What is your name and role within the band?
Orion DiFranco Vocals/Guitar and yes I was named after the constellation. I usually say my dad was huge hippy but thats a lie. My dad was avid hunter and Orion in greek mythology was a huntsmen that zeus placed in the sky. Honestly the name is marketable lol.
How did you start?
While working in a steel mill a fellow steel worker (Bob Rau) introduced me to his sons and we formed a band. Just a bunch blue collar guys.
Where are you based?
Columbus, OH
Please give an example of your music writing process?
I create a riff first. Then when the right experience comes along, whether its personal, current event or something with friends or family I then begin to let it find the sound that expresses the lyrics that come to me.
What are you working on right now?
Right now Im currently writing the songs for our next album.
What is your gear setup?
Guitars: Fender Strat, Michael Kelly 1955 custom telecaster, Michael Kelly Patriot instinct bare knuckle Amp: Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue and way too many pedals to count and Im slimming down everyday. Tone is a monster and can consume you.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
Besides my darling prego wife and my dog. I go out and listen to as much music as possible. I just recently got back from Jazz and Heritage festival in New Orleans. I got to see many great artist. Stevie Wonder, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tab Benoit, Trombone Shorty. A lot of my music is affected by the people I meet in the Steel mill and outside in the real world.
How would you describe your music genre?
Blue Collar Blues Rock.
Do you know any music theory?
A little bit and I keep learning everyday. My drummer and bass player. Erik Rau (Drummer) and Jason Rau (Bass) know quite a bit more that I do. I rely on my ear and them.
What are your plans for the future?
Honestly we would like to play full time. Right now were focusing on playing shows in Ohio and writing our next record. I recently changed jobs from a steel worker to a quality engineer in the same facility I work at. Erik Rau is a second generation steel worker in the same mill and Jason Rau is a bus driver.
How did you get into music?
When I was 13 years old I purchased my first guitar. I had no idea it would be the thing I love most besides my wife of course. Something clicked when I moved to Columbus, OH 7 years ago. I joined Columbus Songwriters Association and started listening to other songwriters perform. Eventually 3 year ago I found my voice, picked the blues and started movin to the groove from there.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Ray lamontagne new album ouroboros as I’m writing this.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
SRV, Gary Moore, Gark Clark Jr, Tab Benoit, Buddy Guy.
When are you playing next? Brothers Drake June 16th but we have a big show FMMF (fashion meets music festival) on August 19th.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
I attached a promo sheet with lots of great info about the band. Without Erik and Jason Rau none of this is possible. First all we are friends the band thing is a bonus. Erik and Jason are gifted musicians with a bond that no one will understand.
http://orionandtheconstellations.com/
https://www.facebook.com/orionandtheconstellations/
Orion and The Constellations Release Debut Album COLUMBUS, Ohio – Industrial blues trio Orion and the Constellations release their debut album “10 Years” on October 21, 2016 with a show at The Shrunken Head in Columbus. A steel worker by day and a self-taught blues guitarist by night, Orion DiFranco leads with fast fingers on electric guitar alongside brothers Jason and Erik Rau (bass and drums). Influenced by the great SRV, Gary Moore and Gary Clark Jr, the album was produced at Sonic Lounge by Joe Viers (Lydia Loveless, Red Wanting Blue, Dr. John). With the precision of a finely tuned manufacturing line, their funk inspired riffs will move you through myths and memories of love and consequence, generational struggle and the power of the human spirit, leaving you with a sense of shared experience and an undeniable groove in your gut. More information available at: orionandtheconstellations.com
Adult Contemporay Song of The Year “Whiskey My Woman and This City”
Album artwork: Diane Zizka
Track listing:
1. Along for the Ride
2. Blue Collar Blues
3. Whiskey My Woman and This City
4. Move to The Groove
5. You Got Me
6. 10 Years
7. The People
