By Liz Partsch, Contributor
[Photo courtesy of Zoe Rain/DRAMA]

Chicago dance-pop duo DRAMA released their new single “Hold On” on Monday, September 30, shortly after their recent signing to independent record label Ghostly International. The musical pair consists of producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa.

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DRAMA previously self-released their EP Gallows in 2016 and full-length Lies After Love in 2018. Eventually, the duo caught the attention of Ghostly International, an independent label centered around electronic-pop and dance music. DRAMA has also supported many other artists throughout their career, including Jungle, Poolside and SG Lewis, with whom they are currently touring. 

Their new song, “Hold On,” radiates electricity as Shehade’s soothing synths and dance-beat bass complement Rosa’s mellow vocals. 

“For me, it’s an anthem. It’s what anyone’s friends would say if the love of their life left them,” Rosa said. “It’s a reminder for myself to keep loving.”

Rosa was raised in a musical household, and her parents played in a reggae band that toured as family. Shehade was immediately drawn to DJ culture as a young kid, and he later took up music production and engineering and pursued music as a career. 

Since signing to the new record label, DRAMA is expected to release another full-length sometime in 2020. As of now, DRAMA will finish up their fall tour with SG Lewis before recording begins.

Check out DRAMA’s tour dates:  

9/30 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
10/1 Portland, OR @ Star Theater
10/2 Vancouver, BC @ Fortune Sound Club
10/4 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
10/5 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
10/7 Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf
10/8 Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater
10/11 Las Vegas, NV @ The Bunkhouse Saloon
10/12 Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
10/19 Chicago, IL @ Metro – Ghostly 20

And stream “Hold On” below: