Arts & Entertainment

Scottish songsmith ONR announces EP and tour, drops new single

Published

3 years ago

February 23, 2020

Rising Scottish pop musician ONR has a new album on the way, and he’s dropped the first single to celebrate its upcoming release.

ONR (pronounced “honor”) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and self-taught producer hailing from a sheep farm in the Scottish Highlands. Born Robert Shields, he spent his childhood being inspired (not to mention bored) at his family’s farmhouse on cliffs overlooking the North Sea; as a means of escaping the rural isolation, he began writing and performing his own songs around the age of 12 or 13, teaching himself piano on a battered instrument missing half its keys that he uncovered in the family shed. While still in school, he won a songwriting competition judged by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and was later offered a place at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, founded by Sir Paul McCartney. He declined the invitation.

Instead, the young musician honed his craft – which he was intent on perfecting – on his own, and his early, self-released efforts caught the attention of a manager who flew him out to LA – his first time out of Scotland ever – culminating in a label war. Still not feeling ready for the heat of success, mentally or physically, he turned it all down again.

He continued to fine-tune his songwriting and perfect his live show, performing hundreds of gigs across Europe. Eventually, he found himself touring with acts like Bastille, while immersing himself amongst Scottish hit-makers Lewis Capaldi and Calvin Harris. Now, Shields says he has finally figured out who he is as a songwriter, and is making music that is true to himself – something of which he says he is “proud.”

ONR now continues to carve his own lane in pop with new track “Sober” (feat. Carina Jade), which he dropped on Friday. Aglow with an ‘80’s-inspired throb, “Sober” is his debut release on Warner Records and the first from his forthcoming EP, “Must Stop,” which comes out on May 15. The EP will feature “four sparkling synth-pop gems with an anthemic rock undertow,” almost entirely written, played and self-produced in Shields’ home studio in Dumfries and Galloway.

In addition to the new track and EP, ONR has also announced a UK/European tour with Jake Bugg, which will play venues in Liverpool, Edinburgh, and more before taking the stage at the prestigious Reading & Leeds Festival this August.

You can watch the video for “Sober” below.

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Bars & Parties

Top LGBTQ events this week

Pride month begins with Black Pride, Latinx Pride and more

Published

20 hours ago

May 28, 2023

Michael Key

Events this week include, from left, the Us Helping Us Black Pride in the Park on Monday, the Latinx Pride Party on Thursday and Annapolis Pride on Saturday. (Washington Blade file photos by Michael Key)

Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.

Pride By the River Super Sunday

Sunday, May 28
12-8 p.m.
Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion
1500 Anacostia Drive, S.E.
Eventbrite

Viiv Healthcare, The Pride Center of Maryland, Gilead, DC Engage, and LIVE! Maryland Casinos +Hotels sponsor Pride by the River at Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion today until 8 p.m.

La Loca: Memorial Day Edition

Sunday, May 28
7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Website

Enjoy Bunker’s LGBTQ Latinx night tonight.

Flashy Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday, May 28
10 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite

DJ Twin and Dean Sullivan bring the music for the Flashy Memorial Day Weekend edition tonight.

The PRIDE Sunday Night

Sunday, May 28
11 p.m.-4 a.m.
Space DC
1355 U Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

Have a night out at DC Black Pride’s main nightlife event at Space DC.

Pride in the Park

Monday, May 29
12-7 p.m.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Avenue, S.E.
Free
Website

The annual cookout and festival at Fort Dupont Park will be held on Monday.

Reign Drag Variety Show

Monday, May 29
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Second floor

Logan Stone hosts “Reign” at DIK Bar on Monday.

Roof Top Closeout Party

Monday, May 29
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Public Bar Live
1214 18th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

DC Black Pride ends with a party at Public Bar Live on Monday.

JR.’s Showtunes

Monday, May 29
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Belt out your favorite showtunes among friends at JR.’s on Monday.

Goldilocks Trivia

Tuesday, May 30
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Hang out with friends with a game of trivia at JR.’s that isn’t too hard or too easy.

Daddy Issues

Wednesday, May 31
9 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
No Cover
Instagram

Crystal Edge hosts a weekly drag show at Kiki on Wednesday.

Latinx Pride Party

Thursday, June 1
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook | Website

The Latinx History Project holds The DC Latinx Pride Party at Bunker on Thursday.

DC Brau Pride Pils Launch Party

Thursday, June 1
6-8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Free
Eventbrite

The Washington Blade holds a party for the release of this year’s DC Brau Pride Pils at Red Bear Brewing on Thursday.

The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers Exhibition

**Frank Kameny** (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)

Friday, June 2
5-7 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite

Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade cordially invite you to the opening of The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers.

DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC.

LIYT Nights and Drag Duel

Friday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
Free-$130
Facebook | Eventbrite

Enjoy a live entertainment event with comedy, music, dance and more.

Capital Pride Honors

Friday, June 2
7 p.m
Penn Social
801 E Street, N.W.
$25-$60
Facebook | Tickets

The Capital Pride Alliance holds its annual awards ceremony at Penn Social on Friday.

RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Watch Party

Friday, June 2
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Citrine hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at JR.’s Bar on Friday.

Capital Pride Womxn’s Kickoff Party

Friday, June 2
9 p.m.-3 a.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
21+ / Free
Facebook

Capital Pride has its official Pride Womxn’s Kickoff party at A League of Her Own on Friday.

Friday, June 2
7 p.m.
The Commentary
801 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC hosts a get-together at The Commentary in Arlington on Friday.

Drag Underground

Friday, June 2
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite

The popular Drag Underground show is held at Dupont Underground on Friday.

LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch

Saturday, June 3
10 a.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC holds a Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday.

Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 7th Street, S.E.
$38
Eventbrite

Logan Stone leads a Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch at Crazy Aunt Helen’s on Saturday with two showings.

Journey to Josiah’s Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shows
The Eleanor DC
100 Florida Avenue, N.E.
$20
Eventbrite

Bombalicious Eklaver hosts a drag brunch fundraiser at The Eleanor DC on Saturday.

DC Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Lima Twist
1411 K Street, N.W.
21+ / $23
Eventbrite

The DC Drag Show has moved from Harlot DC to Lima Twist for an upscale drag experience every Saturday at noon.

Baltimore Trans Pride

Saturday, June 3
12-9 p.m.
2117 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Md.
Facebook

The Baltimore Trans Pride 2023 Grand March is to be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday along North Charles Street between 22nd and 23rd. The Block Party continues at 3 p.m. with performances beginning at 4 p.m.

Afterparties are scheduled at The Crown (1901 North Charles Street) and Ottobar (2549 North Howard Street). Baltimore Safe Haven also hosts a kickoff ball on Friday, June 2 at 2640 Saint Paul Street at 6 p.m.

Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival

*Annapolis Pride Parade (Photo by Fleur de Lis Photography/Jaime Thompson)*

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Inner West Street
Annapolis, Md.
Facebook

Annapolis Pride holds its annual parade and festival on Saturday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. on Inner West Street in Annapolis, Md.

Reston Pride Festival

Saturday, June 3
12-6 p.m.
1209 Washington Plaza
Lake Anne Plaza
Reston, Va.
Facebook

The 2023 Reston Pride Festival will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday.

Spirits & Beer Showcase with Republic Restoratives & DC Brau

Saturday, June 3
1-4 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
$22
Eventbrite

Join the Washington Blade and guest DJ Chord to taste and learn about local offerings from DC-based distillery Republic Restoratives and brewery DC Brau.

Alexandria Pride

Saturday, June 3
2-5 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Website

The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force presents the sixth annual Alexandria Pride at Alexandria City Hall in Market Square of Old Town Alexandria, Va. on Saturday.

Drag Story Hour w/D’Manda Martini

Saturday, June 3
3:30 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
Facebook

It’s Drag Story Hour at Red Bear Brewing on Saturday.

Art Out Loud: A Rooftop Pride Party

Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Selina Union Market
411 New York Avenue, N.E.
$25-$45
Facebook

District Fray presents the official Capital Pride event “Art Out Loud” Rooftop Pride Party at Selina on Saturday.

Tara Hoot’s Pride Bingo and a Show!

Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 8th Street, N.W.
$10
Facebook

Tara Hoot hosts a game of bingo and a show alongside Shelita Ramen on Saturday.

DC Rawhides Country Western Dancing

Saturday, June 3
7-11 p.m.
Eastern Market
225 7th Street, S.E.
$5 donation
Facebook

Learn how to do some Country Western dancing at Eastern Market on Saturday with the DC Rawhides.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Present: “DOLLY!”

Saturday, June 3
8-9:30 p.m.

and

Sunday, June 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Lincoln Theatre
1215 U Street, N.W.
$20-$65
Facebook | Tickets

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington present a Dolly Parton-themed show at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.

Pride Night OUT at the Washington Spirit

Saturday, June 3
8 p.m.
Audi Field
100 Potomac Avenue, S.W.
e
Website

Team DC holds a Night OUT at Audi Field with the Washington Spirit on Saturday.

Freddie’s Follies

Saturday, June 3
9 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook

The weekly drag show, consistently one of the best in the city, always draws a crowd.

Unity: A Call for Club Colors- A Highwaymen TNT Bar Nite

Saturday, June 3
9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W
$15
Facebook

The Highwaymen TNT invite you to don your leather, Levi’s, shorts, tanks and gear for a night of Pride fun.

LGBTQ+ Pride Coffee & Conversation

Sunday, June 4
12 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC holds a coffee and conversation gathering at As You Are on Sunday.

Sisters Bingo w/The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Sunday, June 4
1 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
$20
Facebook | Tickets

The DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hold a bingo game at Red Bear Brewing on Sunday.

Photos

PHOTOS: Caroline County Pride

‘Carnival Adventure’ LGBTQ celebration held in Denton, Md.

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2023

Michael Key

The 2023 Caroline County Pride Festival is held in downtown Denton, Md. on Saturday, May 27. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The third Caroline County Pride Festival, “A Carnival Adventure,” was held in downtown Denton, Md. on Saturday, May 27.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Covering Caroline County Pride in Denton, Md. for @WashBlade . #Pride2023 pic.twitter.com/ET6YN5ceyp
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 27, 2023

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Comedy show and resource fair held at Renaissance Washington

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2023

Michael Key

From left, Kenya Hutton, Aiyi'nah Ford and Earl Fowlkes, Jr. at the 2023 Black Pride Opening Reception on May 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

DC Black Pride held its Opening Reception at the Renaissance Washington Hotel on Friday, May 26.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Patrick Key (@michaelpatrickkey)

Covering DC Black Pride for @WashBlade . #Pride2023 @CheerDC_ performing: pic.twitter.com/QJI9mExtn5
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 27, 2023