MICHAEL OAKLEY - Odyssey
By Vero Kitsuné
Scottish synth artist and producer Michael Oakley recently dropped one of the most highly-anticipated records in the synth scene, entitled Odyssey. A stunningly pieced 8-track masterwork that takes the audience into a reflective journey that is true to its title. Michael digs deep and offers a sincere reminder that artistry can be perceptive, emotive and still catchy at the same time. Whether this was a conscious decision or not, Odyssey is refreshingly transcendental in nature and thrives in its inherent intellectualism in songwriting, while still charging along with its tasteful and modern choices in its soundscapes. Michael, whose blossoming career initially took deep root in synthwave and ‘80s-inspired retrowave, gracefully crosses eras into the early 90s genres while still keeping one foot in the nostalgia that shaped his sound.
Odyssey kicks off with a nod to new age with an epic title track intro that features cathedral-like vocals, before swiftly progressing into the anthemic pop-rock track Wake Up! (co-written with Ollie Wride) that delivers feel-good and worldly vibes reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s work. The record bounces further up into the ‘90s club kid dance track Is There Anybody Out There, which was the first dynamic single released from this body of work. However, it’s the track Babylon that shows Michael’s writing prowess and brilliance, relating ancient biblical passages and themes of heaven with finding love - a task that is difficult to pull off, yet he does so with George Michael type of nuanced finesse, crescendoing into a glorious saxophone solo. Babylon is followed by a stunning ode to Michael’s hometown: Glasgow is a very emotional duet with another synthwave great, Dana Jean Phoenix, that features a spectacular bagpipe performance that would shoot chills down your spine. The Peter Gabriel-type vibes and dynamic choices in percussion sounds and melodic hooks make a return in Real Life, a song that laments over struggles in love, and - well, real life. Michael’s signature shimmery arpeggiated synth soundscapes are reprised in Queen of Hearts, which gradually picks up tempo into a riveting classic synthwave dynamics. Michael neatly finishes and ties up the concept of the record’s epic journey with another ancient reference: The Greek myth of the winged mortal Icarus getting close to the sun in When Stars Collide.
To wrap up, we sat down with Michael to discuss more in detail of what went into the creation of his very brilliant Odyssey.
How and in what ways would you say you have grown and evolved since Introspect that is reflective now in Odyssey as an artist? Any shifts in perspectives and also how you approach your sound?
With Introspect I wanted to pay homage to the music I listened to as a kid like Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode & New Order. Overall it was an 80s Synthpop tribute album combined with my modern take on it. Then after Introspect I wanted to make something that had more of a mature, moody, ethereal like quality. I’d like to think that Odyssey shows the other side of the 80s and early 90s that I love in artists like George Michael, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Sting. That mid to late 80s MTV era when AOR Rock met Synthpop and drum machines. Every time I approach making a new album I have certain guidelines I set myself in what sound I’m going for. I need to be constantly challenged in my writing to push me out of my comfort zones into something that even I don’t really know what I’m doing until after it’s done. I like to be surprised!
Which artists and eras have been the most influential to you in the development of Odyssey?
George Michael, The Blue Nile, Enigma, Phil Collins, Chicane to name a few. There’s been some more 90s influences in my sound this time around along with my 80s love. I feel like the 90s hasn’t been explored enough in the Synthwave sound.
Where do you see your sound going from this moment into the future?
Honestly I’m not exactly sure but I’m starting to feel different directions that I could potentially take. I’m just relieved to know inside that I’m excited about writing again actually. There’s always a concern for me that one day after finishing an album I might not feel like ever writing again but right now I feel like I have something to say, even if I’m not sure exactly what just yet! It’s all about that burning desire to be creative and express yourself and that always leads you down the creative rabbit hole.
Many consider you as one of the pillars in the synth and electronic communities, any advice for artists who are still finding their paths in music?
The best advice I ever got was from my mastering engineer Pete Maher who said: “Enjoy yourself and make the music you love. Then if other people like it too it’s a bonus, but don’t try to please others above yourself. That includes labels and managers. If six out of ten people think you’re great but four hate you don’t dwell on the four that hate you. Desensitize yourself from criticism, especially if it’s nonconstructive. Be careful with contracts that tie you down, especially if there’s no financial support. The devil is always in the detail so protect yourself, especially with the publishing. This is a ruthless industry so it pays to be an optimistic paranoid. Good luck with it all. Stay focused.” I’ve always remembered that as being something I’ve had to constantly remind myself of and something important to pass on to others.
When are we gonna get to see your livestream performance?
Hopefully in August if all goes well! I’m planning on filming it in July and have been working out the set design, venue and choreography so that everything is looking the way I want it to. Just need to decide on what songs now!
And finally, since we love artists with style, your favorite designers? :)
All Saints all the way baby! Been my favourite clothing brand to wear for many years now. I also am obsessed with the TV show Miami Vice and I try to find stuff I see on that show in thrift stores, vintage shops and on eBay. Believe it or not the tuxedo outfit I wore on the Introspect album cover and also the silk green bomber jacket and Boy London T-shirt I wore on the Odyssey album cover were all found in thrift stores for less then $50. I’m like a magpie when I see something I like.
Keep updated with Michael Oakley and visit Michael-Oakley.com
