You Are Now In An Orchard Lounge
Orchard Lounge has made a name for themselves performing around the country as a trio of like-minded DJ's. They can play to any room, at any time. I've seen them throw down countless sets, and am more then excited to see their long awaited return to New York City.
Three hours in an intimate venue. You are now in an Orchard Lounge.
ZF: How important is it for Orchard Lounge to keep playing shows together?
OL: Orchard Lounge was conceptualized in 2000 and we started playing shows in 2001. We're thrilled to be playing together seventeen years after our inception. We do it for our love of the music and for the fact that we can potentially be responsible for bringing joy to people's lives in these turbulent times. After a recent show, my father (Spencer) texted me a simple one liner that has resonated with me ever since: "Think about how many people you made smile tonight." That is what's important to us.
ZF: Can you explain the similarities between a DJ reading and controlling the crowd versus a band reading and controlling the crowd?
OL: It's all about the transfer of energy between the performer and their audience. We are generally able to adapt to most any environment. Similar to a band, we can craft an experience for the crowd based on our surroundings, the demographic, the time of day/night, etc. What's paramount is knowing who's listening to what you're putting out there in the world. What we would play for an art opening or fashion show, for example, is quite different than what we would do for a festival. Conversely, when we're creating astudio recording, we are typically programming the records with a general theme in mind. For example, the most recent effort is a lovers mix intended to be played behind closed doors. The idea for this one was brought on by the MoSex booking:
ZF: Who are some of your biggest inspirations during the early days? Who are some of your biggest influences now a days?
OL: Since the beginning, we've been inspired and influenced by each other, our families, and the everyday human experience.
ZF: Since the technology has evolved over the past 10 years, how have your setups changed?
OL: From 2001-2005 we were playing strictly vinyl sets with the classic turntables/mixer set up. We were early adapters of Serato once it was introduced in 2005. Despite CDJs and controllers garnering so much interest in the DJ community in recent years, we have stuck with turntables/vinyl/Serato. The technology available to up and comers is astounding, and impressive, but we're purists in that nothing will ever emulate the sensation of our fingers coming in contact with vinyl.
ZF: You've played numerous venues throughout New York City, what are some past shows that stand out to you guys?
OL: We've always had memorable experiences at Output in Brooklyn.
ZF: NYC has been long awaiting your return for years, how awesome is this intimate 3 hour set going to be?
OL: We thrive in intimate environments and feel our sound translates well to gatherings like these. We are particularly amped about playing on a Richard Long sound system. He designed systems for clubs like The Paradise Garage, Studio 54, and The Warehouse, so this is a rare opportunity.
ZF: Have you ever been to the Museum of Sex and what do you expect?
OL: Never been. Expecting magic.
