INTERVIEW: ORRA
What inspired you to form the band, and how did you come up with your band name?
We wanted to form a group where we could play the music, we truly desired, free from both internal and external constraints. Our goal was to achieve complete artistic freedom, liberated from the "must-dos" of the music industry. As for the name, we are a band from Greece, so we decided to draw inspiration from our language. It was an idea proposed by our bass player. ΩЯRA (ΏΡΑ) means "time" in Greek. In our logo, the name is written using two symbols ("ЯR"): the left “Я” looks to the past, while the right “R” looks to the future. Together, they represent the present moment.
How would you describe your sound to someone who's never heard your music before?
Our music is based on rock, with some heavier elements. It has a strong progressive side and is even more focused on melody. There’s a lot of atmospheres in our sound, especially in our new album, Glimmer of Hope, which feels more introspective than our debut album, Unbounded. Still, it’s best for listeners to hear the music themselves without overthinking or analyzing it. That way, they can connect with it freely and in their own way.
Which bands or musicians have had the biggest influence on your music and style?
There are far too many influences to list in detail, as we draw inspiration from a wide range of musical styles. These include classical music, rock, progressive music, metal, experimental genres, and many more.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process? How do your ideas come together?
The process usually begins with the exchange of ideas on a musical level. It starts with composing the music, followed by a collaborative exchange of opinions and ideas among everyone, leading to the final completion of the orchestration. Subsequently, vocal melodies and lyrics are developed, with the necessary adjustments made along the way.
What has been the most memorable moment or experience during your tours or live shows?
We do not tour or perform live concerts at this time. We are primarily a studio project, but in the future, if the right conditions arise, we may consider doing so selectively. Many people ask when we will perform live and why we don't do it often. The truth is, we are not particularly interested in engaging in endless touring, especially since our personal lives are already quite busy. Additionally, we are not willing to sacrifice time, money, and effort to sustain a system that benefits everyone except us.
How do you balance keeping your music fresh while staying true to your original sound?
There is a considerable amount of work behind all of this, but for us, it is a standard—though not simple—process, a natural progression with a specific order and logic. Quality time is devoted to the structure and orchestration of the songs. The truth is, we never moved on to the next step unless we were absolutely certain that everything was in its proper place. Every chord, every transition was crafted with the assurance that it served a purpose. We always dedicate the necessary time to shape the songs into the form we desire.
What challenges do you face as a band in the modern music industry, especially with streaming services?
Ah, well, the usual challenges: low royalties, as physical album sales continue to decline. The market is saturated, making it difficult for record labels to offer the ideal support, even if they wish to. Touring has become both costly and exhausting. Additionally, managing social media and dealing with shorter attention spans globally further complicates matters.
Is there a particular theme or message you aim to convey through your latest album? What’s your favorite song to perform live, and why?
We will know when the time comes.
How do you see the evolution of rock and metal music, and where do you think it's headed in the future?
I don't think the future looks bright. Right now, we see older artists constantly touring, while the audience doesn't support younger bands. Even when they do, these new bands are often just bad copies of the old ones. There's a trend of not moving away from the familiar, old products. We might have to wait for some of the older artists to retire before new, deserving creators get a chance. Αdditionally there is too much genre blending. While technology leads to better production, it may also lose the raw authenticity. Live performances could fade as virtual concerts take over. The focus on diversity and sustainability is forced, and mainstream success will be hard to reach.
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