Oddlin
By Josh Hughes
Ethan Donovan, junior at Western, writes and produces music under the moniker Oddlin and plays shows around downtown at venues like The Wild Buffalo. Talking about his music, he describes his sound to be influenced by hip hop, and multiple electronic sub genres. His versatility as a largely ‘EDM’ artist; he’s produced an alt R&B EP for Bellingham crooner Danny’s Dead and has done collaborations with Angger Dimas and Smookie Illson. Oddlin marks this year’s first spotlighted artist through the AS Review.
What would you describe your sound as?
“In general electronic but in regards to subgenres, pretty much all over the place. People have told me I have a certain sound especially with mixing/sound design. I really like atmospheric sounds, and I like to try incorporating tons of elements in my songs. I try to hit the point where even when there’s a lot going on, the listener doesn’t necessarily notice how many layers there are in a given track.
Since I produce a wide range of genres, I try to really capture the feeling of what the song will give the listener, if that makes sense. I also try to capture the way I’m feeling when producing something, but I feel like that just happens naturally.”
What is your normal process for writing a track?
“It’s usually pretty random with how I start out, It can be anything from programing drums to making a cool sound then I’ll have an idea pop in my head. Usually if I’m really intently focusing on making something good, I’ll be able to get the main idea down in a few hours or so. After I get the main idea down I usually give myself a break from hearing it then go back a few days later and either write, mix and edit to tell it’s finished or if I decide to trash it.
Lately I’ve been making sounds and finding samples I like separate from composing, and then when I’m feeling inspired I can dive right in. I also like taking breaks from something I’ve composed and then coming back to it a few months later and flipping it, it keeps it fresh that way for me.”
Do you have any long term plans for your music in roughly the next year and if so, what?
“Since I’m kinda all over the place with genres right now I’m debating about making another musical project altogether, like having the alias be more curated towards a certain style. In general, though, this month I’m starting to release monthly ‘tapes’ with a mix of beats, remixes, originals– stuff I write but don’t know what to do with. I’ve got some upcoming collabs with Bzkt, a lo-fi producer and rapper, and my friends Ceilla and Pacifix.
I’m trying to get some releases on different EDM labels if possible, sell beats if that works out, and make it down to Seattle to play some shows. Lastly I’m really excited to release a house EP sometime soon with more remixes and originals.”
How do you see yourself fitting in within the Bellingham music community?
“Fitting in specifically I’m not really sure, I guess the electronic scene that’s here right now. That being said though, since moving here the music scene has definitely shaped and broadened my taste in music along with what I produce. I really enjoying working, seeing, and learning from other artist around here too. There seriously are some very talented people in this area!”
Considering you maintain a pretty good Soundcloud following and seem to get a lot of your music out with a strong social media presence- how do you think artists and musicians should be getting their music out in the Internet age?
“My recommendation would be don’t worry about it, focus on making good music first. Then focus on labels… For my project “Oddlin” a lot of those followers came from all over the place which is because the majority of my releases are on labels who push it out.
On the flip slide of this though, there’s a song I worked on with Danny’s Dead, a project that has 60k + plays even though we didn’t lift a finger to promote it– it just spread through word of mouth, which is insane to me. Ultimately I’d say just don’t be pushy with your music, make as many real connections as you can and be yourself!”
Oddlin will be opening for CRNK at the Wild Buffalo on Oct. 27, and also performing at Rock The Vote at Western on Nov. 4.