Interview: Richard Orofino

Brooklyn singer-songwriter and producer Richard Orofino recently released a new single named Superstar. We spoke with Richard about his new single, inspiration, songwriting/composing routine, gigs, etc.

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When did you realize that your project/band had the potential to be a career or long-lasting idea? 

There never was really a moment of realization, but people reaching out and letting me know that the music I make actually helps them out when they listen to it makes me want to keep creating.

When did the first glimpses of your latest release come together? 

When I was playing guitar in my room I hit a wrong note and thought it sounded really cool! I started basically strengthening that rhythmic idea with that one extra note at the end and it came together rather quickly.

What really inspires your music? 

I tend to overlook a lot of everyday things. So when I force myself to let those little intricate dilemmas of everyday linger a bit longer in my head, I start to notice that those small things can be stretched out for a few minutes.

Can you tell us a bit about the lyrical process for a song? How does it normally work?

The melodies come first for me! I usually put all the melodies for each part in place, then try and think of what those melodies feel/sound like I should be writing about lyrically.

What’s the most rewarding moment in your creative process as a band, and why?

I think when I’ve made something that I wish I could hear or already exists but doesn’t. If I say to myself, “Wow, I really wish there was a song that sounded like this band, but also reminds of this specific tv show, and also feels like you’re floating.” I’ll try my best to make that thing. Once it feels like I’ve captured that, it’s very rewarding.

Who produces your music, and what do they like to work with? (If you produce the music yourself, what do you love the most about working that way?) 

When producing, I will usually draw inspiration from whatever I’m into at the moment, which usually isn’t directly related to a musical project. I may be really into the sounds of a GameCube game’s original soundtrack, or the score of a movie I recently saw and enjoyed, then take those influences into a more straightforward songwriting realm.

Can you give us a couple of personal highlights from your live show? Particular memories that stand out to you?

Recently I had a friend perform some magic tricks on stage as I changed the tuning of my guitar. I really want to start incorporating more of that sort of stuff!

What advice would you give to another upcoming band/act? 

Definitely make the music you want to listen to that you would truly enjoy. You should always make stuff for yourself and not for other people even though it’s very easy to be swept away by those thoughts.

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