Under the Arch

Doran Hoge was born in Canada, Alberta in 1984, and grew up in the town of Fort Macleod. At the age of 10 Doran began studying the guitar, under acoustic guitarist Jack Burger, and classical guitarist Murray Nelson. It was during this time that Doran became interested in the Canadian independent music scene, specifically, Alberta folk music. At the age of 16, through the guidance of several Alberta performing artists, Doran become involved in the processes of songwriting and performance, performing at notable venues such as The South Country Fair, The Tongue on Post Music Festival and The Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival, the Taber Corn Festival as well as many other music venues.

In 2003 Doran traveled to Remedios, Cuba, where he studied music and culture at Casa De Cultura under classical mandolinist and guitarist Harold Rodriguez.

Upon returning to Alberta in 2004 Doran began attending the University of Letbridge, studying Sociology and performing with musical groups of various genera, including including folk, country, bluegrass, blues and even metal, enabling Doran to refining his abilities on the guitar, mandolin, accordion and vocals.

In 2008 Doran moved to Valparaiso, Chile where he is currently studying, writing and performing music, among other things.

Doran's talent, along with an uncanny ability to draw from his surroundings, have resulted in a unique and exciting worldly blend of folk music. Doran's distinction lies on in his ability to tackle universal social issues while staying true to his roots. With stories focusing on perseverance and improvement, Doran addresses the personal, local and global forces that influence everyday life. As a well-traveled native to southern Alberta, Doran takes a holistic approach to songwriting, drawing from both the regional and international realms, using his mandolin, guitar, accordion and voice to convey a message that is not easily forgotten.

Camila Diaz was born November 28th, 1986 en Arica, Chile. One year after
her birth, Camila immigrated with her family to Malm, Sweden, as a result of political tensions within Chile. At the age of 6 she began playing the violin, studying under, amongst others, cellist Per Boesen and violinist Eva Danielsson. Later, after honing her abilities, Camila entered the Ljungskile Folkhugskolas' Musiklinjen Conservatory of Music where she studied under master violinist Mattias Andersson. At the age of 19 Camila moved to Lund, Sweden where she was asked to play with the AkademiskaKapellet Symphony Orchestra.
In 2007, well after the stabilization of the Chilean government, Camila decided she would move back to Chile to rediscover her origins. In Valparaiso Chile, she began to apply her musical abilities in other genres of music, playing Cumbia, Jazz, Blues, Tango and Folk. It is here that Camila got to know Doran Hoge and become involved in the formation of Under the Arch.

Camila's transient nature is reflected the style in which she presents herself musically. With an obvious classically trained front and a backdrop of bohemian sound, the manner in which Camila interacts with her violin is precise, adaptable and fluid. Her sound incorporates a lifetime of movement and learning with a stable underpinning of musical experience and understanding.