‘Erode’ by Odyssée | New Album, ‘Arid Fields’
Exclusive video premiere of ‘Erode’ by Odyssée, taken from the latest album, ‘Arid Fields,’ out via Autoscopy Records.
Odyssée is Edouard Lebrun, a French artist based in the Alps mountains. He makes music in unusual places by bringing his modular synthesizer to the wildest and most hostile landscapes. He made his way into music by drumming in the French electronic rock band Jean Jean, well known in the synth-wave/math-rock scene, before developing a taste for turning knobs.
In his sonic quest, he developed a self-powered modular system capable of making music everywhere. To bring technology into nature and see how environment and creativity can interact together was a far-fetched dream. From this experiment, he brought back ‘Arid Fields,’ a sonic journey through ethereal landscapes filled with an intended sense of loneliness.
“The majority of the videos and sessions I produce are usually shot outdoors, in wild and almost sacred places, far from any human intervention. This is something that deeply resonates with me and aligns well with my identity. For this track, which is the most “electronic” on the album, I wanted to use a colder setting by getting closer to people, without finding myself in the midst of humans. This brutalist church, located in Annecy (the nearest city to where I live), was the perfect place that brought together, in a sense, the grandeur of the elements and the coldness of concrete—a concept easily translatable to the grandeur of mountains and the coldness of rocks. The atmosphere during the shoot was very unique because the place has an impressive, silent, and cold aspect to it. It was very enjoyable to perform in this vast, empty space. I have a vivid memory of it, and I hope to do more sessions in such places, but this time with an audience.” – Edouard Lebrun
“Creating music outdoors is a deliberate choice”
You recently released ‘Arid Fields,’ how has the reception of the album been so far?
‘Arid Fields’ was released in early November, and I am thrilled with the positive feedback it has received. Releasing a solo album was a mix of excitement and apprehension as it was a first for me, but the response has been incredibly positive. I’ve received kind and encouraging messages, and the fact that people are not only listening to it but also experiencing the emotions I went through during the composition is truly gratifying. It’s a genuine connection, a very personal one, between my inner feelings and the listeners.
You are based in the Alps mountains; what attracts you to live there, and do you feel that it impacts the music you make?
Having lived in Paris, I started Odyssée when I moved to the mountains. While I always wanted to make music on my own, the shift allowed me to truly dive into my inspiration. Though I used to visit the Alps for holidays as a child, living here full time provides extended periods of contemplation, a sense of nothingness, and a kind of boredom (in a positive way). This environment has given me the time to refine my work, develop my setup, and become more comfortable with my gear and creative process.
In what way do different places and environments change the concept of music?
Initially, when I started Odyssée, I created short clips in the mountains, recording live sessions posted on Instagram. Each video required finding a new place to film and composing a new track, serving as a kind of mood board. This sequential creation process, influenced by the weather, daily mood, and location, had a significant impact on the results. For instance, composing a track in a snowy torrent surrounded by ice made turning knobs challenging due to cold hands. In the Nevada desert, a looming sandstorm forced me to hurry, resulting in a track that retained the urgency of the moment. These tracks are snapshots, reflecting my inner mood at specific moments, allowing listeners the freedom of interpretation.
Can you share more about where ‘Arid Fields’ was recorded, and what can you tell us about the material on it?
Following this initial phase, I sought to expand beyond short videos and incorporate the process into different, yet still natural, places—specifically, the desert. Booking a flight to Arizona, I embarked on a solo exploration music trip, composing ‘Arid Fields’ by setting up my tent in various U.S. deserts. Each track is a photograph of a moment, capturing my inner mood. Without lyrics, interpretation is open-ended, and people’s feedback, sometimes accurate and sometimes not, underscores the beauty of this freedom.
What equipment did you use? Tell us more in-depth about your self-powered modular system…
To enable music creation anywhere, I adapted a laptop power bank to power my eurorack case, providing several hours of use before recharging. I also utilized a self-powered mixing console from Teenage Engineering, connected to my laptop for recording in optimal technical conditions. Creating music outdoors is a deliberate choice, not always embraced by purists who argue it doesn’t respect the gear. However, I prioritize doing what feels right for my creative process.
For the nerds: the album was mainly composed with my modular system, utilizing modules like the 4MS spherical wavetable, Acidrain Chainsaw, knobula Polycinematic, and my favorite Mutable Plaits, alongside various delay and reverb modules, primarily Mimeophon from MakeNoise, and FX Aid.
You originally started in a band called Jean Jean. What was that experience like for you?
I began my musical journey as a drummer in Jean Jean, a band I co- founded with my friend Sebastien, who played guitar. Being my first experience as a musician, I wasn’t initially a drummer, so I learned to play while composing our first tracks. I had a keen interest in sound, recording our first EP in 2010. Synth sounds played a significant role from the beginning, and I always held strong opinions about them. Touring extensively with Jean Jean exposed me to diverse countries, situations, and venues, gradually helping me feel comfortable on stage, hone my feelings about making music, and gain confidence.
“The discovery of modular synths further fueled my desire for exploration”
What led you to pursue a solo career?
While I continue to enjoy playing with Jean Jean and will in the future, I reached a point where I knew what I liked, and the confidence built over the years propelled me to start my solo project. The discovery of modular synths further fueled my desire for exploration, leading to Odyssée as a personal endeavor. Having both a band and a solo project is fulfilling.
Are you part of any other projects as well?
Balancing a band and a solo project is already time-consuming, but I’m also working on soundbath/yoga courses with my girlfriend. We’re excited about potentially organizing our first yoga/soundbath retreat in mid-2024, here in the Alps mountains.
Klemen Breznikar
Odyssée Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
Autoscopy Records Instagram
Odyssée releases ‘Arid Fields’
‘Ultraviolet Night’ by Odyssée | New Album, ‘Arid Fields’
