Ora

Pop/rock band Ora were put together by sisters Joanna and Natalie Jones on their return from Australia.
With their vocal talents and some accomplished musicians to back them up, they are already looking to make some big noises over here.
LINE UP: Joanna Jones (vocals/keyboards)
Natalie Jones (vocals)
Paul Hutchings (drums)
Antonio Taylor (lead guitar)
Darren Clark (bass)

Joanna and Natalie began their fledging music career while living in Australia, but it was only when they returned to England and settled in Clacton for family reasons that they began Ora.
Recruiting a backing group from musicians in Colchester and Chelmsford, they began recording and performing just under two years ago.

INSPIRATIONS: Foo Fighters and Garbage.
Joanna said: ‘’When we first started writing songs in Australia, we were really into pop and dance, but now we have developed more of a rockier sound.
I think bands like Garbage are what we’re about, although some of Kelly Clarkson’s songs are good, although a bit manufactured.
We are trying to be a bit more raw and some of the songs are quite dark.’’

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT:
In Australia, the girls accomplished quite a bit before they moved back home, including getting to the final of a national radio song writing competition and singing in some rather high profile gigs.
‘’We were once invited to sing at a concert in front of an audience that included Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe’’ said Joanna.

AMBITIONS:
Joanna said the group were still in their early stages, but were already getting a good response from the gigs they had played at.
She said ‘’I think if we could give up the day jobs and make a living doing this, we would all be very happy.’’

WHERE YOU CAN CATCH THEM NEXT:
A high profile showcase gig is planned for later in the year but for now the band are keeping it local with a gig at The Twist in Military Road, Colchester lined up in the next few months.
For more information on Ora check out www.orarocks.co.uk
OR www.myspace.com/orarockscouk
- Clacton Gazette