. She has had her music featured in network television, retail stores, and publications like Billboard, Ones to Watch, and Buzzbands LA; her refreshing turn in Okay Cool, offers up a more intimate and laid-back side of her musical talents. On the other hand, Gonzalez grew up outside of Seattle as one part of an entire family of Mexican mariachi musicians, and the first of his family to pursue jazz and music production. A formally trained trumpet player, Gonzalez has been a staple in the LA music scene for years as a writer, producer, and performer with artists such as Jessica Childress, Michael Franti, and more. Okay Cool is his debut as an artist, perfectly coupling Maranga's vocal style with production influences that bring to mind Quincy Jones and Toro y Moi.
Stream "Back To You" here.
Connect with Okay Cool: SoundCloud | Instagram
