Orianthi

It all began for Orianthi when she started playing the piano when she was three but moved to the guitar when she was six. She started to write songs when she turned 15, and played in bands and ensembles since the age of 14. At just 15, she shared the stage with Steve Vai and then at 18, jammed with Carlos Santana at a sound check, who even invited her onstage to play with him during his set at Memorial Drive on March 30th 2003. It was because of Santana, that Orianthi landed a deal with Paul Reed Smith guitars. She released her debut album “Violet Journey” in 2005 playing all the instruments and writing every part. It earned her a record deal with Geffen Records in 2006, and an artist management deal with 19 Entertainment. She has since featured in a TV ad for Panasonic HD and played at the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival.

He television debut came in the form of featuring in Carrie Underwood’s band as her lead guitarist at the 51st annual Grammy Awards. It was that very performance that caught the attention of Michael Jackson’s management who got in touch with Orianthi to audition for This Is It. She later performed at Jackson’s memorial, which was globally broadcasted. She featured on the song “We Are the world 25 for Haiti” which was co-written with Michael Jackson.

Her solo career was thriving after she released the song “According to You” which reached number 2 on US Radio airplay, and achieved Platinum sales in the US and Australia. Following the success of the release of her album, she opened for notable artists, John Mayer, Mika, Kid Rock and more, and was the recipient of a BMI Pop Music Award for “According to You” and was name one of The Top 10 Female Guitar Players of All Time”.