Oranjuly

Artist Information

Biography

Oranjuly are an indie-pop/rock outfit led by singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Brian E. King.

After releasing their self-titled debut, the band has enjoyed an enormous response of critical praise and numerous spots on many year-end “Best of” lists, a nomination for “Song of the Year” by the Boston Phoenix (New England’s biggest alt-weekly) and a nomination for 2011 Pop/Rock Artist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards.

Oranjuly are currently recording their second LP with Grammy-winning engineer Ducky Carlisle (Buddy Guy, Mike Viola, Bleu). King describes it as “more honest and raw but somehow more catchy and quirky” the band is enjoying supporting bands such as Fountains of Wayne, Explorers Club (Dead Oceans), Atomic Tom (Universal Records), and Mike Viola (“That Thing You Do” & “Get Him to the Greek.”)

Instrumentation

Brian E. King - Songwriter / Vocals/Guitar/Keys Music Production / Etc., Songwriter/Vocals/Guitar/Keys
Lou Paniccia - Drums/Percussion
Matt Girard - Bass & Guitar

Discography

Oranjuly - s/t - 7/2/10

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• Spotify
• Soundcloud

Audio

• I Could Break Your Heart
  Listen  
• The Coldest Summer 2012
  Listen  

Lyrics

• The Coldest Summer
• Her Camera
• South Carolina

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• The Boston Globe CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  If the names Carmen (Eric), Rundgren (Todd), and Hinkley (Ralph, not the other one) mean anything to...If the names Carmen (Eric), Rundgren (Todd), and Hinkley (Ralph, not the other one) mean anything to you, Oranjuly’s impeccably crafted, unabashedly retro-minded debut has your name on it. Singer-songwriter Brian E. King spent several years writing and polishing (but, crucially, not over-polishing) the gleaming melodies that carry the 10 tracks here, before enlisting the live band that would become Oranjuly. The moniker is reportedly an amalgam of the Bri-guy’s favorite color and birthday month, and like fellow power-popaholic autocrats Jason Falkner, Brendan Benson, or Boston’s own Mike Viola, King has a knack for making artfully constructed arrangements sound vivaciously in the moment (e.g., the bopping piano-to-soaring guitar segues of “Mrs. G’’; the brisk Raspberries-flavored crush that buoys “I Could Break Your Heart’’). Warmly nostalgic production flourishes (hand claps, creamy choruses) and AM Gold-style touchstones abound. The placid chords that open “207 Days,’’ for instance, offer (for listeners old enough to remember) a sense-memory rush of the soft-rock staple “Believe It or Not’’ — better known as the ubiquitous theme song to ’80s TV’s “The Greatest American Hero’’ (not to mention George Costanza’s answering machine message). While King has already garnered a few Rivers Cuomo comparisons — thanks to twists like the darkly comic kicker residing inside the Mr. and Ms. Lonelyhearts number, “Personal Ads’’ — Oranjuly’s lushly layered, smart but not smart-alecky pop is far more Fountains of Wayne than Weezer. (Out now)

• The Boston Phoenix CD Review -3/4 Stars [+ Show ]
  

  Three years is a long time to make an album. A band could either neuter every nuance that might have...Three years is a long time to make an album. A band could either neuter every nuance that might have existed on the tape or patiently polish their songs like little gemstones. Oranjuly have pillaged the recording studio and created some gems here with their full-length debut. Although this Boston group aren't the first in recent years to take a bunch of classic-pop influences and mold them into a good-time summer album (the Thrills, the Shins), originality isn't really the point here. Oranjuly remind us just how right retro-fitted pop music can feel (see the Freeways, above) when it's approached meticulously in the studio.
  
  So, yes, "I Could Break Your Heart" has a driving verse that recalls the Cars, the Foo Fighters, and, yes, yes, Weezer. (It must be said that mighty fine singer Brian E. King does a grand Rivers Cuomo.) But with its cheeky Merseybeat and minor-key harmony on the chorus, it sounds like a song from the That Thing You Do! soundtrack — enough like the Beatles, but canny enough to pass on its own. And not all the songs here are so derivative. "Hiroshige's Japan" has an ad hoc classical approach with a lilting melody that reminds us of those cool oddball songs that seem to appear only on debut albums.
  
  

• "Powerpop Debut of the Year" 10/10 [+ Show ]
  

  Every track just shines with no filler to be found makes it a slam dunk to be the best power pop deb...Every track just shines with no filler to be found makes it a slam dunk to be the best power pop debut of the year. (rated 10/10)

• Weekly Dig CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  GENRE | TROPICAL PUNCH POP VERDICT | EAR-TO-EAR RAINBOWS LABEL | SELF-RELEASED RELEASE | 7.2.10 ...GENRE | TROPICAL PUNCH POP
  VERDICT | EAR-TO-EAR RAINBOWS
  LABEL | SELF-RELEASED
  RELEASE | 7.2.10
  
  We can’t decide whether we’re feeling nostalgic for the drive-in or the original Super Mario Bros. game, but either way, Oranjuly’s debut album has us whistling and skipping to its beat. Think Weezer meets the Beach Boys, with occasional harpsichord.
  
  A comprehensive approach to the powerpop genre that leaves no bright and smooth stone unturned, Oranjuly’s consistent, euphonious harmonies keep me pinching myself.
  
  But don’t mistake artifice for artificial talents; Brian E. King, their innovative singer/songwriter (and occasional Dig scribe), balances each track’s convivial piano sounds with unlikely rhymes, creating a final product that will stay on repeat all summer long. Bring a copy to your next potluck barbecue—Oranjuly is nothing less than dessert.

• Popdose's Top 10 of 2010 [+ Show ]
  

  Up in Boston, mad genius Brian E. King creates classic American pop music, with knowing and loving n...Up in Boston, mad genius Brian E. King creates classic American pop music, with knowing and loving nods to his forebears (Brian Wilson, Alex Chilton, Elliott Smith, among others). This concise, tuneful album introduces him to the masses, and, with any luck, will be only the first entry in a long discography.

• Pop Perfection [+ Show ]
  

  The songs on Oranjuly are crafted to pop perfection. For thirty-three minutes Mr. King’s tunes manag...The songs on Oranjuly are crafted to pop perfection. For thirty-three minutes Mr. King’s tunes manage to call to mind Brian Wilson, Wings, Todd Rundgren, Ben Folds and Weezer (before they found Rick Rubin). The production is stellar. Oranjuly pulls out every pop trick in the book without making it sound like they’re pulling out every pop trick in the book. No afterthoughts or gimmicks. There’s nothing but pure love for the song on display here.

• Oranjuly CD Review/Interview w/ Brian King [+ Show ]
  

  Deli readers, pull up a seat and get comfortable, I have something to tell you: This is the best alb...Deli readers, pull up a seat and get comfortable, I have something to tell you: This is the best album I've received since working as a music journalist. I like difference, I like melody. I like good fucking music.

• Performer Magazine Spotlight [+ Show ]
  

  Boston's power pop sensation Oranjuly, is perhaps an unlikely new force in the New England music sce...Boston's power pop sensation Oranjuly, is perhaps an unlikely new force in the New England music scene.

• Boston Melodies Meet Oranjuly [+ Show ]
  

  Armed with an arsenal of catchy, hook-laden melodies, rich harmonies, and musical twists, Boston pow...Armed with an arsenal of catchy, hook-laden melodies, rich harmonies, and musical twists, Boston power-pop band Oranjuly could almost be modern-day Beach Boys. Coincidentally, Oranjuly's chief songwriter is also named Brian. And like the legendary Beach Boy Brian Wilson, he also knows a thing or two about writing a good song.
  
  =====
  See full article in April 2010 issue of SOCO magazine.
  http://www.socomagazine.com

• Audities: Best of 2010
  

  Oranjuly's Self titled debut is Ranked #11.

• Album Review [+ Show ]
  

  There is a certain amount of genius needed to make the kind of music Brian King does under the monik...There is a certain amount of genius needed to make the kind of music Brian King does under the moniker Oranjuly. Lucky for us, he has enough and then some.

Setlist

45 minutes of originals and an occasional cover.

Basic Requirements

Calendar