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Orange Willard was born and raised in Huber Heights—a suburb of Dayton, Ohio—where they developed a unique blend of Early '90s Grunge and New Rock. Their inexpressible song style and explosive live performance combine to form a powerful experience described as being "almost spiritual" in nature. Orange Willard's music is reminiscent of Soundgarden, Rage Against The Machine and the early sounds of The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The members—varying in age from 19 to 23 years old—each bring a distinct flavor to the table from the days of their impressionable youth. Orange Willard are Rusty Paquay (lead vocals), Charley Skira (guitar, back-up vocals), Evan Davell (guitar), Eric Ditmer (bass) and Gub Pedrotti (Drums, back-up vocals).
Orange Willard's conception spanned the course of several months beginning when singer Rusty Paquay and guitarist Charley Skira met through a mutual friend in high school. Charley then asked Tim Ditmer—a near stranger from a music theory class—to join as the group's initial rhythm guitarist. Tim then introduced his brother (bassist Eric Ditmer) and cousin (drummer Gub Pedrotti) to the band and Orange Willard was born. After four and a half years and nearly 150 public performances as one Dayton's most successful and longest-running local acts, Orange Willard parted ways with Tim Ditmer and welcomed guitarist Evan Davell to the lineup. Soon thereafter, Orange Willard released their long-awaited debut album "Two Years Later" to great acclaim.
Orange Willard averages around 70,000 hits per month—approximately 100 unique visits every day—on their official, self-designed/managed website (http://www.orangewillard.com) and is consistently ranked as the number one unsigned "grunge" act in Ohio on MySpace.com. In December 2004, Orange Willard took home the grand prize in two tournament-styled talent competitions within an eight-day span. In September 2005, Orange Willard shook Cincinnati as a late addition to the MidPoint Music Festival* and took the title of "Best 'Hair' Band."** In September 2006, Orange Willard were crowned Champions of the 2006 Dayton Band Playoffs at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio—a victory the band struggled to achieve for 4 years. On April 6, 2007, after two years in the studio, Orange Willard finally released their full-length debut album, appropriately titled "Two Years Later."
* - "With the oomph of Guns 'N Roses-styled Bandana Rock and a vocalist who sounds a bit like Chris Cornell when he was still hungry and gave a shit, this Gem City quintet will remind you why Rock & Roll still matters. The group is the toast of Dayton and they're currently working on an album to back up their boisterous live show."
-Mike Breen, CityBeat Magazine – 9/21/2007
** - "OK, Modern Rock band Orange Willard isn't really a "hair" band. But you couldn't help but notice that at least two members constantly whipped their manes as if they had issues. A last minute MidPoint inclusion, they rocked like headliners and lead singer Rusty Paquay's searing vocals (which strangely reminded me of Angus Young and Little Richard) ignited so much energy that his bushy tresses were probably singed."
-Mildred Fallen, CityBeat Magazine – 9/28/07
Orange Willard personally designs and manages their website, MySpace account, merchandise, CD artwork, and other promotional materials. They have also achieved a small cult following with improvised comedic shorts on YouTube.com, MySpace.com and OrangeWillard.com (just search the videos for "Orange Willard").
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