“Locked In” releases ahead of the soulful bass queen’s momentous direct support slot for REZZ at Red Rocks
“‘Locked In’ seemed to be the appropriate first single for the new record. I teamed up with one of my oldest friends in the industry, ProbCause, for this banger, and it felt like a full circle moment. The feel and sound design choices are reminiscent of the old school dubstep I came up listening to. Lyrically, there's a line in the track that really sums up the song’s themes, "Did the whole thing my way/Lighters up if u down with me/Independent from the underground/ Got my days ones all proud of me.” To make a track like this with a buddy of mine who has witnessed my entire journey, where we’ve been rooting each other on every step of the way, was pretty special.” - Maddy O’Neal
“‘Locked In’ was such a fun tune to make. Maddy and I have both been grinding alongside each other for years, and to come together at this moment in our careers feels really special.” - ProbCause
Following her electrifying performances at Ultra Music Festival, Lightning In A Bottle and Electric Forest, and ahead of her direct support slot at REZZ’s upcoming Red Rocks show, Denver-based electro-soul luminary Maddy O'Neal is charting a course for nonstop growth.
Throughout her illustrious career, O’Neal has carved her own lane in the dance music scene with her magnetic soulful bass stylings, and hypnotic, hybrid DJ/drum pad live performances - a musical identity that’s led her to perform at renowned festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and more.
In addition to playing these world-class events, O’Neal has embarked on tours and collaborative endeavors with esteemed artists such as Pretty Lights, CloZee, Big Gigantic, and The Floozies. Through her triumphant journey, she has cultivated a devoted fanbase enchanted by her seamless fusion of shimmering, melodic electro-soul with infectious funky rhythms and gripping, synth-driven basslines.
Now, following the release of her collaborative single “Come For You” alongside Defunk, O’Neal is revving toward her next full-length album, VITAL SIGNS. Centered around themes of personal evolution - and navigating the emotional waves that come with a changing interior and exterior world - VITAL SIGNS will see O’Neal explore a bevy of genres, and forge her artistic throughline within a wide swath of soundscapes.
Today, fans get their first taste of VITAL SIGNS with the LP’s lead single, “Locked In,” a collaboration with rapper and frequent GRiZ-collaborator ProbCause. Combining old school dubstep aesthetics with smooth flows from ProbCause, “Locked In” is an acute representation of O’Neal’s genre-blending mastery and an apt tone-setter for the worldbuilding of the VITAL SIGNS era.
As long time friends and collaborators, O’Neal and ProbCause meld seamlessly on “Locked In.” Kicking off with a pulsating 80s-style synth bass punctuated by dubstep drum rhythms, the song envelops the listener with layers of futuristic synth arpeggios and background vocal chops. The track builds with a buttery smooth cadence from ProbCause, who spits about his aspirations - and the mental toughness it takes to get there.
“Locked In” then drops into a section that appropriately matches its title - a high-impact drop that combines hypnotizing bass wubs, a rotation of drum sounds, and otherworldly sound design into a cacophony of electronic music bliss. In its complete sonic immersion, this central section evokes a sense of heart-pumping motivation - a perfect auditory depiction of the locked in mindset.
Finally, after a stirring verse from ProbCause that illustrates the record’s profound themes, “Locked In” finishes with a powerful drop - a swirling bass concoction that concludes the listening experience with a cathartic climax.
Fans can see O’Neal playing “Locked In” and other VITAL SIGNS tracks on her upcoming tour dates - including her direct support slot for REZZ at Red Rocks this August.
Maddy O’Neal tour dates
7/17/24 - 7/19/24: Secret Dreams Music Festival - Thornville, OH
7/26/24: Shambhala Music Festival - Salmo, British Columbia, CA
8/9/24: Summer’s End Smokeout - Republic, MI
8/16/24: Pepsi Amphitheater - Flagstaff, AZ
8/23/24: Bethel Woods Center w/ Pretty Lights (MADHAUS) - Bethel, NY
8/30/24: Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO
9/5/24 - 45 East (Cascade Equinox pre-party) - Portland, OR
9/26/24 - 9/29/24: Wakaan Music Festival - Ozark, Arkansas
10/24/24 - Suwannee Hulaween - Live Oak, FL
ProbCause tour dates
7/27/24 - Bowstring Brewyard w/ The Vibeline - Wilmington, NC
8/2/24 - Cervantes Ballroom w/ The Vibeline (Official Pretty Lights After Party) - Denver, CO
