20th July - new otway ross forum up

a new forum is up on www.otwayross.net where you can discuss, post, ask questions, upload photos - when we get a litttle time away from the mixing desk we hope to add an equipment review section as well - to help out other musicians who are doing it all away from the typical commercial studios...

18th June - Fete de la Musique !!

apologies for the long delay since our last update... we've been very active in the rather crammed (but surprisingly inspirational) studio - but oh how time has flown - it's that time of year again in Paris, time to get out on the streets and strum, bang, sing your way through a cacophony of sound - that wonderful event called fete de al musique. we'll be in the same old spot (rue saint andre des arts) with a few new friends and a few new tunes. come by, say hello, and enjoy !!

in other news, work on the first 'studio' album is virtually complete - it's very exciting! recording, artwork (thanks mello!) and basic mixing is complete - we have received our first CD samples (some of which will be available on saturday night) although we're not totally convinced that the mix is purrrfect so otway is heading up to london in a couple of weeks to finalise it all in the brixton studio. expect final results mid to end of july - just in time for summer !! now we just have to think of a suitable place for a CD launch... it's all good.


11th November - update as we head into winter

a quick update - work on the 'album' is going well. it's a slow process due to the home grown factor, along with changing roles of musicians behind the scenes. however, take heart, it won't be long before the curtains are lifted on the full version of some songs which you may have already heard at the gigs, but haven't yet been made available. new material has also been written - it's a constant battle to focus on arranging /recording / mixing the old songs while fresh songs are sitting there waiting for more attention... (it's also been a bit of a challenge using the new leopard osx 10.5.0 - hold out if you haven't got it yet, it currently has more bugs than it's worth)


23rd June - Fete de la Musique - a big thank you !

Thanks to all those who came to the gig at the Fete de la Musique on Thursday night - we had a great time playing for you - and watching our new Polish friend dance the polka for everyone... see you all soon!


21st June - Fete de la Musique !

As usual Otway Ross will be playing a 'home town' street gig for the wonderful and intriguing Fete de la Musique. Come along and hear us jam out a few tunes on the street. There'll be plenty of other musicians out and about in the 6eme so it's a good chance to hear the local (and out of town) talent.

This year we've even got very desirable Otway Ross t-shirts for sale (10 euros) - the music is, as always, free on the website. Supporting Otway Ross will be Christian Osburn who will play a few covers before joining us for the set. This event also marks the OR debut of the talented Ahrna Szabo on keys. The address:

8th June - LATE CONCERT NOTICE !!!

Very late notice to tell you we're playing a few songs at an acoustic concert tomorrow (Saturday 9th June) in the 11th with proceeds going to a foundation for street kids in Columbia. There'll be other artists there so it's a good chance to come and hear a variety of musical styles in a casual setting.

Entry is 5 euros but free for musicians (so bring an instrument and join in if you like). The 'concert' part of the evening will be from 16h00 until ~18h00 then it's a free-for-all party !! Bring your own drinks / food.

Address:
95, rue du Fbg St Antoine
75011 Paris

quote:
"No stars, no bling bling , everybody will be on the same planet for everybody to enjoy!!!
The name of the association that will receive the money is:
Fondation Líderes Constructores de Paz à Cali
www.enfantsdecali.skyblog.com"

thanks Gio !!
visit Giovanni's website

28th May

Thanks to all who came to the concert on Friday night - despite the violent and rather sudden storms. Everyone we talked to had a great time and we were stoked to have so many friends in the crowd (even Otway's one year old nephew Elias!). Thanks for all the positive feedback! We're hoping to arrange other gigs for you soon.

Also, we're would like to team up with another 2 bands to create a series of 3-4 concerts over the summer (mid-June until August) - any other bands (of similar style) please feel free to contact us. With that in mind we're currently searching small / intimate venues in the Paris region - so if you've been in a place that has good ambience (and is available for bands) then please let us know...

En français:
Otway Ross cherche deux autres groupes musicales (style un peu comme nous) à créer une serie de trois ou quatre eventements cette été (juin - aout). Si vous avez des propositions n'hesitez pas de nous contacter. Les suggetions des petites venues sympa sont bienvenue aussi!

25th May - 4pm

An update for the concert tonight. Yes there are summer thunder storms predicted for the Paris region - but don't worry ! We have a Plan B. If it rains we will be playing in the lounge below. It could be even better than on the terrace !! The details again:

Nix Nox bateau (Pont de Bercy, Quai de la Gare)
Métro : Quai de la Gare, Line 6
Métro : Bercy, Line 14
Concert starts 8pm (20h00)

En français:
Oui... on vas jouer malgré les orages ! On as la permission de faire la 'spectacle' en bas (il y as un salon trés sympa dans la coque) s'il pleut ce soir. Alors venez comme méme!

21st May

OK folks it looks like we're playing another concert at 8pm, Friday 25th May on the Nix Nox bateau near near the Biblioteque Nationale de France (Metro: Quai de la Gare - line 6 or Bercy - line 14). We say 'looks like' because at the last minute they (the guys organising the event) have started some contractual problems... ahh events managers in Paris - a delightful bunch. Please assume that we are playing until we tell you otherwise. And if you are coming PLEASE send us an email and we'll try to put you on the guest list - that'll save the boys a 10 euro entrance fee. More details to follow.

6th May

The next Otway Ross gig will probably be the 25th May on the Nix Nox bateau... there were rumours of a gig on the 11th - but this is cutting it a bit fine for Romain (who has just joined us - see below) to learn his chops. In addition due to 'overwhelming demand' we're getting some t-shirts made up - like the one Otway was wearing at the last gig. These should be ready by the 25th. More details / pics to follow. In the mean time enjoy the music on the site. Oh and if you have any problems downloading it, please don't hesitate to contact us via email.

5th May

Otway Ross have found their new drummer - we are very pleased to welcome Romain Vignaud into the band and look forward to lots of good music together. Thanks for all the rest of you who responded.

22nd April

Thanks to everyone who came out to the gig on Friday night... apart from being a little too cold we've heard that everyone had a great time. The Santika team were stoked with the way the gig went and there'll be more performances on the Nix Nox bateau in the summer. Thanks especially to Danielle & Colin for their efforts - it's a shame to see Colin head back to Perth. A heads up to Macca for his brilliant work on the trumpet too. Master photographer Giovanni Cittadini Cesi took some great shots which you can source at http://pastissimo.free.fr/concerts/. More dates soon...

13th April

We are really excited to announce that Otway Ross will be headlining the new "After Work / Hot Summer Jam / Chill & Dance" series of events for the Santika Association (yeah they're still looking for a decent name). The kick-off event is next Friday night, 20th April - details to be confirmed. What we know so far is that it's on the Nix Nox bateau down near the Biblioteque Nationale de France (Metro: Quai de la Gare). We'll be playing on the terrace/deck if it's good weather and down in the hold if it's rainy or cold (aharrr that rhymes me hearties!). Entry is free for girls and 10 euros guys before midnight, 15 euros both afterwards. Our set will be on between 20h00 and 21h00 so get down there early to hear us! More details to follow - looking forward to seeing you there!

16th November

OK so rumours of Otway being hit by a car while riding his bike are actually true - but hey this is paris "land of the drivers who never look" after all... never fear, his guardian angel was working on tuesday morning (early shift) and despite cartwheeling over the bonnet of a shiny new renault megane (of a lovely deep crimson colour we're told) and wacking his head on the tarmac, the only permanent damage seems to be a sprained wrist. but its the wrong wrist. (oh and a good helmet is worth it's inconvenience apparently - pass it on kids). but for now it's no guitar, drums or piano for at least a week, maybe two. bummer as we had two new songs all lined up for completion. but doctor's orders are final (rather intern's orders given the shortage of real doctors here in the 6eme).

still in the mean time we hope you're enjoying the new song about getting lost in west oz (it's in the music page and on myspace) called "scarborough, lunchbox, backpack" - it's chaotic, sunny and energetic but somehow keeps hold of those dark otway ross roots and it's been getting quite a few spins. hurrah. keep it up.

oh there's a new video hiding on myspace too - otway in the studio playing 'orbit'... enjoy.

28th September

New acoustic song 'orbit' now up on the music page. There's been a few changes in the band, but nothing too dramatic. New ideas are afloat and we're in the studio trying to get them into presentable form. Keep an eye out for more new material

On another subject, Otway has almost completed his amplifier design (yes that bit about an engineering degree was actually true!) which looks promising. It's only a prototype so don't get too excited, but we are - and so are his neighbours. Apparently his idea is to have a small yet full sounding amp, for recording / cafe's / acoustic / electric etc, which is compact and light enough to be taken on the metro... we'll keep you posted - pics and sound samples soon.

1st August 2006

The lack of correspondance (gigs, new music, ideas, website updates etc etc) is due to the fact that Otway has been escaping the Parisian heatwave - in Australia... he'll be back in France at the end of August so all the actiun will continue then.

28th June 2006

OK so it's confirmed - there's another gig this weekend, Sunday 2nd July - this time in an 'illegal' squat in the 10th. Hey don't stress about drugs and hobos, this place is actually rather well equipped with some very talented people and a great ambience - oh yeah and a website (http://perso.orange.fr/theatredeverre/)- you could even bring your mother (but don't... oh go on!).

We'll be playing with the Vintage boys again - ahhh musical chairs - the action is starting around 4pm, provided there's no hassles with the PA system. There is normally a tasty roast late lunch / early dinner - drinks can be bought for ridiculously low prices (like who ever heard of 1.50 euro beers in Paris!?). Also it's Nate's last weekend in Paris so come on out and enjoy the fun.

Address: 25-27 rue de l'Echiquier, 75010, Paris - 01 47 70 58 25

22nd June 2006

Thanks heaps to everyone who came out to see us last night despite the rain - it was superb to see so many friends (old and new). The Vintage boys were super impressive and despite some hassles with the 'carterie' (small minded people can be a good source of amusement) everyone seemed to have fun and enjoy the music. We've got a meeting tomorrow with a passing photographer who took some shots... if they're good we promise to post them soon - about time we filled up the gallery!

In other news Otway Ross will be playing a couple of acoustic songs at a benefit gig this Saturday night, 24th June. Details can be found in the concert poster. Not sure who else is playing - it'll be a surprise for us too. Hope to see you there.

15th June 2006

Otway Ross are really excited to announce that they will be playing a (free) street gig during the famous "Fete de la musique" June 21st. You can find us right near saint michel at 40 rue saint andre des arts (in front of a shop called Diwali). A couple of friends from Vintage may be joining us later. If you're a friend of Otway Ross or want to hear about future gigs shoot us a mail at otwayross@gmail.com

26th May 2006

Otway Ross is now on MySpace - we're catching up slowly... you can find us at www.myspace.com/otwayross for a few pics, some friends and a couple of songs.

20th May 2006

So there's a demo circulating. Don't believe what they might tell you this ain't "it" just yet. The team are just planning a few gigs in the Paris area - hey why not. Sorry to make you wait so long. It's almost been a year now - but not a wasted year. Lots of new material has been written and the old stuff just seems to sound better. We hope the cafe goers like it as much as you told us you did.

6th April 2006

weirdly enough Otway Ross has become the Tone Tubby dealer for France... not quite what was intended but a good match. It may seem strange to have a band selling guitar amp speakers - it's all for the love fnot for the money - we can assure you there's absolutely none in it unfortunately! At least it's real musicians giving advice (finally) on a product. Oh and Otway is happy to have 'unlimited supply' of great sounding speakers for his amps. Hopefully this will mean better sounds on the studio album... did we say album?

10th March 2006

Unofficial gig with our Malvern college friends went down a treat - 18th birthday party of the beautiful Camille Balsan at the Soho Hotel in London. Otway wrote a modified version of 'the third surprising polarity' which was quickly dubbed 'the surprising Camille'- packed it into his ipod and jumped on the Eurostar. Providence would have it that an mp3 friendly hi-fi resided at the hotel and - well the rest is history. We're going to put Camille's version on the music page soon - let us know what you think.