In our next band spotlight we chat to Jarod and Dean from electronic-experimental powerhouse Odonis Odonis about their music and inspirations.
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Hi guys, how are you today?
Dean: Great
Jarod: Well, thanks!
Talk us through the multimedia films, and how those ideas were formed?
Jarod: Keeping the concept of the album in the front of our minds, we tried out a VR experiment with our friend Nathan Hynes (Director of Long Pigs). Once we completed that VR video (That’s How it Goes), we saw an opportunity for more videos and brainstormed an overarching narrative linking a few more of them together.
Dean: It’s something on going. We started out with just wanting to make one really great video for this record but the further we developed the concept the bigger it got. Jarod and I work in film/tv and started brainstorming with our friend (Nathan) about a making a Sci-VR video in the style of Alphaville. As soon as we all got together it was pure brain sparks and quickly evolved into a much more ambitious experiment . Now we are at the point of finishing a 30 minute multimedia short film.
How are you looking forward to going out on tour in the US?
Dean: I think it’s going to be great. We are huge fans of Tobacco so we are excited to share the stage with him for a month.
What are the biggest challenges you have when it comes to taking the music out live?
Jarod: The technical aspects of making it sound as good as possible and figuring out just how to perform it live at all. Lots of trial and error.
Dean: We are extremely anal about how things sound. We spend a lot of time making sure we can properly replicate the record and be better performers. With this record, we’ve gone almost purely electronic with it. Coming from a rock background it’s a very interesting jump for us. I used to pass it off as so easy but once you try it you quickly realise that it brings it’s own set of challenges.
How do you look at Post Plague in the context of your earlier records, how far do you think you’ve come?
Jarod: This record is our first full collaboration in the writing process and a big move away from the traditional rock set up.
Dean: I feel like we are just getting started now. Experimentation is what this band is all about. We want keep changing and pushing things further because that is what keeps us excited and interested as a band. I still have sweet spot for the older records but we’ve been playing that stuff for years now and it’s good to step away for a bit.
What keeps you guys passionate outside of music – think people and places, books, games and movies for example?
Dean: I’m big fan of horror movies, specifically 80s B-horror and sci-fi thrillers. Malcolm Gladwell books and music biographies. I love video games and would love to make one at some point. I’m just installing the new Doom as I answer this haha.
Do you have plans to visit the UK again anytime soon?
Dean: Hopefully we can come back next springs if we can some decent offers.
How does Post Plague represent the next evolution of Odonis Odonis?
Dean: Expect the unexpected.
Jarod: It’s a leap forward in every way and we still feel we’ve just scratched the surface of where this could be going.
