Odezsa to stretch electronic boundaries in progressive show Saturday

Odezsa+to+stretch+electronic+boundaries+in+progressive+show+Saturday

Laura Rostad, Associate Arcade Editor

Odezsa’s music is unmistakably electronic, but Odesza is a standout catalyst pushing the boundaries even farther. As electronic continues to morph and expand, the term can only go so far. The progressive duo, comprised of DJs Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, will perform 9 p.m. Saturday at One Eyed Jacks.

Odesza started to blow up in 2013, months after its first release “Summer’s Gone.” With the release of its second record “In Return” earlier this month, Odesza proved its dynamic sound won’t be pigeonholed electronic. Each song forms a different soundscape, but the album as a whole runs smoothly through cycles of dreamlike, funky beats wound together by glitchy, surreal vocals.

“We’re kind of an in-between,” Knight said. “We do so many different sounds, and we like so much different music that it’s hard to pinpoint one area. It’s all over the map.”

The success of their most recent album is partially because the distinct soundtrack features seven different artists on eight of the 13 tracks.

Odezsa used social media to reach out to artists such as Shy Girls and Zyra.

“There was definitely a lot of experimenting for us, working with singers and whatnot,” Knight said. “That’s a whole other world that we had never really dived into. We took a chance on it, but I think it all worked out in the end.”

In 2013, Odesza toured as an opening act for acclaimed DJ Pretty Lights, but this fall Odesza will headline a tour in honor of its own fresh release.  

“Opening up can really be hit or miss sometimes,” Knight said. “When you have your own show and people are there to see you, it’s definitely a nice change. It’s a whole different energy.”

Aside from the electronic music Mills and Knight know so well, their musical interests and eclectic backgrounds span a wide scope. In their younger years, Mills played the trumpet, while Knight practiced classical and jazz piano.

“We really listen to almost everything you can think of,” Knight said. “We really like tribal music, funk and soul, indie music. We like some rock, punk and old school hip-hop. We’re just showing music to each other constantly.”

When Mills and Knight met at Western Washington University, Mills was studying graphic design, which he’s recently been able to use.

“I’ve designed all the covers, I did the logo and I help with the shirts,” Mills said. “We bring in other designers, but I still art direct everything. It’s been really fun to get to use that skill.”

With a substantial set of accomplishments under its belt, it seems like this is only the beginning for this vibrant duo. The tour up to this point has surpassed all expectations.

“They’ve all been sold out shows, and all the crowds have been loud and rowdy,” Mills said. “That’s about all you can hope for. We really appreciate all the support we’ve been getting and that people care enough to come to our shows, come say hello to us, take a picture with us and want to get to know us. We couldn’t ask for a better audience.”

Leave a Comment