Hailing from Calgary, Oranje is a dynamic math-rock trio known for their tight, start-stop arrangements rooted in jazz and articulated through a raw punk-tinged energy. The group consists of Joseph Bahhadi on guitar, Michael Buie on bass, and Andrés Mira on drums—three University of Calgary alumni who crossed paths in the jazz orchestra and discovered their shared love for emo, math-rock, and experimental instrumental music.
Name:
Oranje
Genre:
Art-rock, math rock
Founded:
March 2022
# of Albums:
One EP (Pure Sport), upcoming LP out October 17
Latest album:
Pure Sport (EP)
Latest Single:
Styrofoam
Latest video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Joseph: I had a Major Buckethead phase, and he really made me want to get into guitar. Shoutout buckethead 🗣️
Mike: Herbie Hancock. The span and depth of his career is astonishing. He is always innovating and blending genres from soul jazz, hard bop, to fusion. Fav albums are “Takin’ off” and “Mr. Hands”.
Favourite musician now:
Joseph: I think Pedro Martins is a modern great at the guitar. His rendition of Ravel’s string quartet for solo guitar regularly inspires me/riddles me with imposter syndrome.
Mike: Charlie Howarth of “Do Nothing” plays the bass like I’ve never heard before. He’s got his own angular sound and inspired me to pick up bass.
Guilty pleasure song:
We feel no guilt in listening to what we like. With that being said, One Last Breath by Creed.
Live show ritual:
Make plenty of mistakes and then be sad about it.
Favourite local musician:
Impossible question. I look up to so many, and there is no way I can choose. To name a few, shout out K-Riz, Sophia Truscott, and Drew Morrell, who provided vocals on our album 🙂
EP or LP:
EP, our attention span can be short and feel well-constructed, tight 30-minute EPs offer the perfect balance of accessibility and long-form narrative.
Early bird or night owl:
Early bird nowadays due to school
Road or studio:
Studioooo, road is uncomfortable and we really don’t like it. We love writing and recording, and wish we could have unlimited studio time to write more music.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Our debut album is coming out October 17th. Preorder vinyl now on our website and keep an eye out for our second single, ‘body,’ dropped September 10. If you preorder the vinyl now, you get early access to our second single body instantly.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Website | TikTok | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Nan’s Noodle House🔥pls sponsor us
Favourite park in the city and why?
Nose Hill🔥we did all the promo photos for the album there, and it is just so wild to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere while in the middle of the city.
Favourite music venue in your city?
Another tough one, great memories in every venue, but we have a special place in our hearts for the Ship ‘n Anchor. It’s just such a great, well-run spot with a great vibe
What is your favourite music store in your city?
R Guitars has some gorgeous guitars, and he always makes sure Joseph’s guitars are gig-ready after he punches them and throws them on the floor.
