Article by: Annalee ‘Alee’ Noel
The brilliant minds behind classic hits “I Can’t Stop,” “Thief,” and “Love is Alive,” come together on feel-good bop “Be Ok,” an instant summer-playlist staple. “Be Ok” arrives as the fourth single off Ookay’s sophomore album; a cheerful, energetic track, joined by
Flux Pavillion and Elohim, beautifully showcasing their respective skillsets fused into a single, cohesive record.
Honestly, how did an OG dubstep don, an EDM turned pop guy, and an indie pop songstress all get in the studio? The answer is a little more casual than one might think: good old-fashioned friendship.
Flux Pavillion stopped by Ookay’s place pre-pandemic in 2019. “We just bonded and worked on some ideas while playing around with midi, guitars and talked about life on my roof,” Ookay recaps. Give it a year and a half and “about 10 different versions of the song, I sent it to the amazingly talented Elohim who sent back some awesome vocals then we started writing back and forth.”
Let’s chalk up another win for technology, connecting producers from across the globe to one another! Who wouldn’t have wanted to be in on those Zoom sessions?!
The lyrics, despite describing duress, are like a soothing dream and full of nostalgia. The vocal treatment has Elohim nearly whispering straight to you, creating intimate verses and a burst-ballad of a chorus. It’s an extremely relatable place we’ve all been the last year or so – plus a place at times where we haven’t been alright – and just wanted things to go back to a more positive reality.
Elohim shares, “It is difficult to feel ok while navigating this vast world. Being surrounded by friends and community is something that helps me get through challenging times. The experience of making this song with Ookay and Flux was exactly that and I hope the feeling of listening to the song will do the same for others.” So the sonic remedy to the emotional would should we say? Definitely.
The happy top-lines of Ookay and Flux compliment Elohim’s vocal performance absolutely perfectly, leaving us with an almost infectious, bouncy, uplifting feeling upon listening. The flutey synths and warm fuzzy baseline nicely round out the sounds, creating overall finesse and a fully-finished-feeling record. The track definitely speaks to the advanced musical talents of the three artists, showcasing just how perfectly presented “Be Ok” really is. Fans are sure to be eager for more of Ookay’s soon-to-drop sophomore album. Cathartic and beautiful, “Be Ok” is sure to be a mainstay on your favorite summer playlist.
About the Artists
OOKAY
Well known for his addictive breakthrough track, “Thief,” which amassed over 80M streams on Spotify alone, and was followed by remixes from Flux Pavilion, Tommy Trash, Slushii, and Zedd, Ookay then expanded his skill-set and transitioned to including Ookay Live, his explosive and playful live show, in 2017. Ookay Live is a place filled with energetic pop tracks inspired by his original foundation in electronic music but that didn’t fit with his DJ sets. Today, he is now a multi-faceted talent far beyond the DJ decks: playing drums, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, harmonica, SPD, as well as singing and of course, producing all of his own tracks.
FLUX PAVILLION
Known as Joshua Steele to friends and family, Flux Pavillion is a singer/songwriter, producer, and label owner. His achievements range from releasing his first vinyl at 19, to selling out the legendary venue Red Rocks Amphitheater, in Colorado twice (Ookay was on one of those lineups in 2014). He has had numerous hits and was sampled by Kanye West & Jay Z on “I Can’t Stop”. His own label Circus Records, started with childhood friend Doctor P, has been responsible for unleashing some of the most successful underground records to date. Tack on touring or performing at every festival of major name across the globe and Flux is a titan, pushing the boundaries of his signature sound, inspiring producers all over today.
ELOHIM
Elohim is a true artist’s artist. A skilled producer, vocalist, songwriter, and classically trained pianist, Elohim crafts intricately produced songs that explore the beauty of human connection. Her musical style spans from inventive electronic and indie alternative to unabashed pop with a one-woman live show that is set against a backdrop of breathtaking visuals. From launching in 2016, collaborating with the likes of Louis the Child, Skrillex, and Marshmello to her own albums and EPs, Elohim hasn’t slowed down one bit. With over 300M+ combined global streams Elohim continues to push boundaries with her latest release, “Journey to the Center of Myself Vol. 1.”
Fans can catch Ookay, Flux Pavillion, and Elohim at their upcoming show dates below!
Ookay
Sunbar Tempe 7/30 @ 9pm Tempe, AZ Tickets
Flux Pavillion
Concord Music Hall 9/9 @ 9pm Chicago, IL Tickets
Elohim
Lincoln Hall 7/29 @ 9pm Chicago, IL Tickets
CONNECT with Ookay:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
LISTEN to Ookay:
Spotify | Apple Music | Beatport | SoundCloud | YouTube | Twitch
CONNECT with Flux Pavillion:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
LISTEN to Flux Pavillion:
Spotify | Apple Music | Beatport | SoundCloud | YouTube | Twitch
CONNECT with Elohim:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
LISTEN to Elohim:
Spotify | Apple Music | Beatport | SoundCloud | YouTube | Twitch
