{{Short description|American pop rock band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians --> | name = The Orion Experience | image = The_Orion_Experience_at_The_Break.jpg | caption = Orion Simprini and Linda Horwatt in March 2008 | image_size = | background = group_or_band | alias = | origin = New York City | genre = {{hlist|Pop rock|indie rock|indie pop}} | years_active = {{hlist|2005–2014|2021–present}} | label = {{hlist|Sweet!|Needlejuice}} | spinoff_of = Kitty in the Tree | current_members = * Orion Simprini * Linda Horwatt * Elle Starlight * Zak Galactica * Reef Rox | past_members = * Chris Lucas * Jon Weber * Erik Paparazzi * Kareem Lamar * Marcus Farrar * Jimmy Riot | website = {{URL|theorionexperience.com}} }}
'''The Orion Experience''' (occasionally abbreviated to '''T.O.E.''') is an American pop rock band formed in New York City in 2005 by singer/songwriter Orion Simprini and Linda Horwatt (Linda XO). The band has released three studio albums and two EPs. The name "The Orion Experience" is a "self-effacing" reference to other bands like The Alan Parsons Project and the Steve Perry Project.<ref name="Aquarian">{{cite web|last1=Selzer|first1=Hal|date=2010-03-10|title=Local Noise: The Orion Experience|url=https://www.theaquarian.com/2010/03/10/local-noise-the-orion-experience/|access-date=2022-02-10|website=The Aquarian}}</ref> The band’s gender-fluid themes and presentation have attracted a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase.<ref name=":0" />
== History == In 2006, The Orion Experience released their first studio album, ''Cosmicandy'', on Sweet! Records.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} In 2007, the band performed at Fearless Music, and in early 2008, Perez Hilton called the song "Obsessed With You" "an indie pop gem ... double yum."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hilton|first=Perez|date=2008-03-19|title=Listen To This: Your Love Is Better Than Cocaine|url=http://perezhilton.com/2008-03-19-listen-to-this-your-love-is-better-than-cocaine|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813074519if_/http://perezhilton.com/2008-03-19-listen-to-this-your-love-is-better-than-cocaine/?from=post#.W3E3FKHLdhE|archive-date=2018-08-13|work=PerezHilton.com|accessdate=2008-05-27}}</ref> The same song was also featured in the 2019 thriller ''The Honeymoon Phase''.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Orion Experience Obsessed With You (Scene From The Honeymoon Phase)| date=March 7, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc-pJyPw-M8|language=en|access-date=2022-02-22}}</ref>
Their 2008 EP release, ''Heartbreaker'', was produced by Maroon 5 producer Jon Kaplan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myspace.com/theorionexperience |title=The Orion Experience at MySpace |accessdate=2008-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Reges|first=Margaret|title=The Orion Experience Music News & Info|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/the-orion-experience/914176#/artist/the-orion-experience/914176|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110115515/http://www.billboard.com/artist/the-orion-experience/914176#/artist/the-orion-experience/914176|archive-date=10 November 2012|work=Billboard.com|accessdate=2011-02-26}}</ref> In 2009, the band released ''Cosmicandy'' in Japan and included all four songs from ''Heartbreaker'', as well as a new track called "Nippon Ga Dai Suki (Japan We Love You!)".<ref>{{cite web |title=The Orion Experience – Cosmicandy |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10944176-The-Orion-Experience-Cosmicandy |website=Discogs |date=March 4, 2009 |access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref>
Their second EP, ''NYC Girl'', was released on April 19, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|date=2011-02-23|title=The Orion Experience's 'NYC Girl' Set for April 19 Release|url=http://www.flockedmedia.com/2011/02/23/the-orion-experiences-nyc-girl-set-for-april-19-release|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711010756/http://www.flockedmedia.com/2011/02/23/the-orion-experiences-nyc-girl-set-for-april-19-release/|archive-date=2011-07-11|website=FlockedMedia.com|accessdate=2011-02-26}}</ref> ''USA Today'' described the title track as a "string-infused disco-pop ditty" reminiscent of "70s-era Electric Light Orchestra".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2011-03-21-playlist22_N.htm |title=Justin Moore's 'Heaven,' plus 10 more |last=Mansfield |first=Brian |accessdate=2011-03-21 |date=2011-03-21 |work=USA Today}}</ref>
In October 2012, the band put on an immersive theater show at Dixon Place in Manhattan's Lower East Side with the "idea to make a rock concert that brought fantasy back to live music."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-07-31|title=Intergalactic Rock: An Interview with Orion Simprini|url=https://stagebuddy.com/theater/theater-feature/orion-experience-interview|access-date=2022-02-17|website=StageBuddy.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The following year, the band created an off-Broadway show called ''The Orion Experience'', which opened in August 2013 at XL Nightclub.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Orion Experience, An Outer Space Rock Concert Experience, Begins Performances Aug. 1|url=https://playbill.com/article/the-orion-experience-an-outer-space-rock-concert-experience-begins-performances-aug-1-com-207369|access-date=2022-02-17|website=Playbill|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The Orion Experience |url=https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/reviews/the-orion-experience_65726.html |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=TheaterMania |language=en-US}}</ref> The show was directed by Travis Greisler, produced by Ryan Bogner, and choreographed by Misha Shields.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=24 February 2015 |title=Photos: First Look at Theater Works' AZ Premiere of FOLLIES |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-Theater-Works-AZ-Premiere-of-FOLLIES-20150224 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> The cast featured Simprini, Horwatt, Reef Rox, and Honey Davenport as the Queen of White Lies.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-24 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race season 11: Here's the official line-up |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/rupauls-drag-race-season-11-heres-the-official-line-up/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=GAY TIMES |language=en-GB}}</ref> The show was accompanied by their second full-length album, ''Children of the Stars'', which includes expanded versions of the songs from the live theater productions.<ref>{{Cite web|author=BWW News Desk|title=Photos: First Look at THE ORION EXPERIENCE, Opening Tonight Off-Broadway|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-THE-ORION-EXPERIENCE-Opening-Tonight-Off-Broadway-20130808|access-date=2022-02-17|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en}}</ref>
In 2014, the band recorded the single "Rich Man's Holiday".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Orion Experience music, videos, stats, and photos|url=https://www.last.fm/music/The+Orion+Experience/+wiki|access-date=11 February 2022|website=Last.fm}}</ref> In the following years, both lead singers Simprini and Horwatt wrote and produced solo albums. Horwatt recorded the album ''Stupid Love'' and the self-titled EP ''Linda XO''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Linda XO|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ky8EGI88BSDV3UIqnxE50|access-date=2022-02-17|website=Spotify|language=en}}</ref> Simprini produced his EP ''Lush Life'' and other singles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ORION|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/0G9jJv1t51ZzzHkqlK0olw|access-date=2022-02-17|website=Spotify|language=en}}</ref>
Due to a rise in online popularity in 2019 and 2020, the band reestablished itself and began releasing more music.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Quinn|first=Taylar|date=2021-11-19|title=The Orion Experience: Fever Dream Album Review|url=https://networthpick.com/2021/11/19/the-orion-experience-fever-dream-album-review/|access-date=2022-02-17|website=NetworthPick.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> In January 2021, the band released ''Sugar Deluxe'', a compilation album that combined the ''Heartbreaker'' EP and the ''NYC Girl'' EP, and included two previously unreleased tracks, "How the Story Ends" and "Lower East Side Love Song", while removing the track "Nice Guys Finish Last". The band's third studio album, ''Fever Dream'', was released on October 22, 2021.
In 2022, ''Cosmicandy'' and ''Children of the Stars'' were reissued on vinyl, CD, and cassette by Needlejuice Records,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |title=The Orion Experience Release 'Cosmicandy' and 'Children of the Stars' on Vinyl for the First Time |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/The-Orion-Experience-Release-Cosmicandy-and-Children-of-the-Stars-on-Vinyl-for-the-First-Time-20220801 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> but these were later hidden from their website on September 1, 2022 and removed completely in December 2022 after the label terminated their work for the band "in light of numerous allegations".<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=Needlejuice Records |author-link=Needlejuice Records |user=needlejuicerec |number=1565255921005117440 |date=2022-09-01 |title=Our mission is to create tangible music products--high quality vinyl records, cassette tapes, and compact discs—from a broad range of artists, while always endeavoring to safeguard the dignity of all human beings. In light of numerous allegations, we have made what we feel is the only prudent decision and have terminated our work for The Orion Experience. Effective immediately, we believe this action best represents our commitment to personal and professional ethics. |access-date=2023-08-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826210712/https://twitter.com/needlejuicerec/status/1565255921005117440 |archive-date=2023-08-26}}</ref> All unsold copies of the physical releases were subsequently destroyed.<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=Needlejuice Records |author-link=Needlejuice Records |user=needlejuicerec|number=1579550453574283264 |date=2022-10-10 |title=Just a heads up that Orion Experience merch will only be available thru October. Then any stock will be destroyed. Vinyl sales will simply help Needlejuice recoup its losses. As of this writing, the band will get royalties from sales of Cosmicandy on CD/tape per the terms of our arrangements. We want to be transparent. To be clear, we are no longer representing them. We are navigating this process thoughtfully and planning for November. |url=https://twitter.com/needlejuicerec/status/1579550453574283264 |access-date=2023-01-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826212600/https://twitter.com/needlejuicerec/status/1579550453574283264 |archive-date=2023-08-26}}</ref>
== Discography ==
=== Studio albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="width:15em;" |Title ! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="width:15em;" |Album details |- ! scope="row" |''Cosmicandy'' | * Released: 2006 * Label: Sweet!, Needlejuice |- ! scope="row" |''Children of the Stars'' | * Released: 2013 * Label: Sweet!, Needlejuice |- ! scope="row" |''Fever Dream'' | * Released: 2021 * Label: Sweet! |- !scope="row" |''Cosmicovers'' | * Released: 2023 * Label: Sweet! |- ! scope="row" |''Magical Animals'' | * Released: 2025 * Label: Sweet! |}
=== Extended plays === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="width:9em;" |Title ! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="width:16em;" |EP details |- ! scope="row" |''Heartbreaker'' | * Released: 2008 * Label: Sweet! |- ! scope="row" |''NYC Girl'' | * Released: 2011 * Label: Sweet! |}
=== Compilation albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="width:15em;" |Title ! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="width:15em;" |Album details |- ! scope="row" |''Sugar Deluxe'' | * Released: 2021 * Label: Sweet! |}
=== Singles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! rowspan="1" style="width:350px;" |Title ! rowspan="1" style="width:20px;" |Year ! rowspan="1" style="width:300px;" |Album |- ! scope="row" |"Nippon Ga Dai Suki" |2011 | rowspan="3" |Non-LP tracks |- ! scope="row" |"Never Gonna Let You Go" |2013 |- ! scope="row" |"Rich Man's Holiday" |2014 |- ! scope="row" |"Lower East Side Love Song" | rowspan="8" |2021 |''Sugar Deluxe'' |- ! scope="row" |"Jenny" | rowspan="3" |''Cosmicovers'' |- ! scope="row" |"Ride a White Swan" |- ! scope="row" |"Lemon Boy" |- ! scope="row" |"All Dolled Up" | rowspan="4" |''Fever Dream'' |- ! scope="row" |"Digital Affection" |- ! scope="row" |"Night Eyes" |- ! scope="row" |"Cosmicandy Girl" |- ! scope="row" |"Wrecking Ball" | rowspan="2" |2022 | rowspan="2" |''Cosmicovers'' |- ! scope="row" |"Moving" |- ! scope="row" |"The Cult of Dionysus (Nightcore / Daycore Remix)" | rowspan="5" |2023 | rowspan="2" |Non-LP tracks |- ! scope="row" |"All Dolled Up (Nightcore / Daycore Remix)" |- ! scope="row" |"Hopelessly Devoted To You" | rowspan="3" |''Cosmicovers'' |- ! scope="row" |"Oxygen" |- ! scope="row" |"Different Drum" |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[https://www.youtube.com/user/TheOrionExperience The Orion Experience] on YouTube *[https://theorionexperience.bandcamp.com/ The Orion Experience] on Bandcamp *[https://theorionexperience.com/ The Orion Experience website]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Orion Experience, The}} Category:2005 establishments in New York City Category:American indie pop groups Category:American indie rock groups Category:American pop music groups Category:American pop rock music groups Category:American LGBTQ-themed musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 2005 Category:Musical groups from New York City