Ona

While we were focusing on the biggest and brightest releases out of London, New York and Los Angeles, a little ol' band from little ol' Huntington, W.Va. has been able to craft a debut single that knocks all else out of the water. All Songs Considered fans recognized this, picking Ona's single "Ides of July" as one of their favorite musical discoveries of 2015 (so far) — and for good reason. It's an expansive piece from the five-piece band, an indie-rock/alt-folk symphony that seamlessly captures a sense of wanderlust. The band's self-proclaimed "What Would Neil Young Do?" work ethic certainly lays the foundation for the song's catchiness. So does brilliant production by American Minor guitarist turned West Virginia music magician Bud Carroll on this track from Ona's upcoming debut album, American Fiction. I have no doubt that the band will have even more brilliant rock orchestrations for our wanting ears. - NPR.org

Though Ona’s Bandcamp link is not made active until the album is released on September 25, the single below is an ideal taster for that album. This band sounds like they should be on your Newport Folk Festival playlist, or could be found busking around any given outdoor fest grounds looking for the necessary amps. - CMJ.com

Hailing from Huntington, West Virginia, the six-piece band Ona makes pure-blooded American rock and roll. Set to release their debut LP, American Fiction, via Twin Cousins Records on 25 September, “Rocks in the Basement”, the album’s lead single, picks up the path forged by The Other Side of June, the band’s 2014 two-song cassette. Named after an unincorporated West Virginia town best known for its racetrack and airfield, Ona conveys the insatiable urge to discover the larger world that resides along the east-west running Route 60. - Popmatters.com

"'American Fiction' has become an immediate favorite ‘round The Loft. The first time we listened, we were hooked. I had to put it on the radio RIGHT AWAY. Couldn’t wait. 'American Fiction' is the kind of album that makes me thrilled to do my job – I had to share it with our listeners immediately. There is nothing more exciting than the spark of a new musical discovery, and Ona’s record isn’t just a spark, it’s a whole gosh darn flame." -- SiriusXM Radio's Franny Thomas on Ona's 'American Fiction' - The Loft