ODESZA launched Foreign Family Collective, aka FFC, back in 2016 and has become a launchpad for some of our favorite musicians such as Jai Wolf, KASBO, pluko, ford., and more. The collective was and has always been more than just music, though. FFC has valued visual arts as much as their music, and there’s been a series of artists on that side of the group that have been a part of some of your favorite ODESZA and FFC moments since inception.
The latest NFT collection from Foreign Family Collective helps brings a spotlight to three of those artists: JapaneseDad who we saw partner with ODESZA on their debut collection, Landis Tanaka, and Skytea. Later today, these three will have their work exhibited through the NFT drop called Liminal Spaces, a creative concept described as “the space between what is no longer, and what is yet to be.”
These works of art reference “the dream-like and tranquil experience of being alone in an airport terminal, or out on an empty city street as a new dawn rises.” The release will feature two open editions and two drawings (at 16 editions each) from both SkyTea and Landis Tanaka. There will also be a 1-of-1 auction from JapaneseDad. Liminal Spaces drop on Nifty Gateway today at 4:00pm PT.
We had the privilege of interviewing the 3 artists around their history with the ODESZA guys, the collective, and their creative output in general. See what we said below and also check out a taste of what the collection will include.
LANDIS TANAKA:
When did you first meet Clay and Harrison?
I met Harrison in 2009 during my freshman year of college in Bellingham, WA. Luke and I shared a house and he and Harrison were classmates, so we hung out. I think I met Clay in the early days of the Summer’s Gone tour when they came through town.
What does the Foreign Family Collective mean to you?
To me it’s an environment where I can tinker and build and be curious and fail and grow – in essence, to be the best version of myself.
What is your favorite project to have been a part of with FFC?
ODESZA’s A Moment Apart tour will always be a prized memory for me, because it was the first time I got to dive into 3D animation, push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of, and contribute to the supply of joy in the world.
What inspires you the most as a creator?
The impermanence of live performance. If you draw a bow across a violin a million times you will hear a million different and unique sounds that will never be heard again. The idea that art is this living, breathing, temporary thing that cannot remain constant – at best we can take crude snapshots with short-lived technology.
When did you first start creating art and what the medium?
I began playing violin at age 6 but at the time I didn’t really understand that it was art, nor did I appreciate it as such. I think my first intentional artistic pursuit was when I was 13 and I started dubbing over cassette tapes with my guitar.
How often are you creating art and what is your favorite medium now?
I make time for art every day by playing my piano – to me it’s as vital as eating or sleeping. It’s especially important to do it without any expectations or goals or judgements – to just play and let it carry you away. Aside from that, I’ve been an unrepentant film photography nerd for as long as I can remember.
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Sky Iraheta (Skytea):
When did you first meet Clay and Harrison?
I met H&C around 2017 after their Bumbershoot show.
What does the Foreign Family Collective mean to you?
FFC is truly like family to me.
They have created this world of artists that inspire each other to be the best that they can be while also having the time of your life.
What is your favorite project to have been a part of with FFC?
I think one of my favorite projects I’ve done with FFC was the whole LA Finale. Along with the many events we all put together for that weekend, I got to VJ some of my original content for our “Special Delivery” show!
What inspires you the most as a creator?
What inspires me the most as a creator is how powerful art can be. Art has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, whether that is a brief moment of wonder or a more meaningful connection.
When did you first start creating art and what the medium?
I started creating art while I was in college through photography and cinematography.
How often are you creating art and what is your favorite medium now?
I work on art pretty much everyday with the occasional creative breaks that everyone needs once in a while. My favorite medium at the moment is 3D specifically Cinema 4D.
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LUKE TANAKA (JapaneseDad)
When did you first meet Clay and Harrison?
I was buds with Harrison in the graphic design program at Western Washington University. I didn’t actually meet Clay until after college even though we lived 3 blocks away from each other in Bellingham.
What does the Foreign Family Collective mean to you?
I love the art-first mentality of FFC. From day one there has been an energy of exploration and a commitment towards fostering growth. Personally, its been really amazing to watch the journey of all these young artists both in music and the visual arts as they find their voice and learn to navigate this space.
What is your favorite project to have been a part of with FFC?
Outside of ODESZA, my favorite projects would have to be the BRONSON visual campaign and the MEMBA Inevitable animation I did with Victor Mosquera. BRONSON because I got to tap into a darker and more experimental aesthetic that Ive always been really drawn to. MEMBA because I got to work with Victor in a totally different style than I was accustomed to.
What inspires you the most as a creator?
Music! Ive found the symbiotic nature of expression between audio and visual has driven my whole career thus far. Music has an unrivaled ability to transport my mind into different states and realms. I don’t think I could create without it.
When did you first start creating art and what the medium?
I always drew a lot growing up, which is something I still really love to this day. However, I always had trouble translating the 3d ideas in my head to a 2d medium. I realized in college that I had a knack for 3d art but it wasn’t until after school that I discovered and learned 3d animation software.
How often are you creating art and what is your favorite medium now?
I try my best to approach art and life with balance. Ive learned over the years that creating space for yourself to reset and regroup after a project is essential towards creating meaningful art.