ODESZA and Death Cab for Cutie are Bellingham legends, and more specifically, Western Washington University. The two music groups returned to Bellingham to play a benefit show for Western Washington University’s Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment.
Death Cab for Cutie is a Grammy-nominated indie band that had formed at the University in 1997. What had started off as a solo project, eventually expanded into a full band that has gained a lot of popularity. Their first show was at the local venue, Wild Buffalo and from there it was history.
ODESZA had a similar story as well. The two members of the EDM project had formed and started working together in 2012 during their senior year at Western Washington University.
Saturday was an unexpected day of good weather for Bellingham as what seemed like a third of the town population gathered at the Civic Stadium. Everything was organized thoroughly and with caution as Bellingham hasn’t had a show of this magnitude before.
Lipstitch, Robotaki, and Chong the Nomad warmed the crowd up as the day progressed. Everyone danced under the warm sun and enjoyed the nice warm spring weather.
When Death Cab for Cutie came on, there was a buzz of excitement. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Ben Gibbard exclaimed, “We are Death Cab for Cutie from 1138 Ellis St.” The crowd sang passionately along to tracks such as “I Will Follow You Into The Dark,” “Soul Meets Body,” and “The Ghosts of Beverly Drive.”
Before playing “A Movie Script Ending,” Ben prefaced, “I wrote this song as a love letter to Bellingham in 2001. I had just moved away and I missed it so much.” Voices sang along and echoed Ben’s as he sang of nostalgia and love for the town. It was an indescribable feeling watching Death Cab play as the sun slowly set behind the trees with cottonwood fluff floating in the air.
When ODESZA came out, the Bellingham crowd exploded in excitement. Since graduating Western and advancing in their music careers, ODESZA has risen quickly on the music chart. To see them play in Bellingham again and with Death Cab for Cutie was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With their well-known tracks like “Say My Name,” “Line of Sight,” and “Boy” to open the set, the crowd was quickly absorbed by the music. The waves of hands and phones were a sight to see.
As the night came to a close, everyone tried to savor the moment. Every attendee knew that they had just been a part of history. The end of the concert was bittersweet as the crowd dispersed for the night. The event was meaningful for the people of Bellingham among all ages and background. Death Cab for Cutie and ODESZA started their journey and career in Bellingham, and now they’ve returned after all their success. They’ve ignited hope and motivation for everyone in pursuing a dream, knowing that it is possible to find success despite being in a small town.
