J.S. Ondara Presents a Beautifully Melancholic "Torch Song" Session [PREMIERE]

image

Rising singer-songwriter J.S. Ondara is penning an irrefutably unique and rich tale of the American Dream. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised on a healthy dose American alternative rock, Ondara moved to the US in 2014 to pave forth a path for himself in Minneapolis' historic local music scene. Now, much like his role model and fellow Minnesotan, Bob Dylan, Ondara is weaving together a rich lyrical tapestry.

"Torch Song," the artist's latest single to date, which is taken from his highly-anticipated debut album, Tales of America, is a poignant ode to a lost love. The idea of a torch song, a sentimental note to unrequited love, is a musical staple that stretches back as far as music itself. However, when Ondara lends his emotionally-laden vocal prowess to the subject matter, the deeply sentimental tale as old as time takes on a newfound life. "Torch Song" is rife with the wisdom and pain of an old soul. This is timeless songwriting at its finest.  

Chronicling the active ongoings of a broken heart, Ondara pierces the heavens, singing, "My heart is never on time/ Always a little behind/ Oh when it's about to break/ I close my eyes and count to ten." The heartbreak is palpable in every second of the four minutes that make up "Torch Song."  

Yet, even for the most brilliant of songwriters or the most talented of voices, translating that level of emotional depth to a live setting can prove to be an often-insurmountable endeavor. Well, we are happy to be the first to tell you that even in a studio session, "Torch Song" retain all its wondrously beautiful melancholy.

Take your exclusive first look at the studio session for  "Torch Song" below, and keep an eye out for Tales Of America:  

Related Articles

Alana Hil Announces Her Enchanting Upcoming EP, 'Diaries of a Common Woman' [Q&A]

Alana Hil Announces Her Enchanting Upcoming EP, 'Diaries of a Common Woman' [Q&A]

October 2, 2025 We sat down to chat with Hil about her upcoming EP Diaries of a Common Woman, opening for Macy Gray, and designing makeup looks.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
keiyaA Delivers a Dizzying Dose of Jazz and Psychedelic R&B in "take it!"

keiyaA Delivers a Dizzying Dose of Jazz and Psychedelic R&B in "take it!"

September 23, 2025 "With this work I aim to interrogate and embrace anger and conflict, disappointment and dissatisfaction."
Author: Jazmin Kylene
R&B
Hunter Daily Takes Us Through Her EP 'Claw Marks,’ Track by Track

Hunter Daily Takes Us Through Her EP 'Claw Marks,’ Track by Track

September 19, 2025 "After a 4.5-year relationship, letting go wasn’t clean. It was messy, desperate, and it left marks."
Author: DJ Connor