Here are five reasons why every EDM lover needs to witness a live ODESZA performance.
ODESZA first became prevalent in my life through a vivid account from a close friend who attended their live performance in 2018. “Everything about it was profound,” she insisted. “I didn’t even need alcohol to feel vulnerable. The music got me from the start.”
That anecdote lingered, and I found myself drawn to their tracks on Spotify, especially fan favorites like “Sun Models” and “A Moment Apart.” Yet, amidst their popularity, the fervor for ODESZA remained a mystery to me. I found their music undeniably well produced and catchy, but not life changing.
Fast forward to July 2022 when ODESZA released their album The Last Goodbye to resounding success. In June of the following year, they embarked on their album tour, venturing through cities like Montreal, Milwaukee, Columbus, New Orleans, and San Diego. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to witness ODESZA’s San Diego show. I can confidently say I wasn’t let down.
As someone who hadn’t been pulled into ODESZA’s orbit, attending The Last Goodbye Tour proved eye opening. Not only did I leave with a deep understanding of the hype, also an overwhelming desire to share my experience with fellow skeptics. So, to those who have yet to be completely captivated by ODESZA, here are five compelling reasons why I believe you should experience their magic at least once in your lifetime.
The Production Value is Unmatched
The moment direct support duo Bob Moses exited the stage, there was a palpable shift in the energy of the room. The anticipation for ODESZA was electric. Silence fell over the stadium as everyone gazed and listened intently for the performance to unfold.
From the very first song, “This Version of You” featuring Julianna Barwick, it was evident that ODESZA’s production value is an art form in itself. The way the lights radiated from the stage and the LED screens painted a vivid new world captivated the audience. The visual portrayal of the “real you” on the LED screens immersed us in an experience both communal and entirely individualized.
The production elements – lights, visuals, sound – transformed the show into an immersive journey, transcending the conventional roles of attendee and performer. Here, ODESZA acted as a conduit for the experience, not the experience itself. Every element, from the strategic use of special effects to the intricate layering of visuals and lighting, was meticulously crafted to elevate the musical journey and demand complete engagement. Instead of being a passive viewer, I felt like an integral part of the performance.
ODESZA Plays All their Tracks Live
ODESZA’s live performance sets them apart through their careful attention to execution. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the duo are doing on stage. They don’t use standard Pioneer CDJs to transition from track to track, nor do they play live instruments. Unlike a traditional DJ set, everything is played live, unraveling second by second on stage.
By deconstructing their tracks to stems, the duo are able to play their songs live, pinpointing the precise moments to strike drum pads while performing. Every moment is carefully coordinated, encompassing music, choreography, production, and visuals. The inherently risky nature of live performances adds a resoundingly human element. Just like in life, not everything can be predicted or guaranteed, yet ODESZA embrace this uncertainty, fully immersing themselves in the human experience.
The Unforgettable Drumline
The most iconic component of ODESZA is their drumline. It’s the cornerstone of their immense popularity.
From the initial appearance of the drumline for “Behind the Sun,” I could tell I was in for a treat. Beyond being incredibly entertaining to watch, the act of drumming taps into a primal essence of the human experience. It also pays homage to the earliest forms of music, triggering a deep instinct within the listener and connecting them to rhythms and experiences that are both ancient and timeless.
For me, their drumline was an integral part of the performance, adding a component unlike any other live electronic show I’ve seen. Every other attendee seemed as enamored as I was with the drumline.
The Tight-Knit ODESZA Community
Amidst the dancing bodies, I noticed the crowd consisted of people from all walks of life. Some fans knew the lyrics by heart, while others, like myself, simply caught the vibe. Altogether, I felt no judgment, rather entirely welcome.
What I learned is that Odesza’s music resonates on a profound level with a diverse audience. It creates a shared experience — a connection that transcends individual preferences. Songs like “Equal” and “Higher Ground” penetrate the hearts of everyone in the crowd.
Their music, with relatable lyrics and cinematic melodies, taps into a universal human experience of trial and tribulation, love and loss. It feels like a visceral connection to something ancient, as if it’s woven into our very DNA. It evokes a sense of unity, a feeling of being part of something larger than oneself.
Their ability to create this profound sense of togetherness is what sets them apart.
Every Listener Goes on an Individual Journey
While ODESZA foster a deep sense of community at their shows, they also emphasize the individual experience, where the attendee is just as much a part of the show as ODESZA themselves. In the case of The Last Goodbye Tour, they set the intention for rediscovery — a moment of communion with a former self.
From the onset of the performance, ODESZA intentionally played tracks “This Version of You” and “All My Life,” both with faint voices echoing shared memories from childhood. Through these intricate sounds, they were able to evoke emotions and memories, creating a soundtrack to our past.
Looking about the stadium, expressions of surrender revealed the deep resonance with memories deeply embedded in our consciousness. The music provided each listener with a personal, abstract, yet rhythmic journey, using dance music to facilitate a transformative experience.
As a non-fan, experiencing The Last Goodbye Tour was an eye-opener. I truly felt a part of the narrative being told, a seamless blend of individual and collective experiences. ODESZA’s ability to create a visceral experience for their audience, all without resorting to formulaic music, is a testament to their artistry.
ODESZA, as a whole, defies categorization and should be witnessed by everyone, fan or not. It’s not simply music. It’s a journey back to you.
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