Illenium on new album and his 9-evening run at the Vegas Sphere

Key Concepts

• Odyssey: Elenium’s sixth album, specifically designed to complement his Sphere residency.
• Sphere Residency: A nine-night performance run at the Sphere in Las Vegas, beginning March 5th.
• Collaboration: A central aspect of Elenium’s creative process, involving artists like Ellie Goulding, Bring Me the Horizon, and Kid Cudi.
• Sobriety & Advocacy: Elenium’s personal journey with sobriety and his active support for End Overdose, focusing on naloxone (Narcan) distribution and overdose prevention.
• Immersive Experience: The goal of his Sphere performance, leveraging the venue’s advanced audio-visual technology.

Album Creation & The Sphere Residency

Elenium’s sixth album, Odyssey, represents a significant shift in his creative process. Unlike his previous five albums which typically preceded show development, Odyssey was conceived specifically to support and enhance his upcoming nine-night residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, beginning March 5th. He describes this as a unique opportunity to “write music for scenes,” effectively creating a symbiotic relationship between the album and the live show. This approach involved a reversal of his usual workflow – show conceptualization before album completion.

Collaborative Process & Influences

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Elenium’s music-making. He actively seeks out artists he admires, describing many of his collaborators as “dream lists.” Examples include Ellie Goulding (a long-time musical influence since the early 2010s) and Bring Me the Horizon. The process is fluid; sometimes he initiates with a rough idea, while other times, like his collaboration with Kid Cudi, the song emerges organically from a six-hour studio session. He emphasizes the joy of working with “idols and icons” and the collaborative nature of music creation, stating, “the best part of making music is collaborating and stuff.” He acknowledges that songs sometimes don’t resonate with him immediately, leading him to seek out collaborators whose style might be a better fit.

Personal Growth & Musical Purpose

At 35, Elenium reflects on a continuing journey of self-discovery, framing life as a constant search for “purpose and happiness.” He believes music, and particularly immersive experiences like albums and live shows, can be profoundly “fulfilling emotionally” and provide an “escape” from difficult times. He credits music with helping him through a challenging period 13 years ago, coinciding with his achieving sobriety. He articulates his musical purpose as providing that same emotional outlet for others.

The Sphere Experience: Immersive Technology

The Sphere venue itself is described as inherently “immersive,” boasting 250,000 speakers and advanced visual capabilities. Elenium aims to integrate his performance with these features, creating an experience akin to “joining a beautiful show with a beautiful storyline and a movie.” He intends to leverage the venue’s technology to deliver a truly captivating and all-encompassing performance. He is the second electronic artist to perform at the Sphere.

Advocacy for Overdose Prevention: End Overdose

Elenium is a vocal advocate for overdose prevention, working closely with the organization End Overdose. He highlights their mission to increase access to naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, often caused accidentally by fentanyl contamination. He emphasizes the tragic nature of accidental overdoses and the potential for Narcan to save lives. He advocates for the availability of Narcan at shows and festivals, encouraging attendees to visit End Overdose booths to learn about its use and recognize the signs of an overdose. He also acknowledges challenges related to the legal accessibility of fentanyl test kits and positions End Overdose’s work with Narcan as a crucial alternative.

Album Release & Call to Action

Elenium’s new album, Odyssey, was released on February 6th across all major music platforms. He actively encourages audiences to listen to the album and to support the work of End Overdose.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Elenium’s Odyssey album and Sphere residency represent a culmination of his artistic evolution, driven by a unique creative process centered on immersive experiences and collaborative partnerships. Beyond his musical endeavors, his personal journey with sobriety fuels his passionate advocacy for overdose prevention, highlighting the importance of accessible naloxone and community awareness. The interview underscores his commitment to both artistic innovation and social responsibility, positioning him as a multifaceted artist dedicated to creating impactful experiences both on and off the stage.