Othons Sonic Universe
THREE QUESTIONS WITH DJ PRODUCER & PARTY PROMOTOR OTHON AHEAD OF PAPA LOKO’S NEXT EVENT AT FOLD IN LONDON ON 03.12.21
:: WHAT IS PAPA LOKO?
Papa Loko is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together cosmic electronic sounds with self-expansive spiritual concepts. Channeling the more ethereal, deep and multicultural sides of techno and electronica, it has become one of London’s carefully guarded secrets, promoting exceptional upcoming talent, cutting edge sound, and the city’s underground community.
:: YOU WILL BE STARTING YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH AN IMMERSIVE ALCHEMY CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH AND A KUNDALINI BREATHWORK MEDITATION LED BY JAYNE HIGHTIMES - WHY IS THE POWER OF CEREMONY IMPORTANT TO PAPA LOKO?
Papa Loko, which took its name from the eponymous Vodou loa (spirit) of healing and plants, has its roots in ceremony and spiritual practice. It came about during a number of trips to Brazil where my partner and I took part in several indigenous sacred plant ceremonies and in a period in which my own practice was very strong. From its offset, Papa Loko was bathed with intentions for creating a party space, which was as much wild and fun as, potentially, transformative and blissful. We even created our own spiritual group, known as the Field Group, which gathers regularly and prior to the venue doors opening, to chant, pray, meditate and prepare the space for the night (or day). This is going to be the first time, however, that we will be doing an open to the public opening ceremony, after our Field Group circle and before the party begins. It will also be a great opportunity to co-create and unite forces with FutureSound and Jayne HighTimes.
:: WHAT MAKES YOUR PARTIES UNIQUE?
It is the combination of carefully curated artists, shared intentions, our spiritual core family, our vibrant alternative, artistic, queer (& beyond) eclectic community and our tradition for taking risks and presenting UK with debuts by the stars of tomorrow rather than the firmly established names of today. We are particularly excited, for example, to bring Überhaupt & Außerdem to the UK for the first time, as we really love their music and believe in their vision.
’As the artist that usually closes the party, I also like to push the boundaries of traditional DJIng by sharing cosmic, transcendent, innovative and spirit-infused sounds, sometimes electronic and occasionally not, mixed in a way that allows for deep, unpredictable and strong emotional response.’