Statistiques
Biographie
Born in Germany in 1981, but largely raised in Paris, France, Arnaud Bernard has Vietnamese and Ivory Coast ancestry in his blood, whose influences are apparent in his music. Having discovered an insatiable passion for music at the age of 10, Bernard began crafting music at the age of 19 before studying business marketing in Paris. Following his graduation in 2006, in a collaboration with producer Quetzal, Onra released his debut album “Tribute”. Later in 2006 the musician made a trip to Vietnam bringing back with him a collection of records, which would make up the eclectic material of his debut full-length “Chinoiseries” in 2007. Mixing the world tones of ’60’s and ’70’s Vietnamese pop, with modern day hip-hop beats and bass, the critically acclaimed album exposed the artist to listeners the world over – proving a progressive mix of old and new, of East and West.
Taken from the album, the single “The Anthem” later earned an EP release of the same name, due to its upbeat nature and a feature on a Coca Cola commercial. After attending the Red Bull Music Academy in 2008, Onra released the EP “My Comet / Shhhhhhh” and the collaborative follow-up “Tribute EP II”. The 7” “Chinoseries” arrived in 2009 followed by Onra’s sophomore full-length “1.0.8” released on Bo Bun Records in March 2009. Following the release the musician moved to All City Records who issued his third studio album “Long Distance” in 2010. Featuring contributions from Oliver DaySoul, Walter Mecca, and T3 of Slum Village amongst a host of other artists, the record once again earned critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork Media and Jay-Z’s blog LifeAndTimes.
A follow-up to “Chinoiseries” arrived in 2011 entitled “Chinoiseries Pt. 2” featuring similar Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese influences as were found on his debut full-length. The EP “Deep in the Night” followed in 2012, after which, tired of the Onra moniker, Bernard collaborated with French producer Buddy Sativa on the spritual jazz project, the Yatha Bhuta Jazz Combo, later releasing a self-titled album. Refreshed from the time away, Onra issued the full-length “Fundamentals” featuring guest appearances from Perrion, Chuck Inglish, Oliver Daysoul, and Suzi Analogue in 2015.
Avis
The Hifi Club (or simply 'Hifi'), is an independent club and music venue in Leeds that is renowned for its excellent music, charm and lively atmosphere. This venue has a knack for sourcing out and exposing new talent. It carefully selects only the best and brightest new artists to come and perform, having hosted the likes of Lykki Li and SBTRKT in the past. On this occasion, the artist in question was French hip-hop beat maker Arnard Bernard, who takes the stage name of Onra.
Based in Paris, Onra has been making music from a young age, with his debut album released in 2007. Despite influences from all different genres, he states that his music always falls under the music category of hip-hop. He's someone that's always pursued music because of the enjoyment he gets our of it. He is certainly enjoyable to watch. In the haze of brightly coloured pink and red lights, Onra advanced on stage in a beanie and beer in hand – the former staying on for the duration of his set.
From behind his decks, he'd managed to attract a crowd that really liked to dance – few people were holding back, which is exactly what you want to see at this sort of gig. Sampling music from all over the world, it was a popular song of his fittingly titled 'The Anthem' that was the highlight of the show. The song was taken from his first solo album back in 2007 titled 'Chinoseries'. Onra makes some of the slickest beats in the industry; his music is always original and pioneering and he seems like a really down to earth guy which is always a good thing.
Excellent set. Followed by a warm up DJ set with some synth funk and boogie, Onra took the stage with I believe 2 MPC-1000's, punching his beats live on pre-sliced samples. The set started with his more traditional hip hop beats with cuts from Chinoiseries, My Comet etc. and moved into more dancey synth funk sampling stuff towards the end of the set. People were dancing in the sold out gig and managed to even scream one encore track out of the guy. Recommended for beat lovers.
Watching Onra live was enriching and inspiring!
He keeps a straight face and fixes his eyes on the equipment but he doesn't let you stay still!
Loved him play his Chinoiseries tunes was the cherry on the pie!