Orianthi on what she learned from Santana and Joe Bonamassa, and why she’s returning to Alice Cooper’s band

in early 2025.

Alice is like my sister," she says about filling in for Nita Strauss, who'd taken over for her in Cooper's band back in 2014. "I thought it would be fun - then I had a big wake-up call: I've got 25 songs to memorize!

I have a pretty strong recollection of it, to be honest. Collaborating with him was an absolute joy. I'm aware that the upcoming shows will be quite entertaining. It'll be a refreshingly new dynamic and a departure from what we've done with Nita.

She says that when you buy guitars that aren't made with good craftsmanship, and some artists still endorse them, it doesn't sit right with her.

I only want to put my name on something that's high-quality. I'd feel terrible if I was selling it to people knowing I wouldn't use it myself.

She's most looking forward to a quiet moment to herself to refocus. "I used to lock myself away for a whole day with my guitar when I was a kid," she said. "I'm hoping to do that again when I get back from the Alice Cooper tour – as long as I don't end up in a show costume to my final farewell!

I really need to carve out moments to just be alone and play my guitar. It's all about finding my inner peace, just me, the instrument, and the music. Getting inspired is about connecting with myself.

You're teaming up with Alice Cooper again in January and February. What led to that collaboration?

This person got an email inviting them to join someone because the original invitee, Nita, was busy. At first, they were hesitant because of their own plans with their tour, but it ultimately worked out for them to attend.

Technically speaking, I bring a lot of ambition, but I'm not sure it's a good kind of ambition.

The band's sound is going to change in a unique way now that I'm joining. Nita brings her own style of rock and metal to the table, which is fantastic. She's an exceptional musician, but her playing style is distinct from mine. I bring a more traditional blues-rock influence, so this blend is going to be an exciting combination for our audience, who are used to Nita's presence. Nita and I discussed this actually - we're great friends.

It'll be a truly meaningful experience to play those guitars every evening, knowing that we'll be helping raise funds for a beneficial cause, supporting children in need.

So you'll be playing the songs your own way as opposed to the way Nita does?

When I create music, I stick to doing things my own way, playing the songs the way I originally wrote them, and then incorporate any new elements Alice suggests. As an artist, I don't rely on copying someone else's style. I approach each piece from my own perspective.

Are you going to keep your standard setup?

I'm excited about some brand new instruments I'll be playing on my upcoming shows - I'll have three PRS guitars that I've added to my collection. After every performance, I'll be happy to put my name and Alice's on them and then they'll be donated to a good cause. We'll auction them off and the proceeds will go to a children's hospital.

It'll be a truly special experience every night, knowing that the money we raise from playing the guitars will go directly towards supporting a wonderful children's charity.

Your Orange amps have been extremely popular. What other distinctive equipment do you have available?

I'm really hyped about my upcoming Epiphone SJ-200 – it's nearly here, and I've already seen the prototype, which looks incredible. Essentially, it's my sold-out red SJ-200 model. It's interesting to note that my acoustic guitar was among the top-selling models, alongside Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan – that's pretty astonishing!

Epiphone has had significant success in creating signature guitars specifically designed and endorsed by notable artists such as Joe Bonamassa.

I'm a huge Epiphone fan - I think they do an extraordinary job. They're just top-notch. I'm really looking forward to getting mine next year. With the lower price point, more people will be able to get one. Creating a guitar like that, with the wood, mother of pearl, and gold plating, is no easy task. It's really quite luxurious.

Guitar legend Joe Bonamassa ordered a Diet Coke and some cigars, and was then ready to go!

My goal is to make it accessible to everyone, especially kids, so they can purchase it. That's why I felt it was crucial to create a Crush version of my amp as well. Since I grew up struggling to afford these kinds of instruments and equipment, I don't take anything for granted - I had to save up for a long time just to get them.

You play a pivotal role in designing your unique trademarked products, correct?

I'm very particular about the quality of our products. We go through a lot of prototypes to ensure we get it just right. It has to be a guitar that's reliable enough for professional use during studio recording; I want to be able to use it on stage without hesitation.

Do you intend to revise your public relations statement?

I'm enthusiastic about the possibility of a new PRS in the immediate future, but considering we released the Blooming Lotus about a year ago, I'd like to hold off for a minute. Many people have been admiring my white PRS and inquiring when I'll offer a signature version like that one, but incorporating white into production is rather challenging, so it's uncertain at this point.

On the music front, you've been actively involved in some exciting new projects. First Time Blues with Joe Bonamassa It was a futuristic year, three years from now.

I've got to say, Joe is an amazing guy. We're great friends, and he's incredibly talented as a guitar player and artist. I was going through my Instagram and thought, 'Why not give him a shout?' So, I messaged him, 'I've been working on a new song in the studio, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in checking out an early draft.' He immediately agreed, only asking me to bring some Diet Coke and cigars along, and he was set!

Carlos Santana is going to send me a song list through text message and I think, 'This is a completely unique suggestion!'

How would you suggest navigating a working relationship with Joe, considering you both have significant influence in the collaboration?

When you're jamming with Joe, you engage in a musical dialogue. It's a give-and-take scenario, but it's also instinctual – you yield to his incredible playing and let him shine. Everyone wants to hear that magic, because he's a virtuoso. In fact, when someone as talented as Joe takes center stage, you'd rather not be heard yourself! But as the conversation picks up, you'll find your own spot to contribute with a solo, eventually merging your sounds with Joe's in a captivating display of improvisational talent.

How do you think your current skills and experience measure up to your goals for your performance?

"I'm full of energy and enthusiasm, always aiming to grow and expand my musical knowledge. I feel grateful to have incredible friends who are highly respected, like Carlos Santana - he shares his music with me and suggests I try playing along to certain jazz records, and I'm like, 'This is great, this is a new experience!'

I want to break out of my routine and try new approaches to melody, rather than repeating the same patterns. Sometimes I get carried away and go off on a creative tangent, and I want to make that happen more often. This year, I'm aiming to carve out some time for personal exploration, where I can focus solely on composing and playing music on my own, just me and my guitar.