After spending years writing and producing music for internationally recognised artists, Rotterdam-based songwriter and producer Ohnoah is stepping into the spotlight with the release of their debut solo single, ‘Student loans’. The project marks a new chapter for Nouri Frenken, an award-winning producer whose credits include work with artists such as Steve Aoki, Miss Montreal and Wulf.
Blending alternative pop with emotionally charged songwriting, ‘Student loans’ explores the financial anxiety and societal pressure facing young people today. Built around a minimalist, tension-filled opening before erupting into soaring guitars and thunderous drums, the track mirrors the emotional weight of navigating adulthood while burdened by debt and instability.
For Ohnoah, the project is rooted in lived experience. At 17, they fled an abusive home environment, having grown up as a queer, non-binary person in a traditional North African and Italian household where they say acceptance was difficult to find. Music became both an emotional outlet and a place of refuge.
“For a decade, I gave my best lyrics and productions to others just so I wouldn’t have to face my own reality,” Ohnoah said. Reflecting on the new single, they described ‘Student loans’ as an honest portrayal of beginning adult life at a disadvantage, while offering comfort to listeners who feel unseen.
Rather than serving as a victory lap after years of industry success, ‘Student loans’ introduces Ohnoah as an artist intent on building community through vulnerability.
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