The Mighty Orq was born just around the time Mork from Ork (Robin Williams in the 1979 sitcom Mork & Mindy) was busy magically emptying drinking glasses with his fingers. (Apparently, this made for very funny television in the late 70’s). Orq from Earth has been busy magically drawing blues music out of his guitars since he was eighteen and beginning his career playing with the Houston based blues group, the Tony Vega Band.
The Mighty Orq is not The Mighty Orq’s real name. His given name is Josh, so he says, though his surname remains a closely guarded secret, unless you have Caller ID.
As the story goes, a stoned schoolmate came up with ‘Orq’ and, a few years later, Tony Vega added ‘Mighty’. No doubt, acknowledging Orq’s massive talent for guitar playing. Not to be out done, Orq’s fashion sense runs a close second for it’s very own ‘mightiness’.
Wearing an outfit better suited to an Eastern European vacuum cleaner salesman on acid, along with oversized Jackie Onassis sunglasses, when asked about his creative wardrobe assemblage, Orq’s comment seemed reserved and thoughtful with a touch of dry wit, much like his personality.
“I used to be a lot bigger. I lost 100 pounds and needed a new wardrobe. As a performer you sort of have to exaggerate certain aspects of your appearance to engage the audience, at least a little bit, to get their attention.”
Born in Houston, Texas 31 years ago, Orq, has been touring around the southern U.S. (as The Mighty Orq) for nearly 8 years. At the time of this interview the band was heading to Europe to play a few dates, adding to their growing following. Maintaining an independent band, Orq, is well acquainted with multi-tasking and the daily grind to keep the band working.
“Occasionally there’s a hangover involved... We’re a do-it-yourself type of group. A typical day usually involves administration type stuff like calling clubs, booking agents, mailing posters, emailing people... yadda, yadda, yadda... band stuff... and then go play at night.”
Although Orq is the front man and CEO of the group, he gives much credit to his drummer Matt Johnson and bassist/keyboardist, Westside Johnny Bryant, for keeping the machine running. Orq admitted having a record label behind them would make things easier financially but alluded to enjoying more creative control remaining independent.
“I’m kind of a control freak. I like to feel confident in knowing what we’re doing and how we’re presented.”
When it comes to songwriting Orq is more willing to let go of the reins and allow for the collaborative process to flourish.
“It varies from song to song. We’ll come up with parts and arrange it there (in the studio) or write lyrics as a group. We don't have a set routine.”
Blues might be one category to describe The Mighty Orq’s sound, but it’s certainly not the only one. Like most music artists, Orq, despises categorizing his music and is reluctant to give it a name but eventually manages to utter, “blues rock”.
“Man, I hate the term blues rock. Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of my biggest influences and I’m a huge fan. To be lumped into that category isn’t always the best... (Orq is careful not to be insulting) professional maneuver. Im very much a blues guy deep down in my heart, it sort of comes out when I play. Whatever the song may be it s going to be a little bluesy. We tend to rock a little more. ZZ Top meets AC/DC. There’s the blues element but also the good time rock& roll.”
Orq’s desire to rock & roll may be at the forefront of his band efforts but his ability to perform traditional solo acoustic slide blues guitar is transcendent. The voice of an old soul from the Delta with the hands of a seasoned player.
“I saw this guy named Harlem Slim. I said, ‘Man, I really enjoy your music.’ He asked me to buy a CD and when I didn’t have the money he walked away. I asked him if he gave lessons... He taught me to play that style with the acoustic.
The Mighty Orq is working with his bandmates on a new CD and can be seen at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston August 12th. More Houston/ Galveston area shows are scheduled through the remainder of 2010.
Checkout www.mightyorq.com for more information and to hear The Mighty Orq’s music.
Watch the video interview and see a live solo acoustic Orq performance CLICK HERE
Published in The Galveston Parrot August 2010
The Mighty Orq was born just around the time Mork from Ork (Robin Williams in the 1979 sitcom Mork & Mindy) was busy magically emptying drinking glasses with his fingers. (Apparently, this made for very funny television in the late 70’s). Orq from Earth has been busy magically drawing blues music out of his guitars since he was eighteen and beginning his career playing with the Houston based blues group, the Tony Vega Band.
The Mighty Orq is not The Mighty Orq’s real name. His given name is Josh, so he says, though his surname remains a closely guarded secret, unless you have Caller ID.
As the story goes, a stoned schoolmate came up with ‘Orq’ and, a few years later, Tony Vega added ‘Mighty’. No doubt, acknowledging Orq’s massive talent for guitar playing. Not to be out done, Orq’s fashion sense runs a close second for it’s very own ‘mightiness’.
Wearing an outfit better suited to an Eastern European vacuum cleaner salesman on acid, along with oversized Jackie Onassis sunglasses, when asked about his creative wardrobe assemblage, Orq’s comment seemed reserved and thoughtful with a touch of dry wit, much like his personality.
“I used to be a lot bigger. I lost 100 pounds and needed a new wardrobe. As a performer you sort of have to exaggerate certain aspects of your appearance to engage the audience, at least a little bit, to get their attention.”
Born in Houston, Texas 31 years ago, Orq, has been touring around the southern U.S. (as The Mighty Orq) for nearly 8 years. At the time of this interview the band was heading to Europe to play a few dates, adding to their growing following. Maintaining an independent band, Orq, is well acquainted with multi-tasking and the daily grind to keep the band working.
“Occasionally there’s a hangover involved... We’re a do-it-yourself type of group. A typical day usually involves administration type stuff like calling clubs, booking agents, mailing posters, emailing people... yadda, yadda, yadda... band stuff... and then go play at night.”
Although Orq is the front man and CEO of the group, he gives much credit to his drummer Matt Johnson and bassist/keyboardist, Westside Johnny Bryant, for keeping the machine running. Orq admitted having a record label behind them would make things easier financially but alluded to enjoying more creative control remaining independent.
“I’m kind of a control freak. I like to feel confident in knowing what we’re doing and how we’re presented.”
When it comes to songwriting Orq is more willing to let go of the reins and allow for the collaborative process to flourish.
“It varies from song to song. We’ll come up with parts and arrange it there (in the studio) or write lyrics as a group. We don't have a set routine.”
Blues might be one category to describe The Mighty Orq’s sound, but it’s certainly not the only one. Like most music artists, Orq, despises categorizing his music and is reluctant to give it a name but eventually manages to utter, “blues rock”.
“Man, I hate the term blues rock. Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of my biggest influences and I’m a huge fan. To be lumped into that category isn’t always the best... (Orq is careful not to be insulting) professional maneuver. Im very much a blues guy deep down in my heart, it sort of comes out when I play. Whatever the song may be it s going to be a little bluesy. We tend to rock a little more. ZZ Top meets AC/DC. There’s the blues element but also the good time rock& roll.”
Orq’s desire to rock & roll may be at the forefront of his band efforts but his ability to perform traditional solo acoustic slide blues guitar is transcendent. The voice of an old soul from the Delta with the hands of a seasoned player.
“I saw this guy named Harlem Slim. I said, ‘Man, I really enjoy your music.’ He asked me to buy a CD and when I didn’t have the money he walked away. I asked him if he gave lessons... He taught me to play that style with the acoustic.
The Mighty Orq is working with his bandmates on a new CD and can be seen at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston August 12th. More Houston/ Galveston area shows are scheduled through the remainder of 2010.
Checkout www.mightyorq.com for more information and to hear The Mighty Orq’s music.
Watch the video interview and see a live solo acoustic Orq performance CLICK HERE
©2014 Zach Tate
