Indie Outfit Oba Consider What Could Have Been on Ethereal & Introspective Piece

Toronto indie band Oba first crossed paths back in high school, but it wasn’t until after graduation that their musical journey together truly began. During their college years, the bandmates not only played shows and wrote songs but also lived under the same roof. Those years were filled with more hanging out than anything else, but that downtime was critical in establishing the deep, unbreakable bond that now defines the band. It’s the essence of their friendship—filled with shared laughs, late-night conversations, and musical experimentation—that ultimately laid the foundation for Oba’s sound.

Their latest single, “Could Have,” showcases the dreamy and layered sound that the band has become known for. The track is an evocative piece of swirling indie rock that weaves together shimmering guitar lines, hazy vocals, and introspective lyrics. It emerged as a collaborative and organic effort, with each member contributing to a sonic tapestry that captures the wistful feeling of reflecting on missed opportunities and the aching sense of “what could have been.” Through poignant and heartfelt songwriting, Oba encapsulates the universal experience of looking back on pivotal moments and wondering how life might have turned out differently.

“Could Have” channels a feeling of being haunted by the ghost of possibilities, drawing listeners into its emotional atmosphere. The song asks listeners to confront the past, acknowledging that the choices and events that once felt so significant have now faded into the distance. Yet, the lingering echoes of those moments remain, shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us. Oba’s members believe that making music is about evoking deep emotions rather than adhering to strict formulas. As they put it, “It’s more important for our music to make us feel something deeply than to focus on creating something catchy or perfectly logical.”

The lyrics of “Could Have” capture that emotional struggle with raw honesty. Lines like And I’m out on my ass / Watching you fade / Into a past / That won’t be found or made illustrate the sense of helplessness and longing that comes with remembering what’s lost. It’s a reflection of how the past can slip through our fingers, becoming intangible and unrecoverable. Yet, despite the pain, there’s a beauty in the melancholy, a reminder of how deeply we can feel and how our experiences shape who we are.

Oba’s journey to this moment hasn’t been glamorous, but it’s been filled with the kind of experiences that cemented their identity as a band. They’ve played to empty rooms at ungodly hours, penned songs that now make them cringe, and met a wild assortment of interesting, unstable, and artistic characters along the way. These shared experiences helped them form a tight-knit, almost familial unit, creating a space where each member feels free to express themselves musically and personally. The group’s deep connection is evident in everything they do, and their music is a reflection of the genuine love they have for the art and for each other.

The name Oba is a tribute to their beloved Obaajan (the Japanese word for “grandma”), who played a special role in their early days as a band. She would prepare sushi and an array of snacks to fuel their long road trips to gigs across Canada. Her support and the warmth of those memories inspired the band’s name and continue to influence the spirit of their music. Today, Oba creates songs they genuinely enjoy, hoping that others, especially those who need a few tracks to daydream to, will find comfort in their sound. Their music is a testament to the bonds they’ve built, the memories they cherish, and the dreams they still carry.