Two years ago, when we discovered this project, we called it the next big thing or more specifically, “A meticulously crafted piece of art that will leave its mark for sure” and lucky for us, we didn’t lie!

What started as a passion-project, turned into a global phenomenon, quickly earning millions of streams and topping the charts – even managing to push Taylor Swift off of it after the release of the last saga, The Ithaca Saga. Quite an unexpected success that happened overnight. But as with all things, social media success can come and go! So how did EPIC manage to turn that splash of success into a rule-defying wave that took the world of musical by storm? Let’s look into it! 

A passion-driven project

EPIC is a project that took years of hard work before it took off. Before going into the studio (built by his dad and our very own Hephaestus!) Jorge Rivera-Herrans (Jay) was the sole representative of the project, working on the songs in his bedroom, eventually relying on the help of some of his classmates for the feminine voices.  

And if one thing is sure, Jay doesn’t really hold back when he is putting together the story. Taking inspirations from various things, such as video games, old classic movies and anime, EPIC is a melting pot of all those things, brilliantly put together to create a grand and ambitious chronicle: soulful melodies give way to dramatic and heroïc ones, while opera-like voices are competing with more young and poppy ones. Like magic, it works and the whole piece is still cohesive! 

Each of those choices is intentional, they say something about the character, about the world and it is amazing. – Teagan Earley

Listening to the show all the way through, from The Troy Saga to The Ithaca Saga, you may have noticed just how clever Jay is with hinting at events occurring in a different part of the story, or simply hiding devilish details in the motifs and the instruments used. Throughout the show, each character is paired with a specific instrument that represents them musically: Odysseus being the guitar, Athena the piano and Poseidon the trumpet. Within the 40 tracks, there are so many easter eggs to look for. According to Jay, fans picking up on those kinds of details is the most rewarding part of the hard work and thoughts put into them. 

The power of a community

Whether you are a fan of Greek Mythology (we see and we hear you The Lightning Thief fans!), or simply enjoying the music and the musical aspect of it, Jay made sure there is a place for you in his small – slightly bigger now, corner of the internet. Fanarts, covers, animatics, even karaoke nights… More than a musical, EPIC is a community that breathes and moves as one.

Perhaps what strikes me the most is the level of dedication to the musical. As EPIC is a completely sung-through musical, with no stage adaptation, fans have taken it upon themselves to bring the song to life with their own animations. Characters, emotions, setting… With their own style, the fans and artists gave their own insight into the story. 

Of course, Jay had to play his part. Not only did he encourage the fans to take part in the action, he also gave them full transparency regarding the creative process. A huge draw for fans and a move that helped break down the wall between the creator and the community. Suddenly, they are in on everything and get to see the behind-the-scenes of their favourite songs, including sneak peeks, rewrites, cut songs and, of course, the audition process. It’s a whole new way to tell a story and a way to only make the project grow bigger and stronger! 

Even when the cast had to go and re-record the first two sagas and EPs, the community rose up and rallied behind Jorge and the whole production team. They turned a not-so-great situation into a powerful and hopeful one, only solidifying the future of the musical. From there, the numbers only skyrocketed and the show only grew in popularity. On the Discord, fans are even consulted on the business side of things, participating in the team discussions and being given full disclosure on what’s brewing behind the scenes and what is coming next! 

With a stage adaptation, video games, merch and an animated movie in the works, it seems that EPIC is sure to have another life after the saga is completed. 

Multiple talents at work

What could have been a risky move, turned out to be one of the most prolific ones. By scouting for talent all over the internet – and TikTok, Jay managed to unveil some of the most talented artists, some not even being professional singers. From auditioning in their living room or bedroom to taking centre stage and hearing their voices all over the internet, this allowed fans to take part and join the cast, rather than only well-known actors and amazing singers. 

Because the show is exclusively online, with no staged version of it and because each song is so vivid and full of life, it mostly relies on the actors’ skill to infuse life into the characters and to bring something fresh and new to the table. Of course, everyone knows the tales of Zeus and his children, but it’s another thing to have them sing in a musical without sounding too cliché or falling into the comic side of it. And while Jay is very straightforward about what he wants the music to sound like, more than often, it’s the voices that brought their own twist and personality into it. TROY as Hermes truly stole the show for example and for that, we are so grateful! 

In the end, it’s the authenticity of the musical that won us over. Having Jay’s mom play Odysseus’ mom was brilliant and so touching. MICO, a young artist and emerging artist, playing the hopeful and full of dreams Telemachus was smart. Athena being embodied by Teagan Earley was showstopping and one of the greatest surprises of the show. And all that without even being in the same recording booth sometimes. Another risk that greatly paid off in the end and showed that a common goal and passion for theatre can overcome all difficulties. 

More than anything, by trusting them with his work, Jay showed that people from all walks of life deserve to have a chance and that everyone had a voice that deserved to be heard. 

Whether EPIC gets a new life on stage or not, it will surely be remembered as one of the most ambitious project to ever be created. A huge congratulations to Jay for his hard work and the whole cast involved in the making on this musical, you truly blew us off!