Been & Gone by Robert O'Connor

"Been & Gone" was the second single from Severance, written during a fleeting moment of real-life spark. Robert penned the song on a coffee break at his day job after experiencing an unexpected connection with a stranger in an elevator — a moment that made him question everything and imagine a reckless escape into new desire. That tension between fantasy and reality became the emotional core of "Been & Gone".

Sonically, the track leans fully into Scandinavian pop influences — bright synths, playful melodies and a whimsical, bittersweet tone reminiscent of Agnes and ABBA. Gareth Shortland’s production brought a glossy, Swedish-pop sheen, pairing crisp electronic layers with a heartfelt vocal performance captured in Dublin with producer Richey McCourt. The backing-vocal arrangement, suggested by McCourt, became one of the song’s signature elements.

"Been & Gone" was pivotal in shaping the 'Severance' EP. Its warm reception from listeners and media alike gave Robert the confidence to expand the project into a five-track EP, ultimately establishing the sonic world that led to his artistic breakthrough.

Tracklist

1.	Been & Gone	3:58

2.	Been & Gone (GMJS Remix Edit)	4:08

3.	Been & Gone (Fletz Remix)	4:07

4.	Been & Gone (Sakgra Remix)	4:21

5.	Been & Gone (GMJS Club Mix)	6:52

6.	Been & Gone (Instrumental)	3:58

7.	Been & Gone (Fletz Instrumental)	4:06

8.	Been & Gone (Sakgra Instrumental)	4:25

9.	Been & Gone (GMJS Instrumental)	6:52

Credits

released November 5, 2021

Written by:
Robert O’Connor, Gareth Shortland & Gavin Sheridan

Produced by:
Tracks 1 & 6 — Gareth Shortland
Tracks 2, 5 & 9 — GMJS
Tracks 3 & 7 — Fletz
Tracks 4 & 8 — Sakgra

Mixed & mastered by:
Gareth Shortland

Vocal production by:
Richey McCourt

License