ONR

Photo: Alex Lakes

Describe your style in three words?
Just big songs.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I saw one of Arcade Fire’s warm-up shows for their tour last summer in a pretty intimate venue in Edinburgh - was unbelievable. They just have a power and an energy that surpasses anything else I’ve seen, particularly in that environment.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Probably Blur and Oasis. They changed the face of UK music and pop culture more than any other acts I can remember. If we’re talking wildest fantasies, then I’ll take Wembley Stadium. Summer of 1995. Middle slot (although being easily the worst act there by some distance could prove pretty rough). 

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I’ve always been hugely influenced by the New Wave subculture in the UK. There’s something understatedly rebellious and resistant about it that has always connected with me. But I drift between a lot of subculture influences, I’ve always been incredibly impressionable that way: Northern Soul, Mod, Glam. I take pieces from a lot of places.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
David Bowie, no question. Bowie was, and still is, my idol. He’s the reason I’m in music. I’ve always admired brave artists who weren’t afraid to buck trends and be bold and confident in their writing. I’ve also always loved the ability to make complex, detailed songs deceptively simple for listeners to understand, which Bowie was the master of. Beyond that, his wider cultural output is just unreal. He’s iconic in so many different fields.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
There’s a few. King Tuts in Glasgow is a special place for me - the history, the atmosphere, just the feel of the place. I loved our recent show at the Bardot in Los Angeles, such a great intimate venue where you can really eyeball the audience up-close. BBC’s Biggest Weekend in Perth was amazing too, just loved that show.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I like the background musician/producer guys. I guess I would be awestruck to ever meet someone such as Tony Visconti or Robert Fripp, they’re idols of mine. I’ve had the privilege of working with mixer Spike Stent this year, which has just been mind-blowing. He’s a genuine legend of music production, so to spend some time with him has been incredible. Outside of that, I’m always surprised at how Pulp are often perceived as a bit of a cult act outside of the UK. To me, they're one of the greatest UK bands ever.

Scotland based musician/producer ONR is influenced of some of the greats of big song making of the last 3 decades, from Bowie to Arcade Fire and many others along the way. His latest release 'Love In Suburbia' is out now.