It’s been a busy month, and it looks like things are going to get even busier. 

Here are the headlines:

• A sell-out gig at The Cantaloupe Jazz Cafe

Yes folks, the launch gig was a massive success with standing room only. Under the sumptuous heat of the Algarvian Sun, the audience danced in the aisles, on the tables, and sang along to the songs. There were cries of More!, More!, and as we left the stage to chants of O.W.T.O., O.W.T.O., O.W.T.O., we knew that our work for the evening was done. To the ladies dropping some serious steps during the songs, “You Go Girls!” and when the job of band dancers becomes available, you can be sure we’ll be giving you a call.

Thanks to those who shared the evening with us. For those who missed it or couldn’t get into the venue, we’ll be back! A big thank you goes out to Louis, the owner and resident cool dude at The Cantaloupe Jazz Cafe. If you don’t know the venue, you should. Be sure to check out his diary of up-and-coming events.

• O.W.T.O. begins to gain international recognition

Thanks to several radio stations including the track ‘Don’t Push It’ on their playlists, I’m pleased to announce that O.W.T.O. can now be heard on the airwaves. The band is currently being played across the UK and USA, with offers coming in for inclusion onto more and more playlists. We are thrilled at the response we are getting.

• Festival Date – O.W.T.O will be live again!

On the back of our successful launch gig, O.W.T.O. have been invited to perform at the upcoming festival in Silves (Portugal). The festival, the brainchild of the good people at Sound Bunker, with a special shout out to Raquelle Gracie, is set to happen on Aug 31st and looks set to be another chance for The Algarve’s burgeoning original music scene to cement further its place in the cultural landscape of the area. This will be a chance to support new musical talent, and O.W.T.O will be there with its original groove and vibe. It will also be the stage for the debut appearance of Katerina Kaifa, our new vocalist.

Katerina is a successful performer across Europe and the guys in the band are pleased she has agreed to come on board with us. Trust me when I say, “My girl can sing!” and we are looking forward to working with her. Definitely something not to miss!

• We’ve Been in the Studio

The band have been continuing their time in the studio.  Diogo and Mariana have laid down new vocal tracks to more of the material that will feature in our soon-to-be-released suite of tracks. Being at the desk, and watching and hearing them do their thing has been a real privilege, and the band is excited about letting you guys hear the results. We are not going to rush things, however, so you may have to be patient. No worries though. It will be worth the wait!

• Secret Talks (or maybe now not so secret)

This one is a bit tricky because we can’t say too much about it, but initial talks have been had, and more talks have been scheduled between O.W.T.O. and a very well-known and international filmmaker. We are hoping he likes what he’s hearing and agrees to use his talents on our visuals for the upcoming singles and promotional material. That’s all I can say right now, but if I say “I’ll be back”, with more news soon, then hopefully, you may be able to guess just how celebrated this guy is in his industry. Wish us luck in getting his services.

As you can see, it really has been a busy month, and I still haven’t got to the best and most important bit. June 7th 2025. It’s a date for your calendar, folks. Why?

It’s Challenge Cup Final day. The Challenge Cup is the oldest trophy in Rugby League history and dates back to 1896. Yes, it’s that time of year when the north of England descends on the south of England and Wembley Stadium hosts one of the major events in the Rugby League Calendar. This year, Hull KR will be battling Warrington Wolves for the honour of lifting the glorious trophy that is “The Challenge Cup” and, if that’s not enough. Guess who has tickets. Guess who will be there, shouting at the referee, applauding the Trojan spirits of the gladiators that are rugby league players, and having a few pints. Me of course, yes ME! Beyond excited.

Until then, I’ll just have to amuse myself by mixing tracks, rehearsing the band and having secret talks with international filmmakers!

 I’ll be back next month…..