Odesza

From playing small gigs in the Pacific Northwest, Odesza (Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight) has gone on to become one of the most sought-after contemporary electronic music producers. Both of them grow up in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and were college-mates in Western Washington University.

Together, Odesza began their journey playing at festivals and releasing albums that quickly gained widespread acclaim. They've become known for their dreamy, warp-speed beats, echoing soundscapes, and otherworldly vocals.

If you're curious to learn more about Odesza's musical biography, this article will take you on a journey through his evolution as an artist, from his beginnings to his most famous albums and projects.

Early Days and Influences

Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight quickly strayed from the mainstream path, heavily influenced by indie rock and shoegaze experimentalism during their college years.

Odesza's production style has roots in early electronic pioneers such as Boards of Canada and Cam?o. Harisson said in an interview that It's impossible to understate how much early electronic music influenced us. It gave us permission to experiment with our sound while retaining that consistent groove that still resonates with people today.

Noteworthy Albums:

Odesza's first full-length album, Summer's Gone, debuted in 2012. Since then, the group has consistently put out chart-topping albums. In My Friend's Never Die (2013), Odesza embraced a new wave of electronic pop with intricate, snappy beats. Actress would refer back to In Return (2015) as a beautiful time capsule of a moment where music was at a certain tipping point in terms of experimentation.

Their most recent album, A Moment Apart (2017), explores various territories of sound by combining synthesized sounds with live instrumentation. The album features collaborations with Regina Spektor, Leon Bridges, and more.

Their most recent album, A Moment Apart (2017), explores various territories of sound by combining synthesized sounds with live instrumentation. The album features collaborations with Regina Spektor, Leon Bridges, and more.

Most Famous Songs

Odesza has multiple hits to its credit such as Say My Name, Say Something, and Line of Sight. Say My Name, became an instant sensation with its soulful earworm of a chorus. They expanded their sound with Line of Sight, a brightly-hued dance-pop track featuring vocals by WYNNE and Mansionair.

Say Something is a quintessential Odesza teaser that quickly builds up with soaring strings and soulful instrumentation while vocalist Naomi Wild croons about the power of spoken words.

Odesza's music is a treat for the ears, and his biography is one to be inspired by. Gaming from beginnings in the Pacific Northwest, Mills and Knigh's musical journey is a testament to what dedication, experimentation, and risk-taking could do.

With his music, Odesza has developed a unique sound that is distinctly his, with the style evolving over time. If you're a music lover and haven't listened to Odesza's tracks, go on, I dare you to give him a listen.

Indie electronic music duo Odesza has made a big name for themselves in the past few years. With their intricate, hard-hitting sound and gorgeous visuals, they have entranced countless listeners since releasing their very first EP back in 2012. Many believe this group to be at the forefront of what contemporary electronic music could be--a smooth blend of instrumental hip-hop, future bass, downtempo pop and more. But there are also those who take issue with Odesza's increasingly commercial direction or glossy production style. In today's post we will explore both sides of the coin: let's delve into some criticisms as well as some praiseworthy aspects of these talented sonic innovators!

Electronic music has always been a genre that is constantly evolving and changing, and the emergence of Odesza in 2012 was no exception. The duo quickly became one of the most well-known names in the electronic music scene, with a sound that combines elements of instrumental hip-hop, future bass, and downtempo pop. However, with fame comes criticism, and there are those who are quick to point out Odesza's increasingly commercial direction and glossy production style. In today’s blog post, we will be exploring both the praiseworthy and critical aspects of this innovative duo.

For critics of Odesza, it is their commercial success that is their undoing. As their popularity has grown, so has their reliance on mainstream electronic music tropes. The result is a sound that has been critiqued for being overly familiar and lacking in sonic innovation. Some say that rather than pushing the boundaries of the genre, Odesza is merely regurgitating well-worn formulas. In essence, they have become a victim of their own success, and in attempting to appeal to a wider audience, have lost some of the creativity and originality that made them so exciting in the first place.

However, there are still plenty of reasons to praise Odesza. Their intricate and textured production style is a thing of beauty, melding a range of sounds including live instrumentation, electronic synthesis, and glitchy beats. This is matched by their stunning visual imagery, with neon backdrops and mesmerising light shows that transport audiences to another world. Their live shows are a sensory feast, and their music is nothing short of euphoric.

What sets Odesza apart from other electronic music duos is their ability to transport listeners to a different realm through the music alone. Listening to an Odesza track with the eyes closed can lead to a transcendental experience, with the soundscape evoking emotions and sensations that are truly otherworldly. The complexity of their soundscapes is nothing short of breathtaking. With intricate layers of sound, it’s no wonder that they’ve gained a huge following of fans that adore their discography.

In fact, it could be argued that Odesza's commercial success is a testament to the sheer quality of their work. Their music has the power to uplift, inspire and connect with fans in ways that few artists can manage. The fact that they've managed to do that while maintaining a unique and experimental sound is a feat in and of itself. While some may argue that their sound has become too formulaic, there's no denying that they're still putting out some of the best electronic music around.

In the end, whether you love or hate Odesza comes down to personal preference. There are undeniable faults in their music, with some critics feeling that their sound has become overly familiar and lacking in innovation. However, it’s almost impossible to ignore their stunning visual imagery and intricate yet moving production style that's led to their undeniable popularity. Ultimately though, music is a subjective matter, and it’s up to each individual listener to decide whether Odesza's music speaks to them or not. Regardless, their unique mix of instrumental hip hop, future bass and downtempo pop has made a permanent mark on the music industry, and their impact on the electronic music scene is indisputable.