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In conversation with Odeum (UA)

Groove Over Hype: How Odeum (UA) Stays True to His Sound

Odeum is widely regarded as an ambassador for Ukrainian tech house. Ukrainian-born electronic music producer Stanislav Delestianov (Odeum (UA)) has made a name for himself in the thriving scene with a distinctive style that blends sophisticated melodies, driving basslines, and captivating rhythms. Drawing inspiration from a range of genres, he crafts intriguing, energising compositions.

His music invites listeners to lose themselves in hypnotic grooves. Meticulously layered textures and depth create an immersive listening experience, while his skill for combining diverse sounds into compelling arrangements shows a firm command of the tech house form. Odeum (UA)’s productions testify to technical mastery and an innate ability to keep the dance floor moving, pushing creative boundaries with every release.

In a crowded electronic landscape, Odeum (UA) stands out as an innovator. His tracks spark emotion—from euphoria to introspection—as well as physical motion. With each release, his passion is unmistakable, leaving a lasting impression and reinforcing his status as a rising figure in contemporary electronic music.

If you are not a house music connoisseur, you should definitely come and see me at the decks, so I will prove you.


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PASSION, ORIGINS & CREATIVE DRIVE

Can you take us back to the moment you fell in love with electronic music? What triggered your passion for this scene?

Back in the day—before I even thought about becoming a DJ—I was on the other side of the decks: the dancefloor. No matter the venue, I always tried to get to know the staff, whether a bartender or the DJ. I loved to dance and had no plans to become a DJ.

I clearly remember one Thursday at a venue we’d been visiting every week for a couple of years. Everything was great—except the music. None of us liked it. It wasn’t a matter of taste (house vs. techno); there was simply no vibe, no synergy between the DJs and the crowd. I told myself, “I can figure out how Traktor or Cross DJ works. I just need some practice.”

As soon as I got home, I downloaded Traktor 2 and started uploading my Shazamed tracks. Next, I called my father—a professional musician—to ask if he knew anyone who could help me with equipment. The very next day, he brought me two CDJ-100s and a Pioneer DJM-500. That was my first setup. I still have it.

How did growing up in Ukraine shape your musical taste and identity as a DJ and producer?

It was always challenging—especially since house music had lost its footing in our country. By choosing to play mostly house and tech-house, I effectively shut myself out of many venues (already scarce in Ukraine). At the same time, it pushed me to dig deeper for music and pursue collaborations beyond Ukraine.

Your sound blends groove, energy, and underground flair. How did you develop your style, and what keeps you inspired today?

I follow a simple rule that keeps me afloat: I trust my own musical taste. If a track grooves me, I’ll take it; if it moved me once, I’ll play it. You play for the crowd—no doubt—but if you don’t like what you’re playing, if the music doesn’t move you, the crowd will notice immediately.

Inspiration is always a challenge—today, even more so, given the situation in our country. Still, I firmly believe music will be one of the first forces to unite people, no matter what. I know audiences abroad will connect with my sound and the way I deliver it, so my dream is to travel and share it. Since my options are limited right now, I have to wait, stay ready, and seize the moment when it arrives.

What was the first gig or release that made you feel like, “Yes, this is really happening”?

I believe that was at the White Nights festival, when we had our spot for our project RIM by Alevtina. We did all of the setup by ourselves, so our venue was not the best from the point of marketing, but it was just filled in with our energy, and the synergy with the crowd was just amazing. The whole event went way better than we could have even expected.

YOUR JOURNEY & LOOKING AHEAD

You’ve worn many hats – producer, DJ, radio host, label collaborator. Which part of this journey has challenged you the most?

Well, production is no doubt the biggest challenge. As there are no strict rules here. I always trust my feelings here… The track could be born within 15 minutes, and then you just make it more accurate. Just catch the moment.

The Ukrainian electronic scene has shown a lot of resilience in recent years. How do you see your role in pushing it forward?

I consider myself a true ambassador of tech house in Ukraine. That might sound bold, but I’ve never chased local trends just to get more gigs. Wherever I’ve been invited to play, the feedback is the same: “Wow, that was amazing.” I’m grateful for it—but even before hearing it, I trust my instincts. I put myself on the dancers’ side: if I heard a DJ play the music I’ve prepared, would I hit the floor? No doubt. That mindset keeps fear and panic at bay—even when a set starts slowly (it happens to all of us).

I want this music to grow in Ukraine, because house is about joy, dancing, and unity—three things we need now more than ever.

What are some personal or creative challenges you’re currently facing – and how are you navigating them?

All the challenges are inside us, all the measures are created in our heads; there are actually none of them. We may already confirm it by looking at our guys who recently went to the top level of this game: Artbat, Korolova, Ms. Monique, Xenia, Alev Tav etc. I knew all of them a long time before they became that popular.

So, all that’s needed is to work hard and wait for your chance. It will definitely come, as it’s never too late.

Looking ahead, what’s a dream project or milestone you’re working toward – either musically or as part of your broader vision?

As I told you, I’d like to share my music with other people, as I am pretty much sure they will like it. Nowadays, we don’t have a lot of people who follow the idea before money. And I consider myself exactly as that kind of person. Like one said: “A samurai has no goal, only a path”.

Thank you.

It matters little whether you are an artist or a visitor, the love for music is the unifying factor.

We are a magazine & record label dedicated to quality underground electronic music. We do not look for just any music or anyone, we are looking for music, and people who create memorable experiences, that inspires and invokes emotion. Let’s create timeless music.