CHRIS OLEDUDE Releases “WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS”
Tell us about the key contributors to this project. Who were the main individuals involved? How did you meet, and how did their contributions help shape the release
Chris Oledude met Yanitza Lee in January, 2023. Lee, a young social worker, sang soprano in a small choral group created to perform several Oledude songs in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Chris loved the purity of Yanitza's voice and promised her that they would work together again. When the album PREACHER MAN -VOL. 1 moved the idea stage to the recording stage, Chris reached out to Yanitza and asked her to participate in the background vocal recording sessions and then to sing the co-lead vocal on the song "We Will Get Through This." Due to the extensive range of the melody, the song is more difficult to sing than it seems, but Yanitza and Chris enjoyed bringing this first recorded version "to life." Tomas Rodriguez, the guitarist, has been an Oledude friend for several years. Tomas had performed in a 2022 concert that Chris produced. "We Will Get Through This" is their first studio recording together. On this recording, guitarist Tomas provides a beautiful complement to the duet between Chris and Yanitza.
Who influenced this release? Are there specific artists who inspired your work on this release? If so, please share how their influence is reflected in your music.
"We Will Get Through This" draws on Oledude's memories of simple childhood songs, folk songs, songs from Broadway musicals, and classic pop duets like the Diana Ross-Lionel Richie version of "Endless Love."
What's the story behind this release? Were there particular life events, global happenings, or personal philosophies that influenced the creation of this music?
During the Summer of 2023, Chris Oledude became engaged with administrative work for a small not-for-profit organization addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges. The assignment was a one-year project and Chris was impressed with the commitment and the vision. As the assignment ended in August, 2024, Chris wrote "We Will Get Through THis", and dedicated it to the Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub in Cold Spring, NY. It was performed for the first time by Chris, accompanied by guitarist Barry Kornhauser, on August 31st of that year. Since that day — after the 2024 Election and all that has followed — the message of love expressed by the song has grown to reflect a broader and deeper need for hope and support on the part of people throughout New York State, throughout the United States, and across the world.
Tell us what makes this release stand out and why it's significantit it's an album pick out one or two tracks to talk about
"We Will Get Through This" addresses the unconditional love that is often required of people who care about individuals experiencing psychological or emotional distress (or both) and the consequences -- including substance abuse. On Chris Oledude's album, PREACHER MAN - VOL. 1, "We Will Get Through This" is the only ballad and it follows a strong and harshly violent song protesting the traumas of war, including the deaths of children. With a backdrop of Israel vs. Hamas, the Sudan, Russia vs. Ukraine, and other conflicts, Oledude felt that a song like this was an essential part of his debut album. "I think that healing always needs to be highlighted," says Oledude. "We cannot end or prevent violence without healing, and there has to be a very different and love-oriented mind set developed one individual at a time."
Where did the recording take place? Does the location have a historical or emotional significance? For instance, have other notable artists recorded there, or does the place hold a special meaning for you?
For additional background regarding PREACHER MAN - VOL. 1 and the songs that are on it, please go to https://www.oledude.rocks/preacher-man-vol-1
Could you share a memorable quote about this release or your journey as an artist? This could be your own reflection or something someone else involved in the project has said.
“This is the ‘sweetest’ song I have ever written,” says Oledude. “I have written ballads before, but they have been filled with the intensity of romantic love and/or passion. This song focuses on friendships built through love.” "I have learned that being a true friend is much harder than being a lover -- that being there for someone requires a commitment from every part of your being. It's never easy, in fact, it's often quite painful. But it's usually worthwhile."
