Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Odelet
THE RELEASE
Odelet reveals her multi-faceted artistic nature, coalescing the roles of a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist into a colorful pattern. Inspired by the best of golden hip-hop, she constructs every track using only a drum machine and keyboard. The artistic genesis of Odelet began when she exposed her manifested musical talents after studying visual art at Portland State University. She later released her debut record, "Experiment," a 19-song avant-garde excursion in minimalism, which seemingly marked a new beginning. In 2022, she co-founded Everlasting Tape, a production endeavor that would ultimately lead to making "The Angels Album," her first full-band production. Along with her music, Odelet dives into the realm of experimental music visuals and has amassed international attention on a number of platforms, where she has won numerous awards and been selected for screening at more than 50 international film festivals.
Spring begins with Odelet's second coming together with Everlasting Tape. “Pisces Pie, Odelet’s 11-song ode to classic hip-hop production and the allure of siren singers. Odelet shares, "When it comes to my vocals, I just hear what I hear. Something about it can feel like jazz, but in terms of production, this album was definitely inspired by my love of old-school hip-hop." We can easily say that this is one of our favorite projects we have ever covered here on Each Measure. A standout for us is the opener, “Pieces Pie," in which the vocal runs from falsetto to a deep baritone alongside a bed of laid-back percussion and drum patterns. “Paired” is another one we just fell in love with upon first listening. The vocal runs and melodies during the second half are heavenly, and the rim shot just sits you in a pocket of lush vibrations. The unique piano and potent emotion behind the lyrics on the last track, "Carousel,” just seem like a fitting way to close such an exquisite album. We advise just turning this album on and letting it run its course; no skips are necessary, and we promise you will not be disappointed.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Well, I’ve gotta get weird, because truthfully, I drink up everything that catches my interest or ear, and I’ve loved so much music, all genres. So I’d have to list so many more than four names. But then also, when I write, or hear melody, I do it from my own unique perspective, so it doesn’t really feel like it exactly comes from the music I’ve loved…it’s as if that Mount Rushmore could have countless individuals on it, or no one…but I love that mountain.
Throughout the production of your new album, were there specific challenges or breakthrough moments that had a profound influence on the overall direction and cohesion of the project?
The most profound breakthrough moment for me was really right from the start, the way the project got set into motion…I had another whole album on deck that I was about to start cutting final vocals on when a technical glitch redirected plans and I got the idea to dive into this project.
Can you offer insights into the collaborative dynamics that shaped your upcoming album, shedding light on the contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers, or featured artists and how their involvement impacted the final body of work?
This is the second project I’ve recorded under Everlasting Tape, a production company I started with my long time collaborator and co-producer Jack. He’d say I make the instrumentals myself, but having an analog engineer as talented as him really impacts the sound that is Everlasting Tape in a huge way. Pisces Pie is really both of our baby.
Considering the entirety of your album, what lasting impact or impression do you hope the collection of songs will leave on listeners, both individually and as a cohesive musical journey?
Hooked, hehe.
As you look forward, how does the release of this album set the stage for your future projects, and are there any subtle hints or clues you can share about the evolving musical direction you plan to explore in the coming months?
Actually, there’s another whole album on the table that feels like a followup to The Angels Album, or maybe a conversation with it, maybe a continuation? I’ve so been looking forward to recording final vocals and solidifying that project. I’m always getting new ideas and I’m always writing. Truly, I dream of exploring such a variety of concepts and atmospheres. It’s an endless evolution in my mind and I’m beyond eager about all of it.
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