Orca Welles is a rock n roll band formed by best buds, Alec Williams & Liv Baxter, in a partially-finished Omaha basement circa 2013. Over the years, the duo has weathered classic “coming of age” struggles alongside one another (loss & love, cross country moves, frosted tips, etc.), chronicling the saga in their songwriting and performances along the way.
The band had humble acoustic beginnings as a creative outlet for Liv & Alec, who met as they were nearing the end of their high school. Though only recent acquaintances, Liv and Alec began jamming during their formative high school years under the creative title, "Liv & Alec." Inspired by the prolific indie-rock music scene in Omaha, the duo eventually graduated from playing covers to writing their own music. The joy of creating music culminated in a handful of original tunes that would eventually comprise Orca Welles' debut EP, Many Years to Go.
The band had humble acoustic beginnings as a creative outlet for Liv & Alec, who met as they were nearing the end of their high school. Though only recent acquaintances, Liv and Alec began jamming during their formative high school years under the creative title, "Liv & Alec." Inspired by the prolific indie-rock music scene in Omaha, the duo eventually graduated from playing covers to writing their own music. The joy of creating music culminated in a handful of original tunes that would eventually comprise Orca Welles' debut EP, Many Years to Go.
Liv and Alec parted ways to pursue undergraduate studies at different universities, but they continued working on their musicianship together over school breaks. During one such break, the pair was presented with an opportunity to open a show at a local DIY music venue operated by a friend. After they brought drums onboard to give the songs a heartbeat, and the Omahans had their inaugural performance in January of 2017 under the pseudonym, Boys Will Be Girls. The rush of a live DIY performance and the unparalleled sense of community they discovered in the music scene motivated the fresh group to extend the scope of their sound beyond the confines of Omaha.
Liv and Alec parted ways to pursue undergraduate studies at different universities, but they continued working on their musicianship together over school breaks. During one such break, the pair was presented with an opportunity to open a show at a local DIY music venue operated by a friend. After they brought drums onboard to give the songs a heartbeat, and the Omahans had their inaugural performance in January of 2017 under the pseudonym, Boys Will Be Girls. The rush of a live DIY performance and the unparalleled sense of community they discovered in the music scene motivated the fresh group to extend the scope of their sound beyond the confines of Omaha.
After cutting their teeth in the prolific music scenes of Eastern Nebraska, the band packed their bags and headed west to the high country of Colorado. Awaiting them in the foothills was a name change–Orca Welles. For the next few years, the band would continue to hop between their "home grounds" of Omaha and Fort Collins, writing new tunes and playing shows along the way.
Following the release of their debut EP, “Many Years to Go,” Orca Welles toured the midwest and shared the stage with psych-rock icons, The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Thereafter, the band headed back to Nebraska where they recorded their first full-length record with Jeremy Wurst of Coyote Face Recording. After the release of their LP in 2019, Orca Welles hit the road again, playing twenty-five shows across the country that summer– including one with indie cowpoke, Ben Kweller. Since, Orca Welles has undergone many transitions. After rounding out 2019 with shows back in their stomping grounds, Orca Welles has focused intently on writing tunes. Though Liv and Alec live further apart than ever, they’ve collaborated to assemble the beginnings of a second full-length record. Along the way, they were featured artists for Colorado Public Radio and recorded a live session for NPR Music.
Orca Welles' sound can be best described as a complicated relationship between 60s surf/acid rock and 90s grunge-garage music. This relationship is held together with lyrics inspired by early twenties angst, coming-of-age feelings, and distress with contemporary social issues. While the lyrical content may be specific, the vibe of the music is catchy and groovy. To put it bluntly, if Dick Dale and Brian Wilson had a baby, the Pixies adopted it, and Conor Oberst/Courtney Barnett were the godparents, you’d probably get something close to the “Orca Welles” sound. The band's tunes have been well-enjoyed by audiences ranging from music-guru friends, to the many grandmothers who have found their way to a show. There is truly a little something for everyone in the group's sound.
Following the release of their debut EP, “Many Years to Go,” Orca Welles toured the midwest and shared the stage with psych-rock icons, The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Thereafter, the band headed back to Nebraska where they recorded their first full-length record with Jeremy Wurst of Coyote Face Recording. After the release of their LP in 2019, Orca Welles hit the road again, playing twenty-five shows across the country that summer– including one with indie cowpoke, Ben Kweller. Since, Orca Welles has undergone many transitions. After rounding out 2019 with shows back in their stomping grounds, Orca Welles has focused intently on writing tunes. Though Liv and Alec live further apart than ever, they’ve collaborated to assemble the beginnings of a second full-length record. Along the way, they were featured artists for Colorado Public Radio and recorded a live session for NPR Music.
Orca Welles' sound can be best described as a complicated relationship between 60s surf/acid rock and 90s grunge-garage music. This relationship is held together with lyrics inspired by early twenties angst, coming-of-age feelings, and distress with contemporary social issues. While the lyrical content may be specific, the vibe of the music is catchy and groovy. To put it bluntly, if Dick Dale and Brian Wilson had a baby, the Pixies adopted it, and Conor Oberst/Courtney Barnett were the godparents, you’d probably get something close to the “Orca Welles” sound. The band's tunes have been well-enjoyed by audiences ranging from music-guru friends, to the many grandmothers who have found their way to a show. There is truly a little something for everyone in the group's sound.