Maddy O’Neal & ProbCause Release Old-School Throwback, ‘Locked In’

Denver-based electro-soul luminary Maddy O’Neal announced her forthcoming LP, VITAL SIGNS, Tuesday, July 16, as well as unleashing the album’s lead single – a collaboration alongside rapper and frequent GRiZ-collaborator ProbCause titled “Locked In.” Charting on a course for nonstop growth, Maddy O’Neal is galvanizing fans across the nation with her seamless fusion of shimmering, melodic electro-soul with infectious funky rhythms and gripping, synth-driven basslines – a musical identity that’s led her to performances at renowned festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Lightning In A Bottle, and Ultra Music Festival, and earned her a direct support slot at REZZ’s upcoming Red Rocks show. Sustaining an unwavering momentum into 2024, O’Neal has unveiled a string of dynamic collaborations such as empowering anthem “Won’t Back Down” with zoska, genre-defying track “Matcha” with COFRESI, and glitchy, trap-infused single “Come For You” with Defunk. 

“Locked In” combines old-school dubstep aesthetics with smooth flows, serving as an apt tone-setter for the worldbuilding of O’Neal’s VITAL SIGNS era.

Centered around themes of personal evolution, VITAL SIGNS will see O’Neal explore a bevy of genres, and forge her artistic throughline within a wide swath of soundscapes, all while navigating the emotional waves that come with a changing interior and exterior world. 

“Locked In” begins with a chunky progressive synth loop, splashy drum effects, and melodic whirring. Crystalline spirals and progressive fluttering effects help this track take flight. Digital warping and distorted scratches abound. “Locked In” then takes on a psychedelic flair, as ProbCause takes center stage. “I’m Locked In. Gotta keep movin’ no stoppin’. Been that dude stay poppin’. Bouta do big things I been plottin’.” Subtle guitar riffs and shuffling, retro video game-like effects bubble under the surface. Revving bass walls bounce off of these elements with ease. The elements increase in intensity as the drum effects build. “Gotta keep movin’. No Stoppin’.”

Gelatinous bass and lasers bring us the the first drop. This drop changes up the formula a bit. Rising with crescendoes that descend into deep pockets of bass. Sharp wonks mix with the psychedelic flair to form a melodic soundscape. Sweeping spirals bridge the two sections of the drop. A wave of sound transforms the song into a wubby paradise with echoing vocals. Thick synth waves and ProbCause’s echoing flow dance in harmony over the track elements. “Locked In’ rocks to and fro along with the nostalgic synth loop and eclectic sample choices. A cymbal crash extends into a continuation of ProbCause’s flow.

“Locked In when I drop in. Mad house when we pop in. Feel the bass and it’s knocking. I got options. I ain’t stoppin’. Pull up. Better Hop in. Bring the vibe when we walk in. Go to work stay clocked in. We takin over. No stopping. Life go like the dice roll. Beat the odds, I’m the maestro. Plant the seed cause it might grow.” The iconic loop, psychedelic notes, and guitar riffs continue along with ProbCause’s patented flow. The drums gradually increase in tempo, bringing us to the pre drop:

“Nice flow, been ice cold. Did the whole thing my way. Lighters up if you down wit me. Independent from the underground. Got my day ones all proud of me.”

This next drop begins with velvet synths that descend into spongey bass valleys. The drop intermittently flutters like a cybernetic butterfly. Laser-like undertones blend with the psychedelic elements before we are lead back to the verse. The familiar loop returns along with ProbCause. Echoing samples then end “Locked In” on a subtle and effective note.

Connect With Maddy O’Neal: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud

Connect with ProbCause: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud