Oren Valek

Oren’s journey in music began when he first picked up the guitar at the age of 6. His obsession with music grew out of a love for guitarists Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, and Eric Clapton. As a teenager, he developed his playing by performing at live venues and open mic sessions from the age of 14. He has been closely tied with several blues artists since an early age and as a result, regularly participates in large local Blues and Folk festivals (e.g. Broadstairs Blues Bash and Herne Bay Rocks festival). His exposure to live music and performing has given his rock, funk, blues, and soul playing its own personal and natural style. This style is heavily indebted to his childhood musical mentor, Robin File (guitarist from Audioweb), who taught him technical and session skills from an early age. From these earliest moments in Oren's music career, the foundations of Oren’s playing focus on tone, subtlety, time, and space. Whilst at Southampton University, Oren diversified and expanded his repertoire towards neo-soul, gospel, and jazz genres. He is now firmly established as a session player, arranger, band leader, and improviser through collaborations with artists across Southampton, London, and Kent. Oren's unique musical story casts him aside from the majority.