What is your name?
We are Orfila.
What is your genre of music?
We are a country band but also incorporate aspects of rock, folk and pop into our music.
Give us a little bio about you.
ORFILA are a UK country trio consisting of siblings Abi, Louise and Matt Orfila from Folkestone in Kent. Since forming in 2012 they have played a number of festivals including Country 2 Country twice, Buckle and Boots and the Gibraltar Music Festival twice where they opened for The Script, Stereophonics, KT Tunstall and Newton Faulkner among others. In 2016 they won the first ever Yamaha Soho Hoedown and last year were nominated for three UK Country Radio Awards; UK Country Album of the Year, UK Country Group of the Year and UK Country Artist of the Year. Throughout their career they have opened for Hank Wangford, Albert Hammond, Antonio Forcione and Beverley Craven among others. They have been played on Chris Country, BBC Scotland, BBC Essex, UK Country Radio and BBC Radio Kent (where they have been showcased on the Dave Cash Country Show and have also been the house band for the James Whale show). They have also been featured in Maverick and Up Country magazines. They have released two albums: “Writing on the Wall” in 2014 and “Never Slowin’ Down” in 2016. Their single “It Would Be You” hit the top ten of the iTunes UK Country Charts and the band released an EP “Built With A Dreamer’s Hand” in December 2017 to celebrate their five year anniversary.
Tell us more about your music.
We have a number of different individual influences. Since we started we have been inspired by artists such as Mumford and Sons to Ed Sheeran to Dolly Parton so our music can have a broad range however we have always loved country music (Lou also used to write and perform country music as a solo artist before we started the band) and will always consider ourselves a country band; it’s the genre that our music naturally gravitates to. As we are a country band we ensure that we include conventions of classic country music such as instrumentation (slide guitar/pedal steel/fiddle), relatable lyrics and themes and of course, distinctive three part harmonies. However we also put out own spin on our songs and incorporate elements of modern country music, taking influence from bands such as Little Big Town and early Band Perry records. We write from the heart and want to write songs that people can relate to. When we play live it is usually just the three of us and so the sound is a bit more acoustic than on our records but the songs still ring true.
You released ‘Raise A Glass’, what is the meaning behind the track?
(Lou) We wrote this song the day of our Grampa’s funeral. It was part of the healing process for us and it is really special to us. We thought we would release Raise A Glass as we hope that it will be relatable to those who listen to it and that it can be something special for them as part of their own healing process if ever they’re going through something painful.
What else can we expect?
(Lou) We are constantly writing and coming up with ideas of things we would like to do. We are going to be playing at some really awesome festivals throughout 2018 and there’s lots of exciting things in the pipeline! Watch this space.
What was the writing process like?
(Abi) It was a tough day for us and writing this song was so special. As we were together after our grandpa’s funeral we sat down and had the idea of writing a song about how we were feeling at the time. Of course all three of us were going through the same emotions so it was a short writing process. Writing this song, like many others, was a healing process for us and we wanted this song to be relatable to others who have lost someone in the past. It was the first close family member we lost and the first funeral I had ever been too so this was a very special song to write.
What was the recording process like?
(Abi) This song took a while to get right as we wanted it to have positive vibe to it instead of it being sad. We did have some funny moments though. For some reason the line “God Bless” at the end become harder to get and funnier to sing and I’m not entirely sure why. All three of us were recording the vocals in the same booth together and once one of us laughs all three of us just set off in laughter. I think it’s because that line in particular was quite “hymn like” so it made us laugh instead. It was like being back in church as kids and trying not to laugh at something serious; that just makes it even funnier.
Are you a signed?
Not yet!
Who are your influences?
We all have our own separate influences but as a band we really look up to artists such as Little Big Town (for the harmonies!), Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, The Band Perry and Abi is also a massive fan of Ed Sheeran.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
(Matt) I’d love for us to record a new album or two, get a few tours under our belts, get some major radio exposure (Radio 2 has always been a huge goal for us) and for us to still be doing what we love. You never know what life will be like in 5 years so I just hope we are still doing this and continue to enjoy it.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
(Matt) I enjoy writing, reading, exercising and getting out and doing stuff! I love going to the cinema, going to gigs, watching Arsenal play and hanging out with friends.
(Lou) I love to read, and bake and going to the theatre.
(Abi) I like to think of my next adventure, where I’m going to go next or do something I’ve never done before. I have a little home made studio which I record demos of new songs I’ve/we’ve written and still keep creative. I like to play the piano, watch my favourite TV shows, go to the gym and I have a part time job as a passport checking agent at Eurotunnel.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
There aren’t too many venues in our hometown but we do have an awesome place called the Leas Cliff Hall. Over the years it has played host to massive artists like the Rolling Stones, Status Quo, Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, Mumford and Sons, Ozzy Osbourne and Seasick Steve among others. It also recently welcomed UK country music band The Shires, who are the first UK country band to have an album in the top 10 album chart. We’ve been lucky enough to play there a number of times but it would be great to open for a big act there sometime!
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
(Lou) Yes! We’re actually unsigned ourselves. We are always up for collaborating and working with other bands and musicians. After all, we are all doing what we love and it’s always great to meet people with similar interests, to share stories about our journeys so far! We are all on social media, twitter and Facebook etc, and there are also contact details on our website too – feel free to contact us!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
(Matt) Wow, it’s impossible for me to pick just one song that influenced me to go into music! While we play country as a band I used to play quite a bit of folk when we were starting the band. So I guess pretty much every song from Mumford and Sons’ album Sigh No More really influenced my early performing as did Laura Marling’s album I Speak Because I Can. Really can’t give you an answer to that though! It’s also an ongoing process. These days I still hear songs that remind me how powerful music can be and spur me on to become the best musician I can. Songs like Chris Stapleton’s Broken Halos is a good example. When I first heard that song it just drove me to work harder. As we are unsigned we have day jobs and other commitments besides the band and it’s great when you hear songs that bring you back to the music.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
Definitely Glastonbury.
What made you go in to music?
(Lou) My dad. He is the one who introduced me to it. I have always been inspired by music since I was young. Mum and dad could see that and encouraged me to pursue it further and study music from a very young age. Then I just carried on down that path and my every day of my life is music! So I feel very grateful and very lucky.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
(Abi) “You’ll never know if you don’t try.” It’s a decision maker for me and it’s so true. How will I know how I feel about something if I’ve never experienced it myself?
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
(Lou) Take the time to find your sound. Play as many gigs as you can. Enjoy the journey. Dream big and work hard!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
(Abi) If anyone knows me well they will know that I stick by this quote “Now is not forever.” I heard it in a song once when I was 11 and it gave me hope that in any hurtful situation the feeling won’t last forever and in time it will heal. I love this quote and use it even now, my family and close friends always say it to me when I’m in a situation and Lou got me a plaque for my wall of the quote for my 19th birthday.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitars!
Cahon
Capo (VERY important otherwise songs would be in the wrong key)
Boots
Water. Lots of water!
You come off tour
1/ Where is the first place you go?
(Matt) I’m not going to lie. Probably Wetherspoons in my hometown for a pitcher of Godfather. It’s the best cocktail ever!
(Lou) Home.
(Abi). Home of course.
2/Who is the first person you see?
(Matt) Either my brother from another mother Andrew or my best bud Kurt. These guys bring out the best in me and there’s no better people to hang out with after a tour!
(Lou) My boyfriend.
(Abi) My parents.
3/What is the first thing you eat?
(Matt) A copius amount of cheesy chips.
(Lou) Something involving Nutella.
(Abi) Definitely Magic Stars.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Sure!
