They both discovered their love of music in very different ways, Rhys didn't have a strong musical influence around the home, as music wasn't on much around the house. It wasn't until watching cartoons, when he was 9, that he saw an episode of Scooby Doo that featured a guest appearance by the band KISS. He was instantly intrigued, and it wasn't long before he was submersing himself into the world of classic rock. Music quickly became Rhys' first love. He got his start as a musician on the drums when he was in 4th grade, before switching to guitar, and taking lessons for 6 years.
Alexis experienced music her entire life, as both of her parents are avid fans and always had music playing in the house, often as the centre of attention, with lots of lessons being learned about this band and that artist, but it wasn't until she visited her best friend's home and discovered that she had a drum set. Alexis would visit often, and would gravitate to the kit, playing it all the time. The pair of pals would put on rock concerts for their stuffed animals and then Alexis would return home, begging for a kit of her own. She received one for her 10th birthday and began taking lessons two years later, learning from different teachers along the way.
Middle school and High school bands followed for each of them, where they practiced their chops and honed their skills, before finding each other making thunder in the school band.
Being a two piece band, you might expect a "less-than" experience when listening or attending one of their shows but, rest assured, this band is one who takes their approach for a full sound as a "Volume Equals Better" Motörhead inspired mantra. Alexis is a hard hitter so Rhys is pushing volume to keep up, using lots of fuzz and distortion, which are signature sounds for the Orchids. "I can't turn down the drums, they don't come with a volume knob, so he has to work with whatever I'm playing" states Alexis.