John Oates’ new album features a song inspired by ‘The Masked Singer’
Singer,” Oates reveals. “So the first song I sang was ‘Walking in Memphis.'”
Reflecting on his experience on The Masked Singer, Oates describes it as unusual. He participated in the competition’s 10th season as the Anteater, a sly nod to Hall & Oates’ popular 1982 single “Maneater.” Despite reaching the semifinals for Group C, Oates eventually disclosed his identity.
Transitioning from performing on The Masked Singer to recording his new album titled ‘Oates,’ John Oates chose to include a rendition of Marc Cohn’s renowned 1991 track, “Walking in Memphis.” Providing insight into this decision, Oates reveals his desire to infuse the song with an up-tempo, pop-infused sound, deviating from its original soft-rock roots.
In addition to his revamped cover of “Walking in Memphis,” Oates’ album features an EDM remix of the track crafted by electronic music producer and DJ Grabbitz. The remix, described by Oates as “much more extreme,” was a result of his post-Masked Singer enthusiasm to bring his reinterpretation to life on his record.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly following his participation in The Masked Singer, Oates emphasized the freedom he encountered in being able to pursue new ventures at this stage of his career. He welcomed the opportunity to showcase his vocal abilities without being directly associated with his past works, aiming to forge a distinct path forward.
The anonymity offered by the elaborate costumes on The Masked Singer served as a motivating factor for Oates, enabling him to showcase his vocal talent incognito. He expressed his delight in being likened to reputable singers like John Cougar Mellencamp, Bryan Adams, Billy Joel, and Bob Seger throughout his time on the show.
Inspired by his time on The Masked Singer, John Oates has channeled his experiences into his latest project, embracing the artistic license to explore new sounds and musical genres. His innovative interpretations of classic tracks showcase his creativity and adaptability as an artist, solidifying his place in the competitive world of music.