Hello David Orien, where are you from?
Well, I guess originally, my Mother’s womb, which happened to be in Colorado when she snapped me out. So, I guess the real answer is from the middle of the mountains in Colorado. Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Where did you start with music?
I’ve been involved in music for my entire life, heavily influenced as a kid by my family, who are all musicians. As a kid, I was also involved in music through church, although I’m definitely not religious as an adult. The church probably wouldn’t approve of a lot of my songs. I started with piano lessons at age 9, but I played guitar and sang in a number of bands all through my adolescence. In college, I was in a Punk band in Colorado, but that ended because we all graduated and had different plans. My plan was to go to law school and become a lawyer, but, unfortunately, I’m too impulsive. Now I’m in Los Angeles making songs about my anger. This current project I’m working on, which I guess is just me being vain, I’ve been working on since I came to L.A.
Who is in your band?
Well… some of the most talented people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Let me introduce them: Sebastian Konnackel is our drummer. He is an absolute machine! He’s from India and is the most well-versed metalhead I’ve ever known! Charles Aldrich is a keyboardist. He’s a man from the east of this country. His ear for the keys makes me want to quit because I’ll never be as natural as him. Corin Fix is singing, and her voice would make the angels cry. Beyond that, she makes our live performances actually have relatable emotion. Ruger is also singing, and he is one of the most natural musicians to ever walk this earth. The gods, if they exist, would worship his talent. These guys are not just my bandmates; they’re my musical family, and together, we create something special.
What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?
In my life… I don’t know. Everyone has their tragic backstory. I certainly have one. Listen to my songs, and you might find the answer.
Who inspires you the most musically?
Mostly satan. Just kidding, he doesn’t exist. A lot of the groups and artists that I’ll probably name won’t sound that much like my music, but… My lifelong favorite band is System of a Down, but lately, I have really been into Rammstein, Phoebe Bridgers, or Gogol Bordello. At heart, I think I will always be a metalhead, though. I also have a lifelong love for ’70s punk and a lot of late ’90s pop acts like TLC or the Backstreet Boys. I’m not even being ironic.
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
Don’t be afraid of your emotions. It is okay to be aware of them and to express them. Also, I hope they like the combo of an angry delivery in a non-classic way. I want my anger to be relatable.
What is your greatest achievement as a musician?
Maintaining a level of hatred that fuels my artistry… Just kidding. That’s a hard question. It’s probably starting my time in L.A. in a hostel in Hollywood. Having no concrete plan but getting in my car and figuring it out. Saying what I always say to myself when I make a scary decision; Fuck it.
Do you produce your own music? If not, who do you work with?
I co-produce with my great friend and collaborator Jakob Sweet A.K.A. NoTrust @notrustnyc.
Tell us about any music you may have coming out. When is it coming out? What is it about?
We have a single called “Friday” coming out in September with a video. The video’s pretty silly. We’re dressed in drag. As well as a few other supporting singles. It’s really about how angry I am, but you can interpret it in any way that you want when it comes out this summer.
What does a day inside your shoes look like?
Artist: That really, really, really depends on what day it is. Some days I’m the most motivated person you could meet. I could perform open heart surgery on a cockroach. But some days I’m hungover. Although I’m certain that the answer you’re looking for is my day to day as it pertains to what I’m trying to accomplish in a music career. Then I would say… You would wake up, and coordinate with whoever you are working with that day, be it your band, your producer or studios. Then of course have a daily bout of anxiety, cry for an allocated hour and then regain focus and charge into that sunset.
Anything else you want your audience to know about?
It is okay to be angry AND you should come see me perform.
Keep up to date with David Orien! Follow him on the links below!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3eIw4BJLS8ZW6YqYOnuumg?si=FmSndE87TnajN98FjzY4SA
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNx6yYbgWjYscHmn__mV3BQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidoriendavid/
