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.
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.
