French producer Onra has been on the rise in the hip-hop scene since his first release in 2006 with producer Quetzal titled, Tribute. Onra has a very thematic approach to composing his beats. His first solo release Chinoiseries (2007) was inspired by a stack of vinyl records purchased on a trip to Vietnam. His second solo album titled 1.0.8 (2009) he ventures into the culture, and music of India. Onra’s unique approach to beat making continuously keeps his music fresh, and unexpected. His newest release Long Distance due out May 2010 is inspired by Funk, and music from the 80’s. Elevator recently caught up with Onra to talk about his newest release Long Distance, and future projects in the works. Read more for the full Interview . . .
Elevator Hip Hop Q&A With ONRA
You seemed to have taken a cultural approach making your first two albums. There was the Vietnam motif throughout Chinoiseries, and the Indian motif on 1.0.8. How has your approach to making beats changed from your first full length, to the new Long Distance album?
I get inspired by all kind of different music. I listen to literally anything from 1960 to 1985. Depending on the mood I’m in, I get inspired by such and such style of music. This album is more 80’s, Funk, Boogie, Modern Soul, cause that’s the vibe I was in for the past 3 years. I like to have concepts for albums, it makes it easier to create connections between songs, and overall, easier to tell a story.
Long Distance features some lyrical contributions. Do you plan on releasing more work with emcees or singers in the future?
It was something I’ve always thought about, but I couldn’t really find the project to fit “songs” in, as the other albums were more beattapes than “real albums”. This one if my first “real album”, so I wanted to feature proper songs on it. Also, the label, Allcity Records, gave me the opportunity to work with those vocal artists. I wish I get to do more and more collaborations cause it really takes the beats to another level.
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All-City Dublin drops the funk with the 7th edition to their All-City L.A. 10X10 producer series. Each month for 10 months All City Records will release a 10″ vinyl featuring two producers, one on the A side, the other on the B side. This addition of the series features production by modern funk/electronic artists Dâm-Funk, and Computer Jay. . .be sure to pick up a copy.
Now available on All-City Records is the sixth addition to the All-City L.A. 10X10 producer series. The 
