Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Orianthi

Australian-born, Los Angeles-based Orianthi has emerged as one of the greatest guitarists in music. The award-winning player, singer-songwriter, and producer first began her love affair with the instrument at six. By fifteen, she decided to follow her heart and pursue it professionally, and what a career she’s built.

She shared the stage with everyone including Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, and Carrie Underwood. Her three studio albums have racked up over twenty million streams, and she’s just getting started.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Orianthi to chat about her journey, her latest single, and her upcoming album.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Orianthi: I discovered my passion for music when I was four years old when my parents were just playing music around the house. I started on piano when I was four. When I was six years old, I started playing guitar. My dad is a guitar player; he’s a left-handed guitar player, so I played guitar left-handed and then eventually switched to right-handed. And I just became obsessed with it from then on.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence in your career?
Orianthi: The biggest influence on my career would have to be Carlos Santana. My father is also a huge influence because he initially put the guitar in my hands. Carlos Santana really inspired me to play electric guitar after hearing “Europa” and going to one of his concerts at Rainbow Serpent Tour in Australia. I was just blown away. From then on, I basically learned every one of his songs. He’s been a good friend and support to me as well.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Orianthi: The moment that stands out the most to me would have to be getting up on stage with Santana. I was eighteen years old playing with him at Memorial Drive in Adelaide, Australia. There were fifteen thousand people, and I got to jam with Carlos beforehand backstage. I thought he was just going to sign my guitar. He ended up asking me up on stage. We jammed out for forty-five minutes, and I will never forget that moment. Another significant moment was getting hired by Michael Jackson for his This Is It tour. Getting signed to Interscope Records was another huge moment for me.

PC: You’ve shared the stage with some of music’s biggest artists. What have you learned from those experiences that you’ve been able to apply to your career moving forward?
Orianthi: I’ve learned different things from every artist I’ve worked with. The way they handle themselves on stage and off stage. I’ve learned a lot of things musically, collaborating with Michael Jackson or A.R. Rahman, who is an amazing Indian composer from Bollywood films. Then I’ve worked with Carrie Underwood from the country world, Steve Vai, who’s an incredible guitar player, and Alice Cooper.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Sinners Hymn.” What inspired the song?
Orianthi: Every record is different from the last. I never want to bore myself or my fans. This one has rock, pop, blues, and experimental synth sounds. We really just dug into a vibe for every track. We weren’t particularly going for anything. It was just going in and making music that made us feel something. We hope that others can feel something from the tracks as well. We experimented with a lot of different guitar sounds and tones on the record.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
Orianthi: A few more singles will be released, some music videos, and possibly more live streams. Hopefully next year, we can get back on the road touring. My album is coming out in November, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Orianthi: I’m a huge Savage Garden fan. I’ve been to several of their shows and bought all of their records. I just love their sound.

PC: First album you bought?
Orianthi: I think it was a Santana record. I think it was Santana Brothers.

PC: First concert you attended?
Orianthi: Tommy Emmanuel. I was ten years old.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Orianthi: Abraxas by Santana. His guitar playing was everything to me. It’s just an incredible record, and I go back to it a lot. It always inspires me.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Orianthi: Rockin’ Rio Music Festival. Let’s make that happen, everybody!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Orianthi: My new obsession is AshaPops. Every time I go into a Whole Foods, the aisle is basically wiped out of them by the time I leave. I love them so much. I also run every day, so I always take running shoes with me everywhere I go.

To keep up with Orianthi, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.