Following Orchard Lounge’s recent headliner show at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, I was able to sit down with the three-piece collaborative group and gain some insight into how they make the magic happen. I, as well as the rest of the crowd at Cervantes, was taken back by how synchronized these artists were during their set; on and off the stage. Throughout their set, they took turns in the spotlight. Pulsating sounds weaved through the ballroom, maintaining balance even during their transitions due to an ability to feed off one another harmoniously. It was plain to see that after making music and performing together for 18 years, these three successfully leave their egos at home. Orchard Lounge is about the music and everyone in that crowd reciprocated the energy that was being put forth.

Spencer Lokken, Bethany Lokken, and Ben Silver have all been best friends “forever”, more literally since their college days. Not only did they all attend the same college but for quite some time they also lived on the same block as one another. Interestingly enough, this musical trifecta was born and bred on Orchard Street. As I sat and talked with Bethany, she explained how they all started experimenting with Ableton around the same time. She would escape into her closet or one of their garages to explore a broad palette of sounds, analog, and synthesized. As far as I can surmise, once experimentation into the world of electronic music began...there was no turning back. They were all hooked into a world of music that allows for endless possibilities.

As their jam sessions became more and more frequent, they realized that this newfound hobby was so much more than that. Music turned into a calling for all three of them. Their garage(s) became known as Orchard lounge, an oasis where they could work freely on music and production. Over time, they learned how to define their strengths and styles, eventually creating the strong unit known as Orchard Lounge today. Maintaining a name that holds so much nostalgia to their humble beginnings is an homage to each other, as well as the place that gave rise to their successful careers as musicians.

Orchard Lounge has been a concept for almost two decades now, yet they never lose sight of what’s important. Getting older means that you continue to take on more responsibilities and balance different aspects of your life. Although they started as friends, two members of Orchard Lounge (Spencer and Bethany) are now husband and wife. Now that they are parents, Bethany explained how there is an art to successfully being present in her family life, while still actively pursuing her passion for music and performing. Although meeting them and seeing their incredible headline set at Cervantes Ballroom, I would attest that she is doing just that. Spencer and Bethany Lokken even started their own side project entitled Lokkenic, which is definitely worth checking out.

These three are what I would call a trifecta of a serendipitous encounter. Everyone has their little intricacies. Everyone provides a different and unique perspective that adds to the group’s diversity. According to Ben Silver, it is rare for Orchard Lounge to fully plan out a set. For so many years, this group has been recognized for their live shows. This is because of their ability to read a crowd and act accordingly to the energy of the room. Ben even commented that they don’t even set forth specific slots during shows. They simply roll with the punches, whatever they may be. To make things interesting, Bethany mentioned that sometimes certain shows require a theme which can be quite fun. Depending on the show or venue the theme may be a tribute, rock’n roll, bass-heavy, etc. etc.

While they are all in the prime of their lives and careers, it is no doubt that being a veteran in your field has its advantages. Although Orchard Lounge is a house driven project, their music is influenced by an array of genres and experiences. These three can do or play just about anything thrown at them and thrive while doing it.

Re:Visit - Behind The Scenes With Orchard Lounge