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Sean Kusanagi

Creative Director at ODESZA & Foreign Family Collective

Sean Kusanagi is a filmmaker and creative director who has been working closely with the electronic music duo ODESZA for over a decade.24 He is considered an integral part of ODESZA's creative team, often referred to as the "secret third member" of the duo.4

Background and Career

Sean began his career in documentary filmmaking, focusing on immersive storytelling.1 He co-directed and was the cinematographer for films such as "Rosa – These Storms," "Living on One Dollar," and "Salam Neighbor".14 His work in documentaries allowed him to explore different perspectives and cultures, which he found eye-opening.4

Role with ODESZA

As ODESZA's creative director, Kusanagi plays a pivotal role in shaping the band's visual and live performance elements.2 His responsibilities include:

  1. Overseeing all creative elements of ODESZA's shows
  2. Collaborating with the band to create immersive, cinematic experiences
  3. Directing live shows, video content, and music videos
  4. Working with a team of 30-40 artists worldwide to craft visuals for each show2

Kusanagi's partnership with ODESZA began during their college years at Western Washington University and has evolved as the band rose to stardom.2

Innovations and Contributions

Under Kusanagi's creative direction, ODESZA has introduced several innovative elements to their live shows:

  1. Drumline and Visual Musicality: Incorporating live orchestral elements into electronic music performances2
  2. Visuals: Collaborating with global artists to create unique visual content for each song2

Kusanagi also plays guitar during ODESZA's live performances, further integrating himself into the band's overall presentation.3

Personal Background

Sean Kusanagi is half Japanese and grew up feeling like an outsider in a predominantly white school.4 This experience influenced his approach to storytelling and communication through visual media. He currently resides in Seattle and enjoys bánh mì sandwiches.1

Highlights

Nov 22 · frieze.com
Taka Ishii Gallery - Frieze
Sep 24 · uproxx.com
Sean Kusanagi Interview: ODESZA's ECHOES Installation - UPROXX
Sean Kusanagi Interview: ODESZA's ECHOES Installation - UPROXX
Jun 27 · theses.hal.science
[PDF] Initial molecular steps of bone regeneration: cellular scale modulation
Sep 12 · joysauce.com
The secret third member of ODESZA - Sean Kusanagi - JoySauce
The secret third member of ODESZA - Sean Kusanagi - JoySauce
Jun 28 · reddit.com
r/Odesza on Reddit: Does anyone know what a career in designing ...

Related Questions

What inspired Sean Kusanagi to transition from documentary filmmaking to live show creative directing?
How does Sean Kusanagi's background in storytelling influence his work with ODESZA?
What are some of the most innovative elements Sean Kusanagi has introduced to ODESZA's live shows?
How does Sean Kusanagi collaborate with other artists and creatives in his projects?
What was the most challenging project Sean Kusanagi has worked on with ODESZA?
Sean Kusanagi
Sean Kusanagi, photo 1
Sean Kusanagi, photo 2
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Location

Greater Seattle Area