Orson (band)

Orson
Background information
Origin Hollywood, California, United States
Genres Rock
Power pop
Years active 2000–2007
Labels Mercury
Members
Jason Pebworth
Kevin Roentgen
George Astasio
Johnny Lonely
Chris Cano
Past members
Chad Rachild
Johnny Fedevich
Jason Byrum

Orson was a BRIT Award-winning American rock band from Hollywood, California, formed in 2000.

Contents

Career

Originally the band called itself Halogen. Recently, it was also known as Dr. Lady. Their self-financed first album, Bright Idea, released by Mercury Records in 2006, was produced in Los Angeles by Noah Shain and achieved chart success in the UK with the first single, "No Tomorrow". The album reached number 1 in their respective categories.

The band first played on UK radio during a live session on BBC Radio 2's Dermot O'Leary Show. Following this they appeared at the 2006 Virgin Mobile V Festival in Staffordshire and Chelmsford in the UK. In Chelmsford, the lead singer exclaimed, "It's good to be home!" This is because the band moved to London from Los Angeles in 2006.

Lead singer Jason Pebworth said in an interview that the band's musical influences are Led Zeppelin, Flaming Lips, Beck and Björk.[1]

The band also appeared on UK football based TV show Soccer AM. When asked which team they supported, they replied "No one". They were therefore allocated Rotherham United, for whom they eventually played a benefit gig at a venue in the Rotherham tourist attraction Magna Science Adventure Centre.

Signed to Universal Publishing, Pebworth and George Astasio remain successful writers and producers under the name The Invisible Men, along with colleague Jon Shave, formerly of Xenomania. They have already had hits with artists like The Noisettes and Gabriella Cilmi, and also work with new artist Jessie J.

Kevin Roentgen is currently pursuing a solo career with his project Praying Hands, as well as continuing to write and produce for other artists. His other venture, Hott Mess, released an EP on itunes called Love Is Cheap in June 2009.

Johnny Lonely continues to perform as well as managing new artists as 'Lo Pro' in Los Angeles, and performed with Roentgen on the Hott Mess EP.

Chris Cano works continuously as a drummer and toured with mega-band Ozomatli.

Members

The band consists of:

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
US AUT FRA GER IRL SWI UK
2006 Bright Idea 51 29 48 32 38 1
  • UK: Platinum
2007 Culture Vultures
  • Released: October 22, 2007
  • Label: Mercury
  • Formats: CD, digital download
25

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions Album
UK UK Download
2006 "No Tomorrow" 1 1 Bright Idea
"Bright Idea" 11 8
"Happiness" 27 68
"Already Over" 174
2007 "Ain't No Party" 21 18 Culture Vultures

Other contributions

In popular culture

References

External links