"Only One", the latest single by Helen O'Shea, was released on Friday, March 26, 2021. The song was written by Helen McNamara (O'Shea) and Marc Swersky and features an all-star cast of musicians from New Jersey. It reminds us of a late sixties tune with a bit of Jersey soul and sax - one that should find plenty of airplay at stations across the globe.
The inspiration for the song is the fear of loneliness in both young schoolkids and older people whose relationships and landscapes have changed. The turning point is the realization that all you really need is one good friend, one like mind or one true love to make a real difference in your quality of life. And it is preferable that the "one" sees your worth, values your contribution and enjoys your company.
"Only One" was produced by Marc Swersky. Artists on the track include: Vocals: Helen O'Shea; Lead Guitar: Alex Brumel; Bass Guitar: Marc Swersky; Keys: Plink Giglio; Saxophone: Tommy Labella; and Drums: Steve Holley. The song was recorded at Shorefire Recording Studios, Long Branch, New Jersey with Joseph DeMaio. It was mixed and mastered by Tony Black.
Helen O'Shea released her first full CD "Turning Tides..." in 2017. It was a collection of original songs about relationships, love, loss, motherhood, grief and friendship. More recently she released the singles "Fairtale of New York" and "Someone is Waiting" in 2020 and "When Love Is True" earlier in 2021.
Helen is originally from Limerick in Ireland. In 1995, she moved to the USA & then Canada with her husband - their children were born in Montreal - before moving back to the USA to settle in Princeton, NJ in 2011.
At that time, after a career in medicine spanning 4 countries – Ireland – UK – Canada – USA - in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology, including clinical care, perinatal research & medical student education, Helen's children asked her to stay home for a while. Paul suggested that she revisit her longstanding love of singing during the break and she gradually began performing locally, as well as writing poetry and songs.
In 2014, Helen started working with Music Mentor & Producer - 2 time Grammy winner - Marc Swersky and her music career took off in a new direction. In 2016, their first collaboration - "Moments" - was selected for inclusion on the Cape May Singer Songwriters Festival CD. Then Helen released "Mama Told You..." her first EP of 5 original songs & her unique take on "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd - a song she learned for her son.
Since then, Helen has put together a Celtic band called "Shenanigans" dedicated to performing the traditional songs of Ireland as well as her own band "The Shanakees" (derived from the Gaelic word for "storyteller" - "seanachai") performing her original songs as well as duet arrangements of covers in the "AmeriCeltiCana" style - Americana with a Celtic twist!
Helen has met many wonderful people on her new musical journey who helped her to become a better singer, songwriter & show producer - the greatest of these is Marc Swersky, her co-writer & producer on "Turning Tides..." and many more songs to come! #ItsNeverTooLateToDream
