Orion and The Constellations

Some people are born to be stars.

Especially Orion DiFranco.

The frontman/guitarist for the gritty blues band Orion and the Constellations said his father -- an avid hunter -- named his son after the marksman from Greek mythology who is immortalized in the night sky.

Along with his bandmates -- brothers Jason (bass) and Erik (drums) Rau -- DiFranco has been performing nearly every weekend for the past four months, in addition to working a full-time job as a quality engineer at an ArcelorMittal steel mill.

“I usually come up with some other story, like my dad was a hippie, but no one believes me,” the 33-year-old said jokingly.

His appellation fits the determined songwriter well.

During the past four weeks, the band members have used their scant free time to prep for their upcoming album release.

The twinkling trio will play Friday at the Shrunken Head to promote their first record, “10 Years.”

The twinkling trio will play Friday at the Shrunken Head to promote their first record, “10 Years.”

Q: How did you guys meet?


A: I met Bob Rau (when) he trained me to work as a steelworker (in Local Union 9309). Bob found out I played guitar and told me to check out (the) Columbus Songwriters Association. ... It was instantaneous for me. I just started going to shows and hanging out and I now serve on the board. ... Soon after Bob introduced me to his sons Erik Rau and Jason Rau.

Q: How do you find time to practice given your packed schedules?

A: It’s been crazy. Jason is a bus driver. Erik works at our sister mill down the road, and he actually works nights. We’ve been lucky to play at 7 or 8 or 9 (p.m.) and open up for a lot of people so he can get to work. I live in Pataskala now, between them, so we practice once or twice a week. We’re always back and forth trying to figure things out, but it’s worth it.

Q: What are the subjects of your songs?

A: I’m a typical blues player, and we write a lot of songs about typical blues things -- whiskey, women, work. I’d say as a band we play blues stuff not only because it’s a passion but because it’s a release from our jobs. It keeps us relaxed.

Q: How has being part of the Columbus Songwriters Association impacted your music?

A: I think how it helped me is watching the other songwriters be able to perform something they care about so much and not be afraid to do it. Even if they’re afraid and see you people perform a few times and then (take a break and) come back a few months later, you can tell they’re honing their skills. - Dispatch

2016 Adult Contemporary Song of the Year
"Whiskey My Woman and This City" - Ohio Music Awards

Orion and the Constellations are a part time three man band from Ohio are led by Guitarist and vocalist Orion Difranco, supported with a solid rhythm section formed of brothers Jason & Erik Rau, between them on this their debut album they perform admirably and while only a fairly short seven track taster album there is enough promise here suggest they have a fine future, especially as there is a Alvin Lee/Ten Years after feel about the way they play, I cannot quit put my find on it but there is definitely some similarity. The band sit firmly in the rock/blues no frills pitch but with an underlying funk edge, the album stars with a straightforward rocker titled Along for the ride, which is followed by Blue Collar Blues which has a stunning lead guitar intro on a more bluesy song, the recording engineer Joe Viers has achieved a very clean and sharp sound which allows every note to be heard, the rumbling bass lines are particularly pleasing. Orion is the natural leader of the band with vocal and guitar skills in abundance, the title track 10 Years particularly highlights this, with its slower more melodic sound and some stinging guitar breaks, just for good measure he has additionally written all the material. A very refreshing debut CD that maintains a solid groove from start to finish.
Adrian Blacklee - Alan Pearce