B-Side Guys

The most effective dance music operates on dual timescales—physically anchoring listeners in the immediate present while emotionally transporting them elsewhere. On “Summertime,” the collaborative effort between producer Odaiba (Nicko) and vocalist Hola Bay achieves this temporal magic trick through meticulous production choices that simultaneously evoke disco’s golden era and contemporary electronic sensibilities.

This temporal fusion reflects Nicko’s twenty-year musical journey, from his early work with Soulchildren to his current solo incarnation as Odaiba. As a long-time vinyl collector whose production credits include everything from French artist collaborations to RedBull event soundtracks, Nicko brings an encyclopedic knowledge of groove to this summery confection. What distinguishes his approach is how he incorporates this deep musical archaeology without becoming trapped in pure revivalism.

The track’s lyrical content reinforces this temporal displacement, with phrases about being taken “back” to summertime alternating with present-tense observations about the moon and sun, creating a cyclical structure that mirrors both seasonal rotation and the circular nature of dance music itself. This clever structural choice makes “Summertime” feel simultaneously familiar and fresh—a nostalgic fantasy that remains firmly grounded in contemporary production techniques.

Musically, Odaiba demonstrates his self-described talent for “accurate rhythmics and captivating bass melodies,” creating a foundation solid enough to support the airy vocal contributions from Hola Bay. The production incorporates elements of traditional disco orchestration while introducing electronic textures that prevent the track from becoming mere pastiche. This balance responds to the current cultural moment’s dual hunger for both nostalgia and innovation.

What makes “Summertime” particularly effective is how it embraces the fundamental paradox of summer anthems—they describe the season while simultaneously providing soundtrack for experiencing it. The repetitive structure with its hypnotic entreaty to “check it out” functions as both invitation and instruction, creating an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes listeners into its sun-drenched soundscape.

Released exactly one year ago, the track’s staying power demonstrates how Odaiba has successfully carved his niche within electronic music’s crowded landscape. By channeling his diverse influences—”funk, rap, rock, soul or French music”—into a cohesive sonic statement, he’s created something that transcends simple seasonal appeal. “Summertime” doesn’t merely describe the energy and mood of summer; it actively manufactures this feeling through careful calibration of rhythm, melody, and atmosphere, offering listeners a chance to experience the season’s emotional landscape regardless of the actual weather outside their windows.