I'm always dying to hear the story behind a band's name. Where does yours come from?
Orchid & Hound:
We had a collection of music before we had a name, so when we started to brainstorm what we'd call ourselves - it needed to fit within the context of what we were creating. At the time, Lawrence's boyfriend had given him a potted Orchid, with a love note that compared him to the flower. John has always been a little more rough around the edges, so Hound seemed to fit perfectly. Over time, the name began to bring out more meaning - the duality of gender, the balance of both of our personalities... It just worked. There was something about it that sounded like it had already had been in place to describe us. That, and we didn't completely hate it.
We met freshman year of high school, while we were singing on an album being composed by John's then boyfriend, Ryan Oliver (who is also the guy who worked on the arrangements for 'The Boyfriend'). We didn't really become close until we were about 16, in the opera program at our arts high school. Lawrence broke up with his girlfriend, and through a series of dramatic events, seduced John. We fell in love, and dated for the next 3 years.
Do you guys have day jobs, or are you lucky enough to survive on your art alone?
Unfortunately, we have day jobs. Lawrence works for a gaming company that you have most likely have ignored invites from on Facebook, and John is a freelancing graphic designer.
Oops, yeah...I have ignored quite a few of those. Sorry, Lawrence! Both sound very cool for jobs, though. What are some of your favorite places in San Francisco to hangout? Perform?
We tend to put in 15+ hours a day of work, so hanging out is a rarity. But when we do get a chance, you'll probably find us at Brenda's (the best French cajun food), Marshall Beach, Golden Gate Park, dispensaries... But quite honestly we spend most of our time making music.
Performing, we were lucky enough to play at the Herbst Theater - which was a dream come true. We also shared the stage with some of the best poets in the city. Hotel Cafe in LA is a great spot, SXSW was a blast, Berlin stole our hearts... But we'll probably play anywhere we're asked. In a basement, in your bedroom... If there's a piano - even better.
Now that your first album, "The Boyfriend" has been released, what's next on your plate?
We released a video for "The Drinking Song", which was incredibly fun to make. We've been playing shows on the west coast, but are mostly focused on working on a new EP. 'The Boyfriend' took a year and a half to make, so we've been approaching this upcoming EP with urgency. We think people will be very surprised with the material. It's still very much Orchid and Hound, but whereas 'The Boyfriend' was very self-serving for us, this new stuff is more for the masses.
Orchid & Hound:
We had a collection of music before we had a name, so when we started to brainstorm what we'd call ourselves - it needed to fit within the context of what we were creating. At the time, Lawrence's boyfriend had given him a potted Orchid, with a love note that compared him to the flower. John has always been a little more rough around the edges, so Hound seemed to fit perfectly. Over time, the name began to bring out more meaning - the duality of gender, the balance of both of our personalities... It just worked. There was something about it that sounded like it had already had been in place to describe us. That, and we didn't completely hate it.
I totally get that. How did you guys meet?
We met freshman year of high school, while we were singing on an album being composed by John's then boyfriend, Ryan Oliver (who is also the guy who worked on the arrangements for 'The Boyfriend'). We didn't really become close until we were about 16, in the opera program at our arts high school. Lawrence broke up with his girlfriend, and through a series of dramatic events, seduced John. We fell in love, and dated for the next 3 years.
Unfortunately, we have day jobs. Lawrence works for a gaming company that you have most likely have ignored invites from on Facebook, and John is a freelancing graphic designer.
Oops, yeah...I have ignored quite a few of those. Sorry, Lawrence! Both sound very cool for jobs, though. What are some of your favorite places in San Francisco to hangout? Perform?
We tend to put in 15+ hours a day of work, so hanging out is a rarity. But when we do get a chance, you'll probably find us at Brenda's (the best French cajun food), Marshall Beach, Golden Gate Park, dispensaries... But quite honestly we spend most of our time making music.
Performing, we were lucky enough to play at the Herbst Theater - which was a dream come true. We also shared the stage with some of the best poets in the city. Hotel Cafe in LA is a great spot, SXSW was a blast, Berlin stole our hearts... But we'll probably play anywhere we're asked. In a basement, in your bedroom... If there's a piano - even better.
Now that your first album, "The Boyfriend" has been released, what's next on your plate?
We released a video for "The Drinking Song", which was incredibly fun to make. We've been playing shows on the west coast, but are mostly focused on working on a new EP. 'The Boyfriend' took a year and a half to make, so we've been approaching this upcoming EP with urgency. We think people will be very surprised with the material. It's still very much Orchid and Hound, but whereas 'The Boyfriend' was very self-serving for us, this new stuff is more for the masses.
By the way, why "The Boyfriend"?
'The Boyfriend', for us, began as a conceptual album. We had a story with characters, and thought of the music as a soundtrack to a 1950's movie musical that was never made. Eventually the music took on more meaning, and became a reflection of our personal lives. The idea of a boyfriend, of a bloodline, was very interesting to us. When you're straight you sort of have this to-do list to find someone, get married, have a baby... When that's not your path, life and love is very different.
What music has influenced your work?
We both grew up listening to completely different music. Lawrence was obsessed with film scores, mostly Bernard Hermann, and listened to a lot of classical music and oldies. John was a valley kid - with bleached blond hair, and was pretty much obsessed with pop music and Britney Spears.
And I absolutely love how well you guys have combined the two styles for your own music. It's incredible. Okay, time for the age-old question...when did guys realize you were gay?
John: I always felt different growing up, but like most gay kids I didn't realize what I was feeling wasn't unique to me. I remember watching Ellen come out on TV with my mom, and it was one of the first times I realized that I wasn't alone.
Lawrence: I was fooling around with boys at the age of 10, so probably before then... When I was younger I liked to put a blanket on my head and pretend I was Ariel on the rock.
Love it! Let's wrap it up something a little dirty: top or bottom?
Lawrence: It depends on the guy, but most men I've been with want to fuck me so I end up bottoming a lot more. I'm a good sport.
John: Total bottom.
What music has influenced your work?
We both grew up listening to completely different music. Lawrence was obsessed with film scores, mostly Bernard Hermann, and listened to a lot of classical music and oldies. John was a valley kid - with bleached blond hair, and was pretty much obsessed with pop music and Britney Spears.
And I absolutely love how well you guys have combined the two styles for your own music. It's incredible. Okay, time for the age-old question...when did guys realize you were gay?
John: I always felt different growing up, but like most gay kids I didn't realize what I was feeling wasn't unique to me. I remember watching Ellen come out on TV with my mom, and it was one of the first times I realized that I wasn't alone.
Lawrence: I was fooling around with boys at the age of 10, so probably before then... When I was younger I liked to put a blanket on my head and pretend I was Ariel on the rock.
Love it! Let's wrap it up something a little dirty: top or bottom?
Lawrence: It depends on the guy, but most men I've been with want to fuck me so I end up bottoming a lot more. I'm a good sport.
John: Total bottom.
Hmm, looks like I definitely need to make an effort to meet these boys in person next time I'm in town! Thanks to John and Lawrence for chatting with me! Dear readers, do check these boys out if you find yourself in the Bay Area. In the meantime, take a gander at their video for "The Drinking Song" down below. It really is a spectacular video, and reminds me of every single the thing that I loved about San Francisco. While you're at it, check out all of their videos, because they're all pretty spectacular (I'm a fan of their Drake cover.)
Obsessed.
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