Hailing from Finland, ODEONS is comprised of rock/pop producer duo Mikko Jaakkola and Pati. Their sound mixes elements of modern electronic pop with the rawness and sophistication of rock acts like Bush, Muse, and Faith No More.
When the duo first met back in 2013, they decided to break through with their signature guitar-based music. Although they have had several bands along the way, the challenge was to find an equally ambitious singer. So, in 2020 they agreed to start a producer duo that will collaborate with driven singers around the globe.
Collaborating with Australian vocalist JOEY DJIA on their latest release, “I Can’t Pretend,” the R&B essence of the atmospheric timbres thrives in the 80’s styled rock-infused universe produced by the musical instrumentation.
Worlds collide as the narrative flourishes on the themes of toxic love, and the ultimate soundscape offers up a sound that is both intimate and sanctioning. Elusively flowing through lush guitar riffs, ambient synths, and jaunty drum patterns, we can’t help but sway to the vibrancy that surfaces from such a buoyant realm of musicality.
JOEY DJIA’s soulful lyrical motifs paint vivid imagery to accompany the thesis of “I Can’t Pretend,” as we dive into the great depths of a tale progressing through the motions of coming to the breaking point in your toxic surroundings. When Grammy award-winning producer Sylvia Massy stated, ‘these guys know how to write guitar-driven music,’ we just had to find out for ourselves; and wow, this statement definitely holds up.
There’s something so strikingly beautiful about giving such a negative subject the radiant effervescence that would normally pertain to a feel-good storyline. By doing so, what ODEONS proves is that there is beauty in the moments where life puts a halt to what is no longer meant for you and instead turns you around to be on the path destined for you.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, ODEONS. The entire way that “I Can’t Pretend,” is presented, leaves us wanting more! What was it like working with JOEY DJIA in order to bring this vision to life?
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be featured in BuzzMusic! We are very pleased that you like the song and the collaboration with Joey Djia! Working with Joey Djia has been a pleasure through and through. First and foremost she is an amazing, down-to-earth personality with true professionalism shining bright in all aspects of her career. She can do so many things with a sincere passion and vision that working with her elevates your own craft to the next level! When we discovered Joey Djia as an artist it was our dream to collaborate on a song that has a distinct rock vibe. When Joey Djia liked the initial idea, it was very rewarding to get her input on approaching and producing the song. The final result is a song that brings ODEONS fully into the forefront of modern pop music and it features our unique rock and alternative infused sound.
Could you please share a glimpse of what the creative process looked like when creating “I Can’t Pretend?"
The main guitar riff at the core of the song was created from a few separate parts that we had in our "riff library". As we are true riff enthusiasts, we have a huge riff library! The guitar riff and the beats had a distinct pulse and drive to them that got us thinking about making it into an emotional, yet uplifting song. A song that you can listen to full-on when the sun is hot, or you can listen to it in your bed as the rain drums on the window. Once we had the rough version of the song we approached Joey Djia and were thrilled that she liked the idea for a collaboration. Joey Djia also did the lyrics which fit superbly into the musical landscape!
How does the soundscape of this record compare to previously released songs?
The whole concept of ODEONS is to collaborate with global music talents and artists to discover exciting new avenues in the realms of pop and rock. "I can't pretend" is the perfect forerunner of the rising trend in pop music where pop sensibilities and hooks are perfectly married to rock and alternative arrangements. In ODEONS that sound is what we are all about!
What musical and non-musical influences help to shape the sound you have uniquely created for yourself?
Our musical influences are very extensive. Tool is probably our favorite band of all time! Then again we also love A-ha, Billie Eilish, Tash Sultana, Dredg, The National, and Crowded House. The list goes on... So basically when you start mixing Tool and Crowded House with A-ha and Billie Eilish you end up with a very catchy and positively intoxicating concoction.
We also draw a lot of inspiration from other aspects of culture and life in general. Literature, art, and nature are very close to our hearts. Since we are from Scandinavia; Sauna, ice swimming, and the four seasons also keep us going!
What can listeners anticipate to hear next from you?
In June we will put our rock pants on as we will release a song called "Not the One". That song is about self-empowerment and finding your own freedom in life no matter the odds. That song will be the next chapter in our revision of the rock genre and a successor to our first rock single "Allowed to Fall". Jeff Friedl from A Perfect Circle plays the drums on the track. Getting Jeff onboard was amazing! We have many new releases planned for 2021 and onwards!