- Take A Nap 2018 Single
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- Orion and the Melted Crayons
Shows
Feb. 28th:
House Show at the Balloon House
7:00 PM
Stillwater OK
March 2nd:
Whiskey Jar
6:30-9:30 PM
Charlottesville VA
March 6th:
Peloton Station
7:00-10:00 PM
Charlottesville VA
March 7th:
10:00 PM
Manhattan NY
March 27th:
Brick Anchor Brew House
5:30-8:30 PM
Norfolk VA
March 29th:
Southern Crescent Gallery and Bar
5:00-8:00 PM
Charlottesville VA
Biography
Based in Charlottesville VA, Orion and the Melted Crayons creates their signature sound by blending developing lyrics, intricate harmonies and musicality with smacking grooves. With a penchant for finding the joy in the world, the TMC catalog contrasts soaring highs and everyday vibes with poignant pain atop a bed of sweet chords and interlocking poly-rhythm.
Songwriter and producer Orion Faruque, a Charlottesville native, returned to Virginia after years spent traveling the continental US and released an acoustic project called the Breathe E.P. in May 2018. After the release, he promptly got to work assembling a team of multi- instrumentalist’s to support his songwriting centered around hope being our umbrella from the world.
Over the course of 2 years, the band has grown from an acoustic based project to a full blown funk rhythm section comprised of Orion Faruque on Electric Guitar, Ryan Blanton on Lap Steel, Elie Bashkow on Violin/Mandolin, Ryan Goodrich on Trumpet/Keys, Nan Macmillan on Acoustic Guitar, Austin Angulo on Drumset and Grady Tollison on Bass Guitar. The band loves swapping instruments to better serve the song so you may find them playing musical chairs during their next show.
As the Melted Crayons, the band's musical friendship brings a dynamic and conversational feel to the songs. They are constantly learning from each other and expanding their musical knowledge. TMC scales from a duo/trio for smaller venues all the way up to a full band for large venues.
Members:
Orion Faruque
Ryan Blanton
Ryan Goodrich
Austin Angulo
Nan Macmillian
Elie Bashkow
Interviews
Orion. Ryan and Ryan on I Love Cville Podcast
Orion on On The Rise Podcast
Orion and the Melted Crayons live on 92.3 XRK:
Recent Releases
2018.11.17: Take a Snap-Single
After the 24 hour Breathe EP in May of 2018, Orion and the Melted Crayons toured in support of the EP, released a stop motion music video for the title track and began writing new material. Built on Orion's intricate guitar and direct vocals written in September of 2018, the "Take A Nap" single is reminiscent of a summer spent with a friend or lover so comfortable to be near that words aren't necessary. The supporting harmony of the vocals, violin and piano work with the songwriting to create a singular Melted Crayon sound.
Featured crayons: Andrew, Elie, Nan, Orion
2018.05.21: Breathe E.P.
Orion was stranded at Orchard Hill Studios after playing the 2018 Saluda Art Festival and decided to make it count. He challenged himself to compose a new piece, record 4 songs and release an EP in 24 hours.
After a Sunday morning spent writing Champagne, Orion called Ryan Blanton over to spend the afternoon tracking and a following night mixing. 24 long hours later, a collection of 2 of Orion's newest songs pair with 2 of his older favorites on the Breathe E.P.
North Carolina based Ryan Blanton accompanies Orion on Acoustic/Slide Guitar, Mandolin and Vocal Harmonies. As the original Melted Crayons, Ryan and Orion's musical friendship brings a dynamic and conversational feel to their playing. They are constantly learning from each other and expanding their musical knowledge.
Image Gallery
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 TMC at the Garage 2019.05.12 |  |  Orion and the Melted Crayons at Porchella |
 There's been an explosion of flavor. |  TMC Sunrise |  Have you ever wondered what clouds taste like? |
 Take a Nap Single Album Cover |  |  |
 |  Album cover for Orion & TMC's May 21st 2018 release. |  |
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 Orion and The Melted Crayons live in the Tryon Teepee with Ryan Blanton. |  Orion and the Melted Crayons at Space Lab. December 22, 2017 with Colby Pegg-Joplin |