After originally making a name for himself as a mixer and producer over the last few years, Montreal-based artist Ormiston has now ventured his way across the recording booth to deliver his debut solo single 'Rebel'.
With nods to the likes of MGMT and Toro Y Moi, 'Rebel' makes for a wonderfully rich and textured introduction to his sound. Jam-packed with psychedelic rhythms, breezy production, and a sensational groove throughout, this initial release looks set to be the first of many captivating offerings from this emerging talent.
So with the new single rattling around in our heads right now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Late 60’s early 70’s Rock n Roll, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
'Gloria' - Van Morrison. It’s the ultimate song, the writing and production is simply perfect.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I try to break any habits or rituals, I think starting something on new bases is always more inspiring but hard to do. I definitely have some go to drum samples and keyboard patches that I know are gonna hit it out the park for me, but breaking patterns is the best way to go!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Mk.gee and Jean Tonique.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I would say that every song definitely has an instance of someone who was influential in my life one way or another. I try not to make it too personal or specific because I like giving the listener a chance to create their own story around it and make it their own.
What has been the funniest or most unusual moment in your career so far?
I used to play guitar with a local artist in Montreal, David Giguère. We had this gig in some lonesome town and it was David’s birthday. The people who put the gig together had an art cake made with David’s face drawn on the cake, it was absolutely weird and hilarious!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would have to say The Strokes, they are legendary everywhere in the world and still a class act after all those years!
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
That’s a hard one! But being from Canada, growing up as a child hockey was my favourite thing in the world, so with a bit of luck, maybe a hockey player!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To create my OWN sound. Authenticity is probably the most important thing for any artist, it’s how we discover them and why we love listening to them.
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Ormiston's debut single 'Rebel' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.