"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.
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
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
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Marc Del Giudice, The Dracu-Las, SONOFDOV, Bobby Mahoney, Jason Didner, and Southpaw. Plus a look back at "Truth About Lions" by The Chilling Details.
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- If you hear someone mention "Tom Petty Tribute Band", and you think blonde wigs or dyed blonde hair and a mediocre-at-best vocal performance, then you haven't been to a show by The Breakers. See for yourself when the band comes to The Levoy Theatre on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
(AUSTIN, TX) - Since the nation's inception nearly two and a half centuries ago, music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity. To celebrate and explore this remarkable heritage, the LBJ Presidential Library and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University announce the premiere of the exhibition Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History. Opening at the LBJ Presidential Library on Saturday, February 17, during Presidents' Day weekend, the exhibition will be on display through August 11, 2024.
Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.
