ODESZA has delivered a long-awaited new studio release, “The Last Goodbye”, which features vocals from the acclaimed blues and soul singer Bettye LaVette. Comprised of members Harrison Mills (Catacombkid) and Clayton Knight (BeachesBeaches), ODESZA’s last full-length studio effort came in 2017 with A Moment Apart.
Mills and Knight spent the better part of the last week teasing the new track via Instagram. After a post in September claimed “New music in 2022”, the group waited five months before sharing a video from the studio with the caption “It’s time” on February 1st. Just a few days later, on February 6th, ODESZA offered a slightly longer teaser, compiling childhood home videos and clips from the road, just two days before the official release.
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“The Last Goodbye” arrives complete with vocal samples from Bettye LaVette’s 1965 song “Let Me Down Easy”. While the lyrics are clearly the focal point for this cut, Mills and Knight’s production comes with the signature ODESZA imprint. The instrumentation contains a headstrong four-on-the-floor kick, sweeping synths, and engaging syncopation that caress LaVette’s vocals and make this worthy of the biggest stages.
ODESZA says of the track:
This song was born out of the concept of trying to bring these lasting, defining musical pieces like the 1965 release of “Let Me Down Easy” by Bettye LaVette into a modern and contemporary electronic setting. The idea of bringing two worlds together, that at first seem distant, has always been something we’ve been drawn to. It was an absolute honor to be able to work with Bettye’s voice over the course of writing the track. She’s able to convey emotion with her vocal work unlike any other. To date, this has been one of the more fulfilling songs we’ve had the chance to work on as artists. We hope everyone who listens enjoys the track as much as we did making it.
Listen to the latest studio single from ODESZA, “The Last Goodbye”, via the player below. The track comes paired with a visualizer from Woosung Kang. Furthermore, head here for additional listening options.
ODESZA – “The Last Goodbye” [Official Visualizer]