ODD MOB Interview - A Breakout Sensation
Meet ODD MOB, one of Australia's breakout sensations known for his funk-centric house beats, and wild remixes. The Brisbane based artist has been making waves this year with the release of his single, 'No Pressure' featuring Super Silly, and his formidable national tour. ODD MOB popped down to the Gold Coast to have a chat with us about his single, national tour, and forthcoming album, ahead of his upcoming show at Shooters Nightclub, as part of the Schoolies celebration.
(Photos provided by Head Photographer, Nick Carrogu)
Futuremag Music: How’d you initially move into the music scene?
ODD MOB: I started out being a house party DJ. My Mum had a friend who ran a mobile DJ business, but it was like playing songs off DVD drives essentially. From there the house parties got more serious. I decided to start making little edits of the songs I was playing to stand out from the crowd. I never thought of myself as much of a musician back then, it was more just for fun. When I worked out how to do mashups in key, I thought I was the greatest that ever lived, hahaha! That said, over time I got better, and started making my own music.
The first gig I ever played was at Electric Playground in The Valley in Brisbane. I don’t think it exists anymore or it has a different name. I think the brief was to play straight house music at a time when I was into big room. It was a really quiet night and I invited my friends. There were about 15 of us jamming to the cheesiest music ever. It was definitely fun!
Futuremag Music: How has your production evolved and progressed over the years?
ODD MOB: I guess recently my music has been a mixed bag. I generally produce towards the house side of things. I have made a bit of future bass, and hip hop type music too. I’ve been making heavier stuff of late, just because that’s what’s been working well in sets, and such.
For my forthcoming album I am going to be starting afresh. It’s definitely not going to be too heavy, rather it’s going to be something a little more timeless than what I have been doing in the past. I also want to experiment, and display the new techniques I’ve learnt over the last few years. I haven’t experimented too much in my singles, because I felt like I needed to be a bit more safe. With the album, I felt that I could can push the limits and step outside the safety net. I’m really excited to do something like this, because it’s something I really wanted to do before I die.
Futuremag Music: Can you talk us through your production process of your single, ‘No Pressure’ and how you met Super Silly?
ODD MOB: Basically, I was going through SoundCloud and stumbled across Supersilly who had a small following at the time. I had a bit of a listen and it was really good, but at the same time the backing tracks weren’t too upbeat. I hit them up and asked if they’d be interested in working together. We had some vocals that were sitting there for a long time, and this year around June, I decided to revisit them. Then I smashed out a track in a couple of days. Once the chord progression came together, it was a fast process.
Futuremag Music: What’s the reception like when you play, ‘No Pressure’ live?
ODD MOB: Actually, when I play it live it’s slightly different because I play a VIP version. The single itself isn’t something you’d generally play in a club, so the VIP is more of an upbeat house vibe, which pops off. Quite a few people know it, which is real nice.
Futuremag Music: How’s the Australian tour coming along?
ODD MOB: I’ve played in Sydney, Perth, and Hobart. It’s been ridiculous. I never expected these shows to be as energetic as they have been. When I played in Hobart, I was expecting it to be a bit quiet, and only a few people know who I am, but it was the complete opposite! It was one of the craziest shows I’ve ever played, we sold out pre-sales, and everyone there knew all my songs, so I was an awesome feeling.
Futuremag Music: Are you looking forward to your set at Shooters Nightclub on the Gold Coast, as part of Schoolies?
ODD MOB: YES! I actually am! Schoolies had the reputation of booking cheesier acts in the past, but their line ups have matured massively over the years. This is great to see. I’m keen to see how the young crowd react to some of the weirder music I like to play. That said, fresh 18 year olds generally like to party really hard, because they’ve just left school and want to chill out, so I know it’s going to be full of energy.
Futuremag Music: Did you go to Schoolies?
ODD MOB: Yep, right hear on the Gold Coast. I went Schoolies back when I didn’t drink, so I had a fully sober Schoolies. It was a lot of fun. I wore this really long purple beanie and I thought I was really cool, but looking back at the photos it was actually cringe worthy. It was a great time and I look forward sharing that experience with this year’s school leavers.
Futuremag Music: If ‘ODD MOB’ was a cocktail what would be in it to best describe yourself and your music?
ODD MOB: I think a salted caramel espresso martini! You get a bit of sweet, a bit of caffeine to get you hyped up, and a bit of alcohol, also add a bit of chocolate for good measure. Sprinkle some coco, coffee beans on top for extra goodness.
Futuremag Music: Do you encourage your fans to go and order an ‘Odd Mob’ cocktail next time they’re at the bar?
ODD MOB: Oh yeah, but you’re going to have a tough time drinking an espresso martini while you’re dancing. Maybe if you want to be really cool, or want to meet some new people, an espresso martini is a good first impression. I dig it, hahah!
Futuremag Music: What does the future hold for you?
ODD MOB: I’m aiming to finish my album. As part of the process I’m making up 60 ideas. I’ll sift through those ideas to find tracks for the album. I’ll also be doing more vocal writing than I’ve done in the past, and singing on a few tracks. It’s going to be time of exploration for myself, and general banter.
