WHEN IS A SONG A SONG? with ONR
ONR is Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer born Robert Shields. He ponders the question "When Is A Song A Song?" and shares his thoughts.
WATCH BELOW
ABOUT: ONR
ONR is Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer born Robert Shields. ONR is singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer born Robert Shields. Hailing from Dumfriesshire in South Scotland, Shields began playing music aged six, teaching himself on an old neglected piano that lay neglected in his parent’s shed.
Music quickly became his obsession. He discovered his heroes amongst his parent’s record collection – among them, his idol, David Bowie, who’s DNA remains intrinsic in everything ONR creates.
ONR soon began to write and arrange his own songs. Inspired and frustrated in equal measure by his isolated surrounds, he developed an anarchic style of writing and genre switching production not anchored to any outside influences. His distinctive compositions and vocals caught the attention of indie label I Feel Love in Los Angeles, and shortly after releasing his first independent singles, he signed to Warner Records in the US, hailed as a “unique raw talent” by the label.
ONR’s studio-obsession eventually manifested itself into a live show, and he began to tour across the UK, Europe and US, being tour support for acts such as Bastille, Lewis Capaldi and Jake Bugg. ONR was selected as one of BBC Introducing’s Great Escape, Hot List and BBC Scotland Introducing’s Pick of 2021, and enjoys huge support from Spotify, Apple Music, Shazam and YouTube Music.
ONR released his breakout track ‘Must Stop’ in late 2020 to huge acclaim and radio success - with support from Spotify, BBC Introducing, Billboard, Apple Music, as well as artists such as Bastille, Calvin Harris, Jake Bugg and Nile Rodgers - and became the #1 Most Added track on Alternative Radio in the US.
His capability soon caught the imagination of some of the world’s biggest acts and most respected musicians – most notably, the legendary producer and guitarist Nile Rodgers, who has became a huge supporter and collaborator with ONR, culminating in featuring on his track 'Kill TV'.