Interview: ORTON

ORTON’s debut EP Gan Canny is a North East‑built rap project created entirely with local producers and collaborators, rooted in themes of pressure, family and responsibility. Across its tracks, ORTON reflects on his past and offers a grounded portrait of growing up in the region through honest, unfiltered writing.

From the melodious hooks of opening track Northern Track to the punchy Under Dog, the soul‑leaning Either Way and the snappy, haunting Turn, the EP moves with real intent before closing on the vibrant pulse of So Far and the gritty Authentic. ORTON’s vocal delivery stays effortless and engaging throughout, painting a vivid, region‑rooted picture that will feel instantly familiar to North East listeners. It’s a fantastic debut release.

We caught up with Orton to find out more…

How did you get into music and what made you want to be an artist?
Music started as a bit of a laugh between me and my brother. Jotting down silly lyrics, attempting to write songs.

I stuck with it, spending hours alone, eventually filling up notebooks with words. After time I gained the confidence to start releasing music.

I don’t think there was a defining moment where I felt ‘I want to be an artist’ it’s something I’ve done for so long it feels like it’s part of me now.

Your writing leans into everyday realism. How much does growing up in County Durham shape the stories you tell in your music?
I like to write about the experiences I’ve lived through or seen firsthand. Durham (and the Northeast) is one of the main subjects I draw inspiration from. It wouldn’t feel right pretending to be something I’m not.

What does your songwriting process look like?
At the moment, it’s like fine tuned chaos. Trying to fit music in with everyday life. When travelling places I’ll listen to instrumentals in the car. If something sparks, I’ll save it for later.

I wake up at the crack of dawn to dedicate time to writing lyrics before work. If I get any spare time during the day I’ll write too.

When an idea pops up I’ll immediately write it down (whether it be on my phone or a scrap of paper). Eventually I may (or may not) use these ideas.

The EP is built entirely on North East producers and features. Why was keeping it rooted in local voices so important to you?
When setting out to create the EP I had one goal “dedicate a body of work to the North East”.

I feel like as a region we’re often forgotten about and in my opinion the rap scene here (especially in Durham) is almost non existent. So I wanted to create something that gives an insight of my time growing up here. At the same time calling on other creatives to share their stories too.

Tell us about your EP and the themes and sounds that run through it?
Of course the North East is the foundation of the EP but it delves into my life too. The highs and the lows.

Some tracks are quite nostalgic, they contain details which listeners from the North East may relate too. Some tracks give an insight into addiction. Some tell the story so far.

The project is mostly BoomBap style with a heavy focus on lyrics and storytelling.

What do you hope listeners take away from Gan Canny?
I’d like for someone to relate in all honesty. If someone could listen to a track and agree with an opinion or use the lyrics to put themselves in my shoes I’d be happy.

Something else to take away is: don’t let your past define you. The North East isn’t perfect and depending on where you’re from you may end up in situations you later regret. That’s life, all we can do is learn from it.

What’s next for you?
I plan on expanding my sound, stepping away from BoomBap and trying new things. Monthly releases will return once the promotion of the EP has run its course.

I also have a few exciting live bookings I’m really looking forward to.