Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
Kevin Orton- Femme Noir (BMI)Blindmidgetmusic
The Maledictions- Idle Hands (BMI)Anvil Records
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
When asked about the kind of music he writes, Kevin Orton has gone on record saying, "I tend to write music for people who are un-insured"...
Where Kevin Orton's 2003 solo debut, FEMME NOIR featured a number of guest artists like The Violent Femmes' Gordon Gano, 2005's IDLE HANDS showcases the focused efforts of his band, THE MALEDICTIONS. Current line-up: Suzanne Kaiser (dulcimer/lap steel/vocals), Carla Matero ( vocals), Andy Prosky (lead/rhythm guitar), Paul Sousa (drums/percussion/vocals), Andrew Thornton(bass guitar) & Andy Townsend (lead/rhythm guitar).
Inspired by old Blues & Country, Garage & Post Punk, not to mention lethal doses of writers like Faulkner, Poe & Dashiell Hammett, Orton's sound has been called everything from "Country Noir" to "Gothic Americana" to "Leonard Cohen meets Eric Burdon & The Animals". Or to quote the songwriter himself, "It's all just Folk music really, maybe aggressive Folk but Folk music at heart". None of which accounts for a dramatic live performance style that lies somewhere inbetween a brooding, good old fashioned torch singer & a pissed off Southern Evangelist.
Whether opening solo for the likes of The Violent Femmes or backed by The Maledictions, more than a fair share of gallows humor lurks behind Orton's tales of murder, lust, redemption & woe. In addition, he's made a living as an actor in Film, TV, Broadway & Regional Theatre.
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