Tim Oksanen Soars With Lush Vocals and Dazzling Arrangements in the Brilliant New Release “Real Thing”
- STAFF
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
By: Staff
Emotionally charged and sonically rich, "Real Thing" cements Tim Oksanen as a rare and remarkable force.
We were absolutely blown away by this latest release, “Real Thing,” by Tim Oksanen.
Channeling a rhythm that brushes against the feel of R&B but blooms with the vibrancy of a big band, the song has the grandeur of a rock orchestra with just enough grit to keep it grounded in alt pop. We caught flickers of classic energy reminiscent of icons like Eddie Money and Boz Scaggs. We don’t make those comparisons lightly, but as soon as we looked deeper into the team and their longtime working relationships, it made perfect sense. The chemistry between each contributor creates a wave of synergy and warmth that bleeds into every moment of the track.
“Real Thing” opens with a rhythmic pulse that instantly grabs your attention. The strumming from guitarist Lucas Ferguson comes through with both precision and purpose, anchoring the track while also gently guiding its flow. The twinkling elements behind it add a lift that’s bright and really gets you in the zone. But what really stands out is the way Tim Oksanen’s vocals are introduced. They start soft and measured, like he’s offering an invitation, and then grow into something utterly magnetic. His tone is sweet, with an emotional pull that lands somewhere between classic soul and heartfelt pop. There’s a genuine sense of trying to uplift and unify, and his voice hits especially hard in moments like,
“Let me be the real thing / and leave it all behind.”
What also impressed us was how the entire production keeps Oksanen’s voice front and center. It’s crystal clear and emotionally raw, never buried, and always leading. The backing vocals, soulful, layered, and beautifully blended, come courtesy of Naomi Oksanen, whose harmonies elevate the track’s emotional depth. Her voice felt like part of a vintage '60s backup trio painted into the soundscape, as if she were visually present in dazzling attire just behind him. The piano trickled like stardust behind it all, and then came the guitars. Smooth, glowing, with just the right touch of reverb to bring out the drama. The bass, added a bold, classy hum that grounded everything like an '80s studio session done right. At times Ferguson’s guitar weaved in and out, floating in the spaces between verses. And then the interplay of piano and guitar during the solo, wrapped in Oksanen’s vocals, was an absolute standout moment. It was easily one of the most memorable songs we’ve heard this year.
The production here also deserves serious recognition. The sound is sharp and clean without losing its soul. It feels alive. Crisp where it needs to be, but still rich in warmth and subtle grit. There’s no question that this is a radio-ready track. The mix brings the perfect balance and clarity. It all comes together to create a listening experience that lingers long after the final note.
We were absolutely thrilled to discover Tim Oksanen through “Real Thing.” This track instantly turned us into fans and left us hungry to dive into his past releases. We’re already exploring the back catalogue, and we think you should too.
Don’t miss this one. Tim Oksanen is an artist worth following.
Tim Oksanen’s “Real Thing” is an unforgettable masterclass in emotion, soul, and timeless musicality.
Tim Oksanen’s artistic journey is built on something far deeper than music alone. His catalog reflects a devotion to exploring truth, spirituality, and emotional honesty, often shaped by real-life trials and triumphs.
From his early work on Red to the more emotionally layered albums Aeon and Diamond, Oksanen continues to reveal new sides of himself with each project. Whether it’s navigating personal loss, celebrating enduring love, or wrestling with the purpose of faith, he finds a way to translate life’s pivotal moments into melodies that resonate far and wide. His ability to weave vulnerable narratives into lush alternative pop arrangements is what sets him apart. He isn’t chasing trends. He’s building a soundscape of authenticity, one story at a time.
We’re so excited to have found and can’t wait to hear more from Tim Oksanen!
Be sure to stream, playlist, and share “Real Thing” by Tim Oksanen.
