By Cynthia Gross
This Alchemical Records article is read by the author to provide a multimedia experience for our audience while increasing the accessibility of our content to persons with hearing loss, low vision, dyslexia, physical or motor disabilities, or are on the autism spectrum.
Every now and then, a person comes into our lives and changes us for the better. With his latest single, “Oxon Hill,” Baltimore, Md.-based alternative rock artist Ben DeHan embraces his special someone, offering an upbeat track brimming with passion and emotion.
“Oxon Hill” is a fitting continuation of themes raised in DeHan’s past single, “Waiting for You,” covered previously by Alchemical Records, specifically the perspective of life as a journey and waiting as a natural part of the growth process.
“The National Harbor in Oxon Hill is a place where I’ve always gone to reflect on the past and make plans about my future,” explains DeHan in reference to the song title. “Lauren and I spent a lot of time there over the past two years, and I wrote this song there.”
From the first few seconds of “Oxon Hill,” listeners are drawn in by high-energy drums and a warm acoustic sound that soon builds to a full-fledged anthem – electric guitar solo and all. The momentum seems to symbolize the progression that occurs throughout the stages of becoming who you were meant to be. DeHan’s heartfelt delivery and authentic voice, characteristic of his growing body of work, feel equally familiar and intriguing.
“’Oxon Hill’ is about letting go of a past that no longer exists while stepping boldly into a future that might not exist either,” explains DeHan. “When I met Lauren, I was very much stuck in the minutia of my so-called glory days, and doing nothing to better my future.”
Continuing to reflect on his relationship with fiancé and creative partner Lauren White, DeHan adds, “She inspired me to step up and take action toward the things I – and now we – want to accomplish.”
DeHan has extensive experience as part of the DMV music scene. He has been featured in Alt Rock Review, New Noise Magazine, IndiePulse Music, Hype Machine, and more. Fans of Machine Gun Kelly and Angels & Airwaves will feel at home with his music.
“And I’ll wait with you/As you wait for me/It’s always just me and you/It’s always you and me,” DeHan sings in the chorus.
Although “Oxon Hill” was inspired by Ben DeHan’s significant other, the song offers an uplifting, empowering message for all audiences. Each of us is on a journey in search of greater clarity, meaning, and belonging. Surrendering to the lifelong process of becoming, learning from our past mistakes, and moving forward despite the uncertainty have the power to show us the potential inside of ourselves that was already there for the taking.
Ben DeHan’s new EP is scheduled to drop September 24 and tickets for supporting regional tour dates are available to purchase now.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
