Background Orcs

The four members of Background Orcs combine musical styles and feels from around the globe to deliver a high-energy atmosphere for listeners as well as keep them on their toes with a unique sound that defies normal categorization. While some have attempted to package the Orcs' sound with brands such as "Deep Pocket Immersive Groove" or "Heady Psychedelic Jazz Fusion", one must experience the group first hand to grasp their diverse musical directions. Regardless of genre, constant craftsmanship by all four members has been a hallmark of Background Orcs from the very beginning and has led the group to having a formidable presence in the Northeast music scene, sharing stages with artists such as Bernie Worrell, Dopapod, Consider The Source, The New Mastersounds, Rebirth Brass Band, The Nth Power, and many more. In 2014 the Orcs dropped their first full length album Villains. The creative juices are ever flowing, and with enough material already written to record another full album, the Orcs have set their sights on world domination. Be afraid, the Orcs are coming to a town near you. The Story of how the Orcs were born: The Orcs came to being during our years together in college. It started with three of us. Noah, Scott, and Riley were classmates in the music department at Umass Dartmouth. One night, circumstances brought the three together late one night in the aftermath of some college debauchery when normally they all would have been in three separate places with other people. One thing led to another and Riley had the other two convinced the very best thing to do at 3 am would be to sneak past the Security, get into the music department, and Jam their hearts out. With reluctance, Scott and Noah eventually agreed. In the pitch black of a dead building, (usually bustling with hundreds of students during the day,) the three classmates carried gear up stairs, down hallways, and into the "Jam Room". Our hearts were racing, heads turning at every sound or sign of light, but eventually we were ready to play. Before the music started, Noah said "guys after all this I just want to say that whatever we play, there are no wrong notes". We sat and began. Time didn't matter, and we melted into our instruments. The three of us may have never played together again if we had not that night and it shows that taking risks in life can lead to incredible things. For some reason the only other topic besides music that was mentioned was all three of our coincidental love for Tolkien's world. That night the Background Orcs were born, and also a life-long friendship was forged. Every friday we got together at the end of the school week for a musical release. It wasn't long before Riley's friend Jake heard about the friday sessions, and wanted in on the action. He became an orc shortly after. All four of us can play the music we love without restrictions and improvise without fear of judgement from each other. We really feel that something special is starting and want to share it with the world. NEXT SHOW Dec. 31st at Maggies lounge with The Van Burens. Booking@backgroundorcs.com