Walking into Cafe Istanbul on the night of the debut album release party for Mine by OHD, a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air as thick as the incense smoke. The lights were low, the stage was set with an enchanted forest-inspired platform, flanked by a plush settee and a DJ console covered in Renaissance-style cherubs, and a projected chandelier spun slowly above the whole scene. As the crowd assembled, Chuck Perkins, the venue’s co-owner and booking agent, took the stage and introduced OHD, noting that he had been planning to throw his album release party at Cafe Istanbul for over two years.

The show was worth the wait.

OHD performed his album in an electric yet personable set of song, dance, and stand up comedy. Pivoting with ease between stripped-down, emotional songs like “HURTS TOO MUCH,” and high-energy dance numbers like “VOODO,” OHD showed himself to be a multifaceted entertainer. OHD’s unique voice is just as versatile. The singer shifts with ease from a traditionally pop, nasal tone to a resonant, velvety baritone — sometimes within the same phrase.

Even with an elaborate set and lighting design, multiple costume changes, and a chorus of four backup dancers, OHD, who started making his own electronic music in 2015, remained stunningly down-to-earth and connected with his audience. “The bigger the show gets, the further the audience gets from you,” he noted. OHD has a rare talent for creating a sense of one-on-one connection with his audience members. Watching him perform, you can’t help but be drawn into his world by the way he shares his personality through short standup bits between songs, acknowledges individuals in the audience, and delivers each song with such sincerity. OHD also acknowledged his parents many times throughout the show, noting that his “mommager” had also made his costumes for the evening, and that his dad was the one greeting guests at the door. OHD’s gratitude for his community didn’t stop at the walls of the venue, he asked people to donate to organizations that help LGBT+ people in lieu of paying to see him perform.

The audience that evening received the good vibes OHD sent out on stage, and gave it back to him in full, both during and after the performance. When I joined the crowd of fans to ask him what he’d like people to know about the album, OHD said simply that it’s about queer love and human connection. This album certainly reflects that, and anyone looking for something different and special in their pop listening diet should add Mine by OHD to their rotation.

OHD is online at ohdmusic.com, and on Instagram @owenh.dunne.
His debut album, Mine, is available to stream on Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Amazon Music.