McNally Smith College of Music cultivates musicians, and set the scene for … Read Full Bio ↴McNally Smith College of Music cultivates musicians, and set the scene for Matt “Diatonic” Mulheran and Wesley “O-Lay” Jones to meet by way of blind chance. In late January 2011, As O-Lay was taking a break from writing, he found himself overwhelmed by Diatonic’s sweet soulful sounds coming from the opposite side of a studio door. After he stood in the hallway with his ear pressed against the door for the better part of ten minutes, the artist that Diatonic was recording at the time opened the door and found a bizarre kid, awestruck by the melodies that had so effectively left him frozen in his tracks. The artist invited him into the room where he quietly took a sit and continued to be floored by the tunes that followed.

During the session the two began discussing similar interest such as 9th Wonder, Lupe Fiasco, and Little Brother, and as a result of the connection that they formed Diatonic invited his new acquaintance to tag along and attend a few upcoming studio sessions. In the mist of one of these sessions, O-Lay, who would be best described as a closet rapper at the time, built up the courage to ask Diatonic to record him. He obliged his request and so began a beautiful working relationship. In the months the followed the timid emcee continued to present songs to his soon to be partner, to which he would always respond “Dude, You have got to stop being so scared. Let people hear your stuff. I promise they will like it.” However, O-Lay continually refused to do so.

After months of pressure Diatonic’s message was finally received, and the two decided to embark upon the journey of creating an album. They began crafting the “The Set List” which was supposed to be a short a six song EP, but, given the excessive work ethic of the two musicians, quickly doubled in size. The album was digitally released in October of 2011 and was well received by public. During the creation of this album, The two developed an impressively strong relationship both as inseparable friends and highly motivated partners. Today Diatonic’s awe inspiring instrumentals and O-Lay’s articulate and diverse lyrics combine to create a meaningful and well rounded listening experience, and barring any catastrophic occurrences this fusion will continue for many years to come.