Odesza at SFMOMA Modern Ball: May 12, 2016
Electronic music at an art museum gala - it sounds like it might not work, but Odesza proved it was perfect. The SF Museum of Modern Art's Modern Ball is always an interesting mix of art world people and music fans, and having Odesza perform was an inspired choice.
Odesza elevated electronic music beyond typical EDM fare. Their production included live drums, brass instruments, and beautiful visuals - it felt more like a complete artistic statement than a DJ set. They take electronic music seriously as an art form, and it shows.
"Say My Name" is their breakthrough track, and hearing it with the museum as a backdrop was surreal. The song is catchy and emotional in a way that a lot of electronic music doesn't attempt. They're not afraid of melody or feeling.
"A Moment Apart" showcased their ability to create music that's both atmospheric and driving. The production was lush - every sound carefully chosen, every element serving the song. This is electronic music for people who care about composition and arrangement, not just drops and bass.
What made the SFMOMA setting perfect was how it framed electronic music as art. In a club or festival, Odesza would be amazing. In a museum, surrounded by visual art, their music took on additional meaning. The visuals they brought, the attention to aesthetics, the care in their presentation - it all fit the environment.
The brass instruments they incorporated into their setup added warmth to the electronic foundation. It's a smart move - electronic music can sometimes feel cold, but adding live instrumentation brings humanity to it.
The crowd was different from a typical concert - art patrons in formal wear mixing with music fans. But when Odesza played, everyone was engaged. Good music transcends context and audience, and Odesza delivered music that worked for everyone in the room.
This show represented where electronic music can go when artists approach it with ambition and artistry. Odesza aren't just making beats for festivals - they're creating sonic experiences that stand alongside visual art and film as legitimate artistic expressions.
Performing at SFMOMA elevated them and the genre. It said: this is art, this deserves to be in museums, this matters culturally. And based on their performance, that statement felt earned.