ODESZA is an American electronic duo from Seattle, formed in 2012. The project consists of:
- Harrison Mills (Catacombkid)
- Clayton Knight (BeachesBeaches)
The duo quickly became one of the most popular and influential acts of the new electronic wave thanks to their unique sound, which blends:
- downtempo
- future bass
- ambient
- chillwave
- indie-electronic
- cinematic sound design
ODESZA’s music is instantly recognizable for its airy synths, dense atmospheres, live percussion, vocal layers, and cinematic production style.
Early Years & Formation
Harrison and Clayton met at the University of Washington — both studied media and design while being passionate about electronic music and experimental synthesis.
Before forming the duo, each produced music individually under the monikers Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches.
ODESZA came to life almost immediately after graduation — in 2012.
Breakout Start (2012–2013)
In the fall of 2012, the duo self-released their debut album:
2012 — Summer’s Gone
The album gained strong traction across music blogs, the SoundCloud community, and independent EDM platforms such as Minatrix.FM.
Shortly after the release, ODESZA began performing at local festivals and small venues, growing their audience rapidly thanks to their warm, emotional, and distinctive sound.
In 2013, the duo released the EP My Friends Never Die and embarked on their first tour.
Breakthrough & Global Success (2014–2016)
2014 — In Return
Their second album became an international breakthrough and included hits such as:
- “Say My Name” (feat. Zyra) — Grammy nomination
- “Sun Models”
- “Memories That You Call”
The album brought ODESZA to major festivals: Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands.
Their music began appearing in Netflix and HBO productions, brand commercials, and major sports broadcasts.
In 2015–2016, the duo toured extensively and unveiled a new live show featuring a full drumline and choreography.
The “A Moment Apart” Era (2017–2020)
2017 — A Moment Apart
One of their most ambitious releases, earning:
- 2 Grammy nominations (Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Dance Recording)
- high chart positions
- recognition as one of the best electronic albums of the decade
Key tracks:
- “Line of Sight”
- “Late Night”
- “Across the Room” (feat. Leon Bridges)
- “Higher Ground”
The A Moment Apart Tour became the largest tour in their career, featuring arenas, festivals, and their signature audiovisual installations.
Return After a Hiatus (2022–2023)
2022 — The Last Goodbye
Their fourth studio album arrived after a four-year break, blending modern electronic production with soul & gospel samples, cinematic textures, and future bass elements.
The central track — “The Last Goodbye” (feat. Bettye LaVette) — is built around a sample from her classic “Let Me Down Easy”.
The album was nominated for a Grammy 2023.
Other notable tracks:
- “Wide Awake”
- “Love Letter”
- “North Garden”
- “Light of Day”
In 2023, ODESZA launched the massive The Last Goodbye Tour featuring live orchestral and percussive arrangements.
Side Projects
Foreign Family Collective
A label founded by the duo in 2015 to support emerging electronic artists.
Releases include Big Wild, Jai Wolf, RÜFÜS DU SOL (early releases), Kasbo, Louis Futon, ford. Remixes for Sia, Porter Robinson, Hayden James.
Style
ODESZA’s music is characterized by:
- lightness and atmospheric texture
- emotional choirs and vocal samples
- lush synth pads
- live drums and percussion
- cinematic depth
- a perfect balance between EDM and ambient-pop
Their influence can be heard in modern artists such as Seven Lions, Kasbo, DROELOE, Shallou, Dabin, Slow Magic, and others.
ODESZA Discography
Studio Albums
- 2012 — Summer’s Gone
- 2014 — In Return
- 2017 — A Moment Apart
- 2022 — The Last Goodbye
EPs
- 2013 — My Friends Never Die
- 2020 — BRONSON (with Golden Features)
- 2020 — BRONSON Remixes
Compilations / Live
- 2015 — In Return (Deluxe Edition)
- 2018 — A Moment Apart Remixes
- 2019 — A Moment Apart Instrumentals
Popular Singles
- “Say My Name”
- “Sun Models”
- “Line of Sight”
- “Late Night”
- “Across the Room”
- “A Moment Apart”
- “The Last Goodbye”
- “Wide Awake”
- “Higher Ground”
- “All We Need”
ODESZA are a duo that has seamlessly blended cinematic electronica, live instrumentation, and emotional storytelling into one cohesive form — creating one of the most recognizable sounds in modern music. Their compositions have become soundtracks for travel, festivals, commercials, films, and personal moments for millions of listeners. They continue to evolve, bringing new ideas to the electronic and chillwave scenes and remaining one of the most influential groups of the 21st century.
