His new dance anthem draws inspiration from the late great Avicii and his own personal growth…
By Shane Gallagher
Photos by Chris Martin
Reality star-turned-pop singer On Mekahel is back on the charts with his latest single, “Last Time,” a feel-good festival anthem that blends infectious beats with deeply personal storytelling. The track, written by Or Milshtok and Omri Kesten and adjusted by Mekahel and his husband, Dave, is produced by Lorenzo Cosi and mixed and mastered by Ran Ziv. With its upbeat tempo and themes of confidence and closure, “Last Time” represents a new chapter in the artist’s career, while paying homage to one of the greatest influences in his life: the late DJ Avicii.
The inspiration for “Last Time” struck during a workout session when Mekahel was listening to Avicii’s iconic song, “Wake Me Up.” “This song has been with me for years, making me feel good,” Mekahel explains. Determined to create a track that would evoke the same joy and connection for his audience, he set out to craft a piece that would resonate deeply with listeners. However, Mekahel added his own personal twist, drawing on his first heartbreak to give the song an emotional core. “It seemed like a great opportunity to make a more upbeat song about confidence and closure,” he says.
For Mekahel, Avicii’s legacy is unparalleled. “His ability to connect with his audience was just magical,” he shares. “Avicii brought electronic music into the mainstream and had a unique sound. He wasn’t afraid to take risks.” The late DJ’s “Wake Me Up” holds a special place in Mekahel’s heart, as he recalls hearing it live at a festival. “The song brings me amazing memories. It’s good vibes, good feelings,” he adds.
In addition to celebrating Avicii’s impact on electronic music, “Last Time” carries profound personal meaning for Mekahel. The song reflects on his first love and the heartbreak that followed – a transformative experience that played out publicly during the first season of his reality show, Putting On, which ran for two seasons on the gay streaming network, Revry. “It was my first love. I wasn’t out at the time, and when we broke up, it felt like the end of the world,” he recalls. “Having cameras follow me through that made it even harder. But it was also a period of evolution for me.”
Despite the pain of the breakup, Mekahel is grateful for the lessons it taught him. “I learned a lot about myself, about being gay, and about the man I wanted to become,” he shares. Those lessons ultimately led him to his husband, whom he describes as the love of his life. “He makes me a better person every day and has shown me what happiness is all about.”
Musically, “Last Time” stays true to Mekahel’s signature style: a fusion of emotional depth and dance-floor energy. “It’s similar to my previous releases in that it keeps the emotions and the party on the dance floor,” he explains. “The vibe is upbeat, hopeful and fun.” He describes the track’s sound as “festival, fun, happy,” perfectly encapsulating its ability to uplift listeners and get them moving.
Through “Last Time,” Mekahel hopes to inspire his audience to embrace life’s challenges and celebrate its joys. “I hope my song will encourage them to dance, celebrate life and remember that a breakup often paves the way for something better,” he says. Reflecting on his own journey, he adds, “When my heart was broken, I thought I’d never love again, but here I am, the happiest I’ve ever been, with the greatest love I could ever dream of.”
On Mekahel’s “Last Time” is available now on all streaming platforms. You can follow On Mekahel on Instagram, TikTok and X: @iamonmekahel.
SHANE GALLAGHER is a long-time Manhattan resident who now resides in Tampa, Florida. He shares his home and life with his two cats, Milo and Snickers, and he recently joined a gay soccer league.
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