A dive into what it's like to love in our generation, how so many of us hold back or are constantly expecting to fall without being caught because getting hurt is a norm.

red flags

The Habit Machine

Glad 2 C U Smiling - Studio Rough

Cushion Your Fall

Slow It Down

Already Lost

A short and catchy dirty little rock song that delivers. 

Seeing Red

Nationalize

Lightning Bug is a metaphor for letting go of a relationship you've toxically held for too long-- and the beauty of it's release. 

Lightning Bug (Radio Edit)

Ohxalá is the musical project of a Portuguese duo: Maria & Luís. Maria works as a printing technician in a photo lab and Luís works as a website programmer moreover both devote much of their non-working hours to music and photography. From this dedicated and parallel passion started the will to make it alive somehow and, consequently,it had been growing faster particularly since the recent adventure of the duo in Germany in 2016. Such a journey is the starting point of this plot. On his return to the Portuguese lands, eager for information; an effervescent and inspiring will to investigate and absorb settled in the duo. They are in need of a call to go through other times, other peoples; which have completely overwhelmed them.

The name Ohxalá comes from the Arabic expression “ 'in sha' allh ”, whose meaning is “God willing”, which is used as interjection to express the desire for something to happen. Nevertheless, it is also a reference to the father Oxalá, orixa associated with the creation of the world and of the humankind. Maria and Luís make distinguished use of African-born religions' "imaginarium" as a basis for inspiration in the elements of their music. This connection and rescue came to light their debut EP: "O Futuro do Passado EP" (“The Future of the Past”). The work alludes to the importance of the historical preservation of the rituals, songs, traditions and customs of the ancient peoples. Music that's transcendental, music for your mind, body and heart.

The EP includes four tracks. “Ossaim” is an encounter with the God of the forests and the flowers. In this piece of jungle-sound the duo invites us to embark in the woods, the ritual has begun. In the sequence appears “Sarvará”, an edit of a track of the very-very Brazilian ProjetoMujique; of this bridge Brazil-Portugal appears this second track, an electronic ode to Oxalá. “Ovoavoa” is an invitation to the liberation and celebration of life and love. An invitation to smile and dance freely. “Urubu Violeta” finishes the thematic clipping. It is a “musical illustration” of an original poem by actor Rui Queirós de Matos aka Spike that gives voice to the more futuristic composition of the EP. With an organic feel that is the result of an exciting layering, the Portuguese newcomers deliver a cosmic, fresh, unique and emotionally rich production of intentions.

“O Futuro do Passado” is a vivid introduction to the thematic clipping explored by Maria and Luís. With a down tempo ethnic's scene still embryonic Portugal seems to contribute strongly to the artistic extrapolation of the duo. An infinity of perspectives and colours, together with a powerful groove feeling make this project a unique sound experience. With the incessant search for ways of expressing themselves through popular music, Ohxalá delivers in such a different way a sound package that make us reflect on the past and look to the future without fear.

Ohxalá:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohxala/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ohxala

Credits:
Art: Helder Dias.
Master: Andreh Torres @ RD Studio, Brazil.
Voice: Track 04 - Rui Queirós de Matos.
Contains samples of the work of documentarist Ricardo Esposito.

Special Thanks:
To Vitor Aguiar our Olorum, one of the promoters of this project and creator of the beautiful Ohxalá logo. To Project Mujique, Rui Queirós de Matos aka Spike. Helder Dias by the cover art. To Casa Caos, Tropical Twista and all those who have supported and influenced our music. "Bem hajam, Axé!"

DOWNLOAD

Ohxalá feat. Spike — Urubu Violeta

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Throw It Away


Verse 

Keep it quiet 
Don't give them problems 
Doesn't matter what you wanna say 
Bury all the things that you've been feeling 
And you've been told to live your life this way

Pre Chorus 

I don't even know you anymore 

Chorus 

I can't believe you threw it away
I'm standing right in front of your face
You live your life afraid to change
This is what you really want

Verse Two

And you wanted to believe in something 
Nothing ever takes away the pain
And you live your life expecting nothing
It's just another piece they take away

Pre Chorus Two

I don't think you know you anymore 

Chorus

I can't believe you threw it away
I'm standing right in front of your face
You live your life afraid to change
This is what you really want
I can't believe you threw it away
I'm standing right in front of your face
You live your life afraid to change
This is what you really want

Bridge

And all these things you'll never know about me
Stumble again, blinded again 
Can't you see
And all these things you'll never know about me 
Stumble again, blinded again
Why can't you see

I can't believe you threw it away

Chorus 
I can't believe you threw it away
I'm standing right in front of your face
You live your life afraid to change
This is what you really want
I can't believe you threw it away
I'm standing right in front of your face
You live your life afraid to change
Is this what you really want?

Lightning Bug (Radio Edit)

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