How many girls do you know that have a PRS endorsement, co-writing credits with Steve Vai and are equally recognisable as a popstar and major shredder? Adelaide’s Orianthi is living (and working hard for) the dream.
Orianthi Panagaris, a star clearly on the rise, started out in cover bands reworking material to include her own slant on pop by infusing it with guitar arrangements. Most people know her as the stunningly beautiful lead guitarist who was hand-picked for Michael Jackson’s ill-fated 2009 farewell tour. However, she was always a dedicated and driven musician before landing that plum gig or Santana’s management saw her potential. Anyone that caught her recent tour with John Mayer and headlining sideshows will attest to there being no issues of style over substance. She is assured, measured and economical with her approach to the combination of performance and songwriting. She is also an inspiration to young, budding guitar enthusiasts who know that even if you have a large-scale dream, you can achieve it.
How did you get into PRS guitars?
OP: I attended a Santana show when I was 11 years old and I was playing classical guitar at the time. I turned to my Dad and said, ‘if it’s okay I want to play electric guitar’ and I wanted one just like Carlos had. So I begged him for a PRS and I got this second-hand one, a custom 24 with super-high action and heavy strings. Once I got it, I never put it down, I was just so happy to have it. I learnt all of Santana’s solos and songs. It was a dream guitar and I’ve been playing them ever since.
You also have an endorsement deal with Paul Reed Smith with your own SE Orianthi signature guitar recently out.
OP: Yeah, I just sent him my demo. When I was 14, I made one at home and I sent it out to Santana’s management and to Paul Reed Smith. It was sent to people I respected in the industry and I wanted to get their feedback on it. I got an email from Paul saying he loved it and was playing it in the office. So he sort of kept in contact with me and was super supportive. I flew over and played at the NAMM show [industry show in Anaheim, California] in 2004. Just being at the PRS booth being surrounded by all of those amazing guitars and jamming out with a couple of musicians in NAMM was just awesome. Having Paul’s support has been really cool.
Speaking of guitar support, you managed to get a hold of Steve Vai. That is pretty impressive.
OP: My first ever support show in Adelaide, Australia, was opening for Steve Vai when I was 15. That was at Heaven nightclub and I was super nervous; being my first ever support opening for the best guitarist in the world. I got up there and played with a backing track and there were all these guys in the audience with their arms folded watching everything you were doing. It was a pretty hard gig but I got through it and had fun. Steve was actually standing at the side of the stage watching me play and met with me afterwards. We stayed in contact; I would send him demos and he would comment back to me. He has been super encouraging and has become a good friend – having his support has helped me get better as a player. So I’ve been able to write a song with him [instrumental track ‘Highly Strung’ on Orianthi’s Believe album], shoot the video clip for it and also play with him on American Idol with Mary J Blige.
