ODYSSAY on "Consent," Live Hardware, and Selling Out Kyiv Under Wartime

Choir Transforms "Consent" During ODA Symphony Rehearsals

ODYSSAY built "Consent" around a contrast between driving melodic techno energy and cinematic vocal elements. The original vision remained consistent throughout production, though the track's emotional depth evolved significantly during rehearsals for the ODA Symphony show. The Ukrainian artist invited an orchestra and choir to prepare for the performance, initially planning only orchestral arrangements.

"At first it was only orchestral arrangements, but then we decided to add choral parts as well," ODYSSAY explained. "We started experimenting with new harmonies and vocal layers. It worked much better than expected. The choir added a new emotional layer and made the track feel much bigger. After the rehearsals it became clear that this version with the choir should be the final one of 'Consent'."

Live Hardware Setup Stays Separate from Studio Process

ODYSSAY performs exclusively live using analogue synthesizers and live vocals, rejecting the traditional DJ format. Despite his hardware-focused stage show, he keeps his production and performance workflows largely independent. "Live performance does not really change my production process directly," he said. "For me these are two different things. Writing music and performing live."

He occasionally considers how he'll control synth leads or other elements on stage, but the writing process remains separate. His approach to tension and release relies on synth movement, filters, and modulation to build anticipation, particularly in breakdowns where kick and bass drop out. "The contrast between sections creates impact. Especially when there is no kick or bass, that is where the emotion becomes strongest."

All-White Aesthetic Reflects Focus on Light and Purity

ODYSSAY's signature all-white visual identity stands in deliberate opposition to the dark aesthetic common in techno. "My visual identity is the opposite of the genre I work in," he said. "But contrast is a big part of my music and my vision. I try to bring purity, light and positive energy into what I do. I want to speak to the light side of people."

That philosophy extends to his personal state. "I also try to keep my own state as clean and open as possible, because it affects the music and the shows," he added. For ODYSSAY, music originates from the artist's inner condition rather than purely technical process, and he prioritizes emotional depth alongside dance floor energy.

Palace of Sports Show Drew 7,000 During Full-Scale War

In a career milestone, ODYSSAY became the first Ukrainian electronic artist to sell out Kyiv's Palace of Sports, performing for more than 7,000 people under wartime conditions. The event was the first from his ODA label and required generators and limited resources to overcome logistical challenges.

"After a very difficult winter, people needed a moment to disconnect from everything happening around them," he said. "The preparation was very hard. Generators, limited resources, many challenges, but we still made it happen. It was only possible because of a strong team effort. I am really proud of everyone involved."

"Consent" is set for release soon. ODYSSAY continues to work within melodic techno and progressive house, constructing real-time sonic landscapes through his live hardware performances.