Fresh off his new single on Urban, we caught up with multi-faceted Belgian producer Odymel to talk all things ‘Forbidden Voices,’ latest EP, fave collab, how to combat creative blocks, & more!
WWD: Where are you currently based and what does your daily life look like?
I’m in Belgium right now, and honestly, it feels like home. I’ve been here for a while, and the electronic scene here just clicks with me. The music is everywhere, and the crowd’s energy keeps me going. But let’s be real, the weather can be a drag—cloudy skies and rain all the time! My days are pretty balanced; I spend mornings in the studio making tunes, afternoons sorting out stuff behind the scenes, and then at night, it’s all about gigs or just catching up with other artists. Keeps me in the zone.
WWD: Your latest single ‘Forbidden Voices’ was released last month, what does it represent for you at this point in your career? Can you tell us about any upcoming releases?
‘Forbidden Voices’ is special. It feels like a culmination of everything I’ve been working towards. It’s a high-energy track, but there’s also some emotion in there that I’m really proud of. As for what’s next, there’s always something cooking. I’ve got a few collaborations in the works, and I’m constantly tweaking ideas. 2025 is going to be packed, and I can’t wait for people to hear what’s coming!
WWD: When you are creating new music, do you have a routine? Please can you tell us about your creative process?
Not really a set routine—it’s more about the mood I’m in. Sometimes, I’ll just sit down and start playing with a synth sound or a drum loop and see where it goes. Other times, I’ll start with an idea or feeling and build from there. I love experimenting with different textures and melodies to bring something fresh into the track. It’s less about structure and more about getting lost in the sound.
WWD: What inspired you to become a DJ and producer? How have you got to where you are today?
It all started with playing at my mom’s birthday party when I was 14—talk about humble beginnings, right? From there, it was just a matter of following the feeling. I’ve always been drawn to underground music, bass-driven sounds, and experimental stuff. Along the way, I tried different names, different sounds, until it clicked. Now I feel like I’ve finally found my true sound, and that’s everything.
WWD: What is the most memorable gig you have played?
Definitely FUSE in Brussels. That show was a milestone for me. Selling out in three days? It was insane. The crowd’s energy was unreal, and you could feel the connection with every track. There’s something about playing at a place like FUSE—it just feels like you’re part of something bigger.
WWD: How would you describe your sound and aesthetic, and the energy you bring to your gigs?
I’d say my sound is a mix of nostalgia and energy. Retro Eurodance meets hard techno and trance. I like to think of it as a blend of raw electronic power with a deep emotional core. When I play live, it’s about creating that connection. I’m not just throwing down tracks; I’m telling a story. I want the crowd to feel every moment, from the highs to the deep drops.
WWD: What gear and software do you use? Do you have a favorite piece of equipment?
Honestly, my setup has always been pretty basic. I don’t believe in fancy gear—just what works. In the past, I’ve made tracks on a 2014 Mac Mini with barely any RAM, and it still worked. These days, I mostly use Ableton, Serum, and Diva for synths. I’m not too attached to any one piece of gear—it’s more about the vibe than the tools.
WWD: How do you deal with creative blocks?
They suck, but they happen. When I get blocked, I step away and let my brain recharge. I’ll go for a walk, listen to other genres, or just dive into something completely different. Sometimes it’s about getting out of your own head and letting new ideas come in naturally.
WWD: What do you think about the current electronic scene?
It’s exciting, but also evolving fast. There’s a lot of room for new ideas and sounds, and I think that’s what keeps it fresh. At the same time, it’s important not to get too caught up in trends. Stay true to what feels real, and the rest will follow. It’s a great time to be part of the scene, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
WWD: What is your favourite collaboration to date and if you could work with any artist, who would it be?
‘Forbidden Voices’ with Funk Tribu is definitely up there. Their vibe is just infectious, and we brought out something really unique together. If I could collaborate with anyone, it’d probably be someone like Vitalic. His energy is unreal, and I think our sounds could really mesh well together.
WWD: Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself continuing to evolve and push boundaries with my music. I’d love to be doing bigger shows and connecting with even more people worldwide. I’m also interested in diving into other projects, maybe running a label or a platform for up-and-coming talent. The future is full of possibilities.
WWD: What advice would you give aspiring artists?
Don’t get distracted by the hype. It’s easy to get caught up in the “latest trends” or the pressure to succeed quickly, but real growth comes from staying true to yourself and your sound. Also, keep grinding. The work doesn’t stop, and that’s what will carry you through.
WWD: 100%! Thanks for the chat 🙂
‘The Basement’ EP is available here