Orianthi is Making a Scene

April 29, 2024

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Orianthi

Orianthi could not have known when she picked up a guitar at the age of 6, her life would never be the same. Her instant affinity for the instrument quickly grew into a full-blown love affair. Born into a Greek family in the southern Australian town of Adelaide, she had grown up surrounded by music and began to play piano at age 3.

The day she was introduced to an acoustic guitar was the day she knew what her life’s passion would be. Few people discover their destiny so early in life and stay on that same path. Orianthi had extraordinary focus and determination for someone so young. She scoured her father’s extensive record collection which included many talented guitarists who were also accomplished songwriters, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Santana, BB King and many others.

At age 11, her father took her to see Carlos Santana and she was in awe of his playing. “That show really affected me,” she recounts. “I asked my dad for a Paul Reed Smith guitar so I could be like Carlos. And that was it, no more acoustic!” She idolized Carlos and collected all of his videos spending hours learning his solos note for note until the tapes were worn out. At 15, she began home schooling so that she could pursue her passion full time and played in local cover bands in Adelaide. She opened for Steve Vai and he became a strong musical influence as a guitar idol and mentor. Soon after, she opened for ZZ top at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and she has also remained in close contact with Billy Gibbons.

Orianthi sent Carlos a copy of her first CD, Under the Influence recorded at home when she was 14 years of age. Fast forward 4 years and Carlos Santana played an Adelaide concert as part of his Australian tour. Orianthi was 18 and he reached out to her and invited her to his soundcheck which led to an invitation to join him on stage that night in front of her hometown audience. Carlos sent this footage to Paul Reed Smith in the US, and in 2004 she was invited by Paul to travel to California for the first time to play at NAMM (a music convention). By the age of 20, after honing her songwriting skills with encouragement from her idol and mentor, Steve Vai and some of Australia’s finest song-writers, she was ready to branch out from the cover band and do her own music. In 2005, Orianthi recorded her second independent CD, Violet Journey, playing not only lead guitar but also keyboards, bass guitar and drums on a most tracks. Her amazing skills caught the attention of a Universal Records A & R at the 2006 NAMM show and she signed a major record deal with Geffen, moving to the US in November that year.

An on-stage appearance with Carrie Underwood at the 2009 Grammy Awards proved to be another turning point in her career. Michael Jackson saw the footage and asked his musical director to reach out to Orianthi. She successfully auditioned for Michael and was invited to be a part the ill-fated This Is It concert series. She accepted and immediately joined the ranks of prestigious guitarists who worked with Michael – Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Jennifer Batten and more. Sadly, the world lost one of its most treasured musical icons and the tour never happened. However, Orianthi was present at all the rehearsals leading up to Michael’s death. “Working with Michael was a life changing experience,” she reflects, “one I will never forget. I learned so much from him.”

Orianthi released her major label debut Believe in the fall of 2009. The album produced the platinum single “According To You” which was a worldwide hit. Coming off the success of Believe and headlining shows around the world, Orianthi was asked to join Alice Cooper’s band in 2011. “I loved working with Alice. I admire his longevity as an artist and he gives 110% every night,” Orianthi said. “I’ve learned something valuable from all the artists I have had the privilege to work with.’

Alice was equally complimentary of his touring guitarist. ‘Orianthi killed it every night, twenty-eight solos and standing ovations. She is one of the best female rock guitarists in the world.’

The list of artists Orianthi has worked alongside is extensive and runs the gamut from Steve Vai, Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Michael Bolton, Prince, ZZ Top, Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, John Mayer, Dave Stewart, Dave Navarro and Richie Sambora.

Her eclectic style and versatility continued to grow and expand and defies the tendencies of an industry quick to pigeon hole an artist into one linear direction. She found a kindred spirit in producer Dave Stewart (Eurythmics, Super Heavy). Together they recorded Heaven In This Hell released March 12, 2013. The album is melodic, riff heavy rock, energetic blues, and a sprinkle of country and pop. “We were able to record with musicians I respect, creatively exchanging ideas and playing together live in the studio…the way I want all my records to be made. Dave is my producer but also a friend and collaborator. We had a lot of fun jamming and hashing out a variety of songs and sounds until we found the grooves that inspired us, “ said Orianthi.

Orianthi has performed at both the American and Latin Grammy Awards, the 50th Country Music Awards and the Kennedy Honors for Carlos Santana as he was honoured for his lifetime contribution to American performing arts culture.

2020 saw the culmination of all that experience in a new chapter, with Orianthi’s stunning 11-song album O, produced by Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Faith Hill, Ozzy Osbourne.). Written and recorded at Frederiksen’s Nashville studio in only 28 days, O songs build on Orianthi’s bluesy guitar influences and roots and find her incorporating pop and rock elements that make for a fully realized, timeless rock album that showcase Orianthi’s knack for choruses that are as melodic and memorable as her deft, creative guitar solos and infectious riffs. “I want this record to be something people put on in their cars, and they can relate the songs; makes them feel good. It gets you going I’d like to reach a whole new audience with this record.”

Playing live shows came to a halt for musicians around the world with the arrival of the pandemic in early 2020, so Orianthi turned her focus to writing and recording new music. As a result, 2022 brings her latest album written and recorded at iconic LA studio, Sunset Sound. Featuring a number of amazing guest artists, this album also includes long-time friend, and Emmy nominated music maestro, Michael Bearden and Emmy Award-winning composer, songwriter, producer, and multi- instrumentalist, Jacob Bunton.

Orianthi is looking forward to the year ahead, playing live shows and the opportunity to take her music and new signature PRS and Gibson guitars on tour around the world.

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