PHOTO BY ALEX BROWN
Orianthi is busy as hell. She’s riding high after her last two records – 2020’s O and 2022’s Rock Candy – showed the world that she’s not only a great singer and performer but a rip-roarin’ titan on guitar, too. It wasn’t always that way, though, not that people knew any better. Had the music industry had its way, Orianthi –who had a massive pop hit with her 2009 single According To You – would have been chewed up and spat out. But that’s not how it went down. And the best part is that now it’s Ori’s way or the highway.
“I’ve been through a lot in this industry,” she tells Guitarist. “I really have [sighs]. Imanage myself; I’m doing business 24/7. I have an incredible team around me, but, ultimately, I make the final decisions. In the beginning, being signed in such a big situation and having a whole circus around me… To be honest, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that life is short, and every day when you wake up do something a little different.”