You may not know them now, but you will soon: Seattle-based duo ODESZA is coming to Dillo Day.
Formed at Western Washington University by students Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, the electronic act rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing their debut album, "Summer’s Gone," to critical acclaim. Their second album, "In Return," debuted at number one on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart in September 2014, riding the success of single “Say My Name.” Don’t let the electronic label fool you: Their music is not dubstep or deep house, and is quite lyrical and melodic.
“They’re a completely different type of electronic music,” said Michael Bass, head of concerts for Mayfest. “They’re a little softer, they’re a little less bass-heavy and their live show is incredible and electric. If you see it, you’re going to love it.”
“They cross so many different genre lines that if you don’t already know them, it’s easy to get into them,” added Mayfest co-chair Ian Robinson.
Mayfest first teased the logo from ODESZA's "In Return" album on the Dillo Day website Sunday night, prompting a campus-wide scramble to figure out which artist they would see on the Lakefill. Within minutes, ODESZA's name was all over social media.
“When people are talking about it like that, then that’s awesome,” said Mayfest co-chair Justin Wolf. “If you’re a hardcore ODESZA fan, you would have recognized the logo, and we want to reward those people who are really passionate.”
The duo is coming off of a highly successful American tour, and Dillo Day is one of the many festivals they are scheduled to play this summer. They will play Sasquatch! Festival the weekend before Dillo, and will also appear at Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
ODESZA will occupy the pre-headliner slot of the Dillo Day programming, the same one that Ryan Hemsworth performed in last year and Lunice was scheduled to play the year before. (Lunice’s set was cancelled due to rain.)
“As the sun sets, you’ll be hearing ‘Say My Name,’” said Bass. “Then, there will be a set change, and then, bam. Headliner of Dillo Day.”
ODESZA is the second act to be confirmed for this year’s festival after Mayfest announced Charli XCX at the end of March. No other acts have been confirmed, but while both acts are electronic-based, Bass guaranteed that we “will definitely hear some instruments on stage.”