Interview: ORRA

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Music got us into music, of course. We found our way through it to express ourselves. If we had not gotten into Music, we would be involved in some other forms of Art, or simply enjoy Music as listeners. The arts can be self-contained, but at the same time can be combined and interweave with other art forms.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

We have different activities, family, personal, etc. However, music covers a large part of them in one way or another. Every influence is beneficial when it is used positively and in terms of Music, every inspiration can therefore be transformed into music

How long has your band been around?

Ok, well ORRA (ΩЯRΑ) formed in the fall of 2019.We were previously in other bands and projects and have co-existed in some of them throughout the years, though.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We are currently based in Athens, Greece.There are many pros and some cons. There is a big tradition in many aspects of Art, especially the classics as everybody knows and like many artists like us whose inspirations are not limited only to music, this is beneficial. For example, it may be a painting, a tragedy, a statue, a monument, an architectural design etc. All the above are governed by rhythm and harmony and can therefore be transformed into music. In the Music field now, there is a type of individuality, because we are combining ethnic or exotic (as some may call it) grooves, scales, and other aspects with the traditional Western Music Harmony. On the other hand, the music scene here is diverse.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The name “ΩЯRΑ” is a paraphrase of the Greek word ΩΡΑ (time). It is written with two Rs, one looking to the left and the other to the right, symbolizing the past and the future.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

We hadn’t had the chance to perform in front of an audience with ORRA yet so I can’t answer to this. Of course, playing live is something we did many times in the past, but this was with other bands, and it is history now.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

As mentioned before, we hadn’t had the chance to perform in front of an audience with ORRA yet. But in our own experience with other bands, it all depends. on the crowd, the conditions and some other factors, as well.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

We need a time-machine for this because most of them are gone, nowadays.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Well, we are not that much into advising others, especially when it comes to that, because everyone has a different road to travel, different dreams and goals, even different gifts and abilities. But, trying to be original, find their own voice, patience, practice, always moving forward etc. would help someone in this journey. Ah, and always keep it fun!

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Stay focused, always believe, never question yourself because it is your life, your music is an extension of yourself. Also, to be more patient and observe, work and network with the most talented people of your time. Don’t let negative people waste your time!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Every song tells a different story, and it is hard to pick up one out of them. If we have to pick just one, then probably “In Pulse” because is the first song we put together as a band and is somehow a “blueprint” of our sound.

Which songs are your favorite to play, and which get requested the most?

As far as our favorites, we don’t have any. Each song on the “Unbounded” album is a favorite on its own, for different reasons. Now, when it comes to audience favorites, only time will tell.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Τhere is not a standard procedure. We generally collect ideas, melodies, riffs, parts etc. Then some may occur during rehearsals. When a song structure is completed, it is time for the lyrics and arrangements. Lyrically, we draw ideas and inspiration from various subject areas (imaginary and "real") combining different techniques. As mentioned before, our inspirations are not limited only to music. All aspects of Art are governed by rhythm and harmony and can therefore be transformed into music.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

There are different kinds of messages that we can’t reveal. You need to listen to it, to view the truth from your perspective.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

It depends, whether it is something about music ideas, performance issues or personal and ego clashes, lack of inspiration etc. Then, we just must move forward.

What are your plans, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Our debut album” Unbounded” is out, so we are working on that too (in terms of promotion and release details). We are happy and proud of this album. We believe a lot in this, and we think that there are many people out there that will share our enthusiasm. Our plans about ORRA remain unchanged, that is to reach a point where we would be able to, at this point and time, balance our dreams with some realistic goals. Nothing fancy. It is all about evolving, moving forward, whether it is about composing new material, live performances etc.

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ORRA-THE REVENANT(Lyric Video)