Live at Quaker Marine: An Interview with Orlas

Meet father/son duo Victor Chicri and Vic Delnur aka Orlas. Drawing their name from the Portuguese word for shores/coasts, their music is an ode to the ocean, blending waves of fusion, samba-jazz, bossa nova and disco-funk.

After their performance at our Greenpoint shop last week, we sat down to learn more about their process, and hear what's next for the band.

What was a typical day for you growing up in Rio?

With great weather year-round, I'd enjoy the ocean in every way I could, either surfing, sailing or just chilling at the beach. At night I used to spend some time making music, or hanging out with friends. 

How has the dynamic between father and son shaped the way you write and perform music together?

I grew up watching my dad play and record in the studio. By 13, I got my first drum kit and started gaining interest in learning guitar, bass, and piano. We started jamming more, and I explored every instrument in his studio. He's a talented pianist and keyboardist who spent six years in college to become a maestro. I, on the other hand, never had lessons, so I’m not a master, but I can play my own way around them. In my 20s, I moved to London, and during that time, he moved to New York, so we were apart for a while. We both have experience producing and touring with bands, though in different generations, which I think shapes a lot of our sound. His approach to music is really interesting and definitely adds depth to our work. When I moved here, it felt natural and fun to start making music together again.

At our party you invited several instrumentalists — including two QMS members — to play on different songs. Tell us about the rotating cast of musicians that play with you.

For me, music has always been about having fun with friends, exchanging ideas, and learning from different styles. I bring this approach to Orlas, where, like with our friends at Quaker Marine, we skipped rehearsals, had a quick chat before the show, and just went for it. Those spontaneous moments are the ones I cherish most. The guys did amazing!

Tell us about your latest album release.

"Viver o Mar" is our latest release, meaning "Live the Ocean" in Portuguese. It features 11 tracks, including a strings octet that adds depth and richness. It was released by Day End Records (Los Angeles) in both formats digital and vinyl. The album reflects the essence of our hometown, Rio de Janeiro, the sound of water, both serene and stormy. With Brazilian percussion like cuica, reco-reco, pandeiro, and surdo, it explores rhythms from across Brazil, from Rio to the Northeast. It also highlights female vocals, evoking the golden era of Brazilian music in the 60s and 70s, much like Tom Jobim's beautiful work.

How did you first discover Quaker Marine, and what about the brand resonated with you as artists? 

I was walking around Greenpoint with my wife when I spotted the Quaker Marine store. From the outside, I could tell it was all about life at sea, and I was instantly drawn in. As soon as I stepped inside, it hit me: "If our sound had a look, it would be this."

I started browsing and chatting with the staff, wanting to learn more about the brand and its backstory. The more I discovered, the more I realized that no other brand resonated with our sound like Quaker Marine does.

Not long after, we had an incredible photoshoot for the band, and Quaker collaborated with us. Then, when the invite came to perform live at the store, we were so stoked and honored. 

My sister and her husband have a sailboat in Paraty, Rio, and when they came to visit, I took them to meet the store. They loved it. Brazil has so much life on the ocean, with its stunning coastline, and Quaker Marine really strikes a chord with how we live. It’s something that’s deeply meaningful to me, and I’m sure it could make an impact in Brazil, too.

What’s next for Orlas?

We’re gearing up for an exciting few months! Our European tour kicks off at the end of May, followed by a performance at NXNE in Toronto. After that, we’ll hit the road for a full US tour to promote our debut album, Viver o Mar. We’re also thrilled to share that our new record is done and coming soon. In the meantime, if you’d like to support Orlas, you can grab your vinyl here: Viver o Mar. Stay tuned for more updates! Viva Quaker Marine!