EPIC the Musical, composed by Jorge Rivera-Herrans, tells the story of Homer’s Odyssey in music form. It consists of 9 concept albums, called sagas, with the quantity of songs varying from 3 to 5 songs per saga. Relying on auditions sent in on social media, Jorge picked a variety of music artists and people who previously had no musical experience as his cast. He did take some creative liberties, straying from the original story, and creating his own version of the beloved classic.

EPIC the Musical has a unique beginning, starting on social media and growing through it. Jorge had open auditions on social media, using auditions to choose his cast. His collective following over YouTube, TikTok and Instagram consists of about 2.7 million followers. I personally found EPIC through Jorge Rivera-Herran’s YouTube channel.

The 9 concept albums reflect the chronological order of Odyessus’ journey, starting with the Troy Saga and ending with the Ithaca Saga. My personal favorites consist of the Wisdom Saga or the Ithaca Saga. 

The overall musicality of EPIC has very complex features, with motifs and instruments dedicated to specific characters and moments. For example, Odysseus’ instruments contain different versions of guitar such as acoustic and electric, and the ‘danger motif’ appears when, as the name suggests, danger approaches. This can lead to moments of dramatic irony where the music gives away something that the characters have yet to discover. 

I have loved EPIC since early 2023. I found it soon after the second saga was released in January 2023. With a total of 40 songs, EPIC the Musical stole my heart with its complex and rich story, and the fun community that surrounds it. I strongly recommend it to anyone who has any interest in it at all, or anyone who enjoys the Odyssey.