Odetari at The Fillmore Silver Spring: Concert Recap
By Rania Najih
On September 27, Odetari took the stage at the Fillmore Silver Spring in Maryland for the VARIA 0.5 tour! The venue was lighted with green iridescent lights and haze, creating a surreal, dark, eerie atmosphere with chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. The stage itself shifted between deep shades of blue, purple, and black, punctuated by stark lasers and backlighting that heightened the drama.The night opened with Emery Hills, who surprised the crowd with some unreleased tracks in collaboration with Odetari. Though I could not catch the title of one song, filled with repeated “I love you’s,” his charisma was undeniable. He had the audience fully engaged, hyping them up with boundless energy. During the time between sets, they played Charli XCX’s BRAT. After, I raced out to get merch and bought a t-shirt, which was super nice quality and had a gothic streetwear aesthetic with a uniqueness that fit Odetari’s persona!
Next was rapper-singer Nimstarr, performing favorites like “Heart Racing” (one of my personal favorites, which I went crazy for) and his recent track “RAVESTARR.” His persona balanced vulnerability and introspection with bursts of high-energy party vibes. The duality made his performance versatile and compelling. Like Emery Hills, Nimstarr was not afraid to stir up chaos by going into the crowd, encouraging circle pits, and letting the beat breathe to intensify the energy.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—Odetari’s entrance, complete with his signature anime-girl visuals. He opened with “Ecstasy,” instantly sending shockwaves through the venue as the crowd erupted into jumping, mini moshing, and even mock “air walks” across the floor. His music blends electronic, hyperpop, glitch, and trap—perfectly paired with digital motifs and glitchy stage effects that amplified the sonic chaos. My favorite song of his, “I LOVE YOU ***,” was performed under blue iridescent lights referencing the cover image of the song.
As a longtime fan (I’ve been listening since 2023!) I loved seeing how Odetari’s stage presence balanced wild unpredictability with genuine care for his audience, as he paused to check on the wellness of fans. Towards the end, crowds were pressing for more performances. I was rooting for “I <3 Latinas” which was his last song of the night!
By the end, the venue was smoky and buzzing with teens spilling out toward the Taco Bell next door. I managed to snag what looked like a rare poster, and I received many questions from other fans eager to grab one themselves. The fashion in the crowd was its own spectacle: alternative streetwear heavily inspired by emo, goth, and punk, but with a modern, urban twist. Many people stopped for impromptu photoshoots to capture the vibe.
Overall, it was an unforgettable night. I was singing my heart out to all of his songs. Odetari thrives in chaos, channeling the unpredictable energy of his music into a live experience that feels less like a traditional concert and more like being dropped into a glitched-out video game cutscene or rave. He is one of a kind, and I would see him again in a heartbeat.
