Modest Oda
... is cutting off own roots. Blurring of self-imposed boundaries. The abstraction of a voice, which – in its pure form – was heard on number 1 of the „Radio Soundportal“-charts, on the Kasematten stage in Graz, the Arena Vienna or opening up for Lola Marsh. The origin is in 2010 and in alternative rock. Guitar and bass are now being replaced by two synthesizers, the drums are exchanged with a drum-machine. The vocals are redesigned with a combination of various effects and digital harmonies. Control and its loss, forgetting and being forgotten are the lyrics main themes. (-Modest Oda-)
Giving it up today
INDIE/ELECTRONIC BASED IN GRAZ, AUSTRIA, da wurde ich als gebürtiger Leobener natürlich hellhörig. Sofort "press play" und los ging's. Altbekanntes zurücklassen, sich neu orientieren als Thema. Grenzen zu überwinden wird als Parole ausgegeben. Das Ganze wird wie angekündigt und versprochen im Genre der Electronicmusic geliefert. Der Einstieg erfolgt sofort, quick on the point, wie man so schön sagt. Die Vocals, die mich irgendwie an Robert Palmer erinnern, bekommen ordentlich Druck aus der Drum and Bass Sektion, der satte Rhythmus und das Spektrum der gewählten Sounds klingen überzeugend und prägen den Track. Perfekt produzierter Indie-Electro-Pop von Modest Oda, der Anspruch auf die Headline wurde gestellt, und "Giving it up today" wurde dem gerecht.
Q&A
Modest Oda is...?
... an austrian indie/electronic musician with roots in alternative rock.Who inspired you to make music in general?
The most influential person was definitely my grandmother, a classical pianist, who always tried to make me fall in love with music. It didn't work out first and kind of needed the movie School of Rock (odd, I know) to make me pick up the guitar we had at home and start playing.
...and especially to "Giving it up today"?
The song is actually not about a certain person, but more about realizing, sometimes setting oneself limits is very wrong. It is about starting to believe in yourself. So I would say that feeling inspired me.
When do you say or decide that a song is ready for a release?
The benefit in producing my songs by myself is curse and blessing at the same time. I don't have to worry about hourly rates in a studio, but on the other hand I have the possibility to invest as much time in a song as I want to, which definitely costs some efficiency, maybe even lots of it. At some point I just go for it.
What is the most useful talent you have?
My girlfriend would probably say, it is my ability to remember the names of people I have met even only once, huge amounts of time ago. We haven't met in person, but I will remember yours too! ;)
What do you prefer more, a live gig or a studio session?
Both is great, but I think nothing beats playing live. Most of the time my music has not been very "energetic", so for me it's not really about the energy of a live concert. It's more about having an instant emotional connection with the people listening. I believe that is something only music can create.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
There are so many great artists, but i have to go for Bon Iver. Huge inspiration, great musician and I think a cool guy as well. I don't really believe this is ever going to happen, but there will be some collaborations with amazing austrian artists in the future! :)
If you could change anything in the past, what would it be?
I should have taken piano lessons from my grandmother everyday.
How do you feel the Internet (especially Social Media platforms) has impacted the music business?
Huge impact. I think, if you are a newcomer the impact is really for the better. The possibility to connect with people all around the globe is simply incredible.
I started making music as Modest Oda in March 2020, two weeks before the first lockdown in Austria. So I haven't really had the chance to play live with these songs so far. However, there is already a bunch of people (which I do not know personally) listening to my music and that is super cool.
What’s next for you?
I will definitely be releasing music constantly. In the past weeks I have been rehearsing with three great musicians (shoutout!), who will be forming a live band for my songs, so eventually there will be gigs and I am really looking forward to it! ;)
Photo credits: Lara Zitter
