DJ Interviews: Orange Creek Riders

 

Here's my interview with Darren Soto of The Orange Creek Riders band

How'd you get started in music?

I started singing while I was mowing our lawn as a kid. First it was covers and then I started writing my own songs. I eventually picked up a little rhythm guitar and started playing in bands in high school, college and law school. We started Orange Creek Riders back in 2013 to play Central Florida themed folk rock originals at local festivals.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

This is definitely a Florida-heavy list. Tom Petty and Jimmy Buffet, plus the Lumineers, The Cure, among others. You can't help living in the Margaritaville state and without feeling the influence. 

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Play music because you love it. Find your unique voice. You do these things and play long enough. People will start to notice. Whatever you do. Don't give up!

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

First we focus many of our songs on Central Florida themes like beaches, summer, ranches, citrus groves and the diversity of our home. We focus local but our music is heard around the world.

Second we engage in political causes pretty frequently related to civil rights, promoting the arts and campaigns. Our band consists of a member of Congress (singer, songwriter, guitarist) and a congressional staffer (harmonica), as well as politically active bassist and drummer. We lean left.

Any new gigs or albums in the future

We plan to play Delandapalooza in April and Orlando Fringe Festival in May. Hopefully we will play a few gigs in February or March to support local causes too.

We just released "Drifting On Away" this week. This ethereal ballad is the stuff that dreams are made of. It's the last of the Vision Singles (3 in all), which were all inspired during the twilight between awake and sleep. Next we will be releasing the Sunny Singles starting likely in early April.

Special thanks to them for this interview & I wish him & his band luck in their music. So until then I'll catch you on The Flipside! Stay awesome & rock n roll!