Words: Simon Paterson. Images: Oregon Way and Nathan Hamer
Oregon Way, well, what can I say? I haven’t been this excited about a local band since seeing a 15-year-old Alex Turner at the Leadmill (if you are the owner of the Leadmill, please don’t close it).
Oregon Way have got it, I’m not sure what it is, but they definitely have it and I want to see them again, and again, and again! Essentially, they are an indie rock and roll band but they are so much more than that with catchy melodies reminiscent of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s first album, the cultural relevance and ‘coolness’ of the Strokes, and a lead singer with enough stage presence to command the largest of platforms.
To say I was super keen to interview them would be an understatement, I caught up with them to talk origins, influences and the future.
What is the story behind your band name? "Literally, the only thing to do with the band name is that it is a street near where we practice, not even next to us. In fact, we don't even live in the same village as the street Oregon Way, haha!"
How did you all meet?
"Went to the same school. Nathan Regan and Will were friends as they were in the same year... everyone else is just in the band because we are the closest of boys."
Who writes your songs?
"Nathan does, however, what he writes and what we end up with are two completely different pieces of work after the band has put its stamp on it."
Who are your biggest influences?
"We take influence from everyone from Beatles to the Foo Fighters. We all have different musical tastes and we try to incorporate everyone's influences to make our overall sound. We all love the Arctic Monkeys so you can probably hear Alex Turner’s influence on our music."
If you could collaborate with anyone past or present, who would it be and why?
"Honestly, we’d have to say David Bowie the man was an absolute genius and he's the best artist in my eyes. He's so versatile and can make anything golden, listen to young Americans and then listen to Fame; they are such far-out pieces of work, but they are both perfect."
What was the role of music in the early years of your lives?
"I think we can all say Oasis was the music which guided our childhood, alongside the classics Queen, Elton John etc. Having such a strong musical upbringing really helps how you shape and grow music."
If you could perform anywhere, where would it be?
"This is a hard one but it would probably have to be Wembley, you don't get much better than that."
What's been your highlight to date?
"Playing the Rescue Rooms supporting Deco in Nottingham was a pretty special moment as it's somewhere we have always been to see shows. It was an honour to finally be on the stage instead of in the crowd!"
What's next for Oregon Way and where can our readers see you perform?
"We have two singles ready to release so keep an eye out. But we hope to be moving up on the gig circuit and playing more regularly around the country. However, we don't care where we play - it's all for the love of music man!"
Orgeon Way are playing at Russfest at the Dronfield Woodhouse Sports & Social Club on the 9 July. Tickets are £10 and available at the door. Scan the QR code to purchase your tickets. You won't be disappointed!
FB: OREGON WAY
IG: OREGONWAYBAND
Spotify: OREGON WAY
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