Oscar Ornelas
Oscar Ornelas is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in Austin, Texas
Blues; Singer-Songwriter
Solo
“From the now-closed El Leon and Longbranch Inn to staples like Sahara Lounge and Skylark Lounge, Oscar Ornelas’ effortless blend of blues and jazz pay homage to the beloved sounds of east Austin’s past.“ —East Side ATX
BIOGRAPHY
Ornelas moved to Austin in 2014 with his saxophone and his truck. He landed gigs immediately and played every night his first weekend in town. He played with east side legends like Harold McMillan and Matthew Robinson. He says those experiences opened doors to opportunities not all newcomers were offered. With such vigor and passion, it’s no surprise Ornelas comes from a musical family. His mother played trumpet, and his stepfather was a musician in the church band. Though he began playing music at a young age, he fell in love with the blues at eighteen. Focusing on the piano and the saxophone, Ornelas says he’s “played the blues ever since.” Inspired by Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Ornelas is currently working on writing new music; his style parallels the blues and jazz elements heard in New Orleans. While his previous arrangements focused on “finding a good beat,” he hopes to include more of a message in his lyrics this time around.
Oscar Ornelas is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in Austin, Texas
Blues; Singer-Songwriter
Solo
“From the now-closed El Leon and Longbranch Inn to staples like Sahara Lounge and Skylark Lounge, Oscar Ornelas’ effortless blend of blues and jazz pay homage to the beloved sounds of east Austin’s past.“ —East Side ATX
BIOGRAPHY
Ornelas moved to Austin in 2014 with his saxophone and his truck. He landed gigs immediately and played every night his first weekend in town. He played with east side legends like Harold McMillan and Matthew Robinson. He says those experiences opened doors to opportunities not all newcomers were offered. With such vigor and passion, it’s no surprise Ornelas comes from a musical family. His mother played trumpet, and his stepfather was a musician in the church band. Though he began playing music at a young age, he fell in love with the blues at eighteen. Focusing on the piano and the saxophone, Ornelas says he’s “played the blues ever since.” Inspired by Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Ornelas is currently working on writing new music; his style parallels the blues and jazz elements heard in New Orleans. While his previous arrangements focused on “finding a good beat,” he hopes to include more of a message in his lyrics this time around.
Oscar Ornelas is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in Austin, Texas
Blues; Singer-Songwriter
Solo
“From the now-closed El Leon and Longbranch Inn to staples like Sahara Lounge and Skylark Lounge, Oscar Ornelas’ effortless blend of blues and jazz pay homage to the beloved sounds of east Austin’s past.“ —East Side ATX
BIOGRAPHY
Ornelas moved to Austin in 2014 with his saxophone and his truck. He landed gigs immediately and played every night his first weekend in town. He played with east side legends like Harold McMillan and Matthew Robinson. He says those experiences opened doors to opportunities not all newcomers were offered. With such vigor and passion, it’s no surprise Ornelas comes from a musical family. His mother played trumpet, and his stepfather was a musician in the church band. Though he began playing music at a young age, he fell in love with the blues at eighteen. Focusing on the piano and the saxophone, Ornelas says he’s “played the blues ever since.” Inspired by Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Ornelas is currently working on writing new music; his style parallels the blues and jazz elements heard in New Orleans. While his previous arrangements focused on “finding a good beat,” he hopes to include more of a message in his lyrics this time around.