What type of songwriter would be so transcendental as to cue legendary Microphones’ front man Phil Elverum to claim: “The best music ever written is being written right now by Adrian Orange”? The answer to this question might surprise you. And on Nov. 20 at Anna’s House (205 Morton Ave.), you can see for yourself the mystery that is Adrian Orange of “Thanksgiving.”
So who is this little-known singer who elicits the greatest of praise from the reserved Elverum? Orange is a 20-year-old musician, who, having dropped out of high school, began recording albums at the age of 16. In those four years, he released an astonishing seven full-length albums, worked extensively with Phil Elverum and started his own label, Marriage Recordings. However, what is most impressive about Orange is not the amount of output, but rather the quality.
Recently releasing “Bitches is Lord,” Orange has become known for his honest yet powerful lyrics which resonate in their pessimistic but eloquent quality, much like a young Will Oldham. Prompted to describe the new album, Orange responded, “They’re pretty lo-fi, I recorded all three (of my past albums) on an old 8-track machine. It’s mostly me playing all of the instruments, multi-tracking.”
Orange’s style is hard to classify. He recorded all of his albums in his house and admits, “I feel like sometimes I shut myself in my house too much.” However this hermitage has lead to three freak-folk lo-fi albums that often draw upon the sound Orange forged while working with Elverum. While these albums have not gained much prominence, they have had a profound effect on critics and supporters alike. Orange croons his emotionally laced ponderings over fairly reserved single drum sets usually with just a guitar in hand. However, it is this simplicity that most effectively accompanies Orange’s focus on the song’s meaning.
While he already released three albums in the past two years, Orange was excited to discuss his next work. “I like to dance,” Orange said with amusement before he expressed a desire to “go to a more hi-fi sound with a full band.”
“I want something with music people can enjoy. Before, I mostly focused on the lyrics and the meaning. I’m going to put a lot of effort into recording this album,” he said.
With endless output, the blessing of an indie legend and a label in tow, one wonders when the still incredibly youthful Orange will get his big break. With a greater focus on a more catchy sound and more extensive production on the next album, Orange may be looking at a breakthrough. Not to say that his music is not already a seminal piece of his followers’ collections, but as a man who does not feel like he “deserves the spotlight,” a more accessible sound may be able to do the promotion for him.
All this said, the discovery of Orange’s discography, usually under the moniker “Thanksgiving,” can be a revelation for any music lover. His shows, while usually with a fairly sparse crowd, come away with rave reviews. With many years ahead of him and plenty of experience behind him, this vastly talented musician has the potential to introduce himself as a lo-fi legend in the near future.
Catch Adrian Orange in action at Anna’s House (205 Morton ave) Monday, Nov. 20 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.
