Oktave, the French-American artist and creative force behind Brooklyn’s Palosanto project, is more than just another name in electronic music. With a thriving platform that hosts 50 shows annually across rooftops, clubs, and boat parties, he’s established himself as a pivotal figure in New York’s vibrant music scene.
Photo credit: Oktave – Official
‘Under The Sun,’ a collaboration with Chopstar and Nomvula SA, showcases his blend of afro house and deep house, embodying his mission to bridge cultures through music.
In this exclusive interview with EG, Oktave opens up about his recent achievements, his vision for Palosanto, and his perspective on pressing industry issues—from AI in music production to fair compensation for producers.
Speaking from the sunny shores of Saint Maarten, he shares insights into his creative process and ambitious plans for 2025, which include performances across Mexico, Ecuador, Europe, and his home base in New York.
EG: Hi, Oktave! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Oktave: Thanks for having me! I’m doing great! Just feeling energized with everything happening lately. I’m based in New York, but life’s been a whirlwind of traveling and working on exciting projects. Right now, I’m soaking up some inspiration on a beach in Saint Maarten, which felt like the perfect backdrop to answer this interview!
EG: So, first of all, congratulations on the release of your latest single, ‘Under The Sun’! You must be psyched to have this one out to share with everyone. What are some of your feelings now that ‘Under The Sun’ is out? What was the initial reception like?
Oktave: Thank you so much! Honestly, it feels amazing to finally have it out there. It’s been such a passion project, and seeing how people are connecting with the vibe is incredibly rewarding. The response has been great! I’ve gotten amazing reactions on the dancefloor and I’ve received messages from fans around the world sharing how much they love the groove and the emotion behind it. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this. I’m just super grateful for all the support.
EG: Now, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Under The Sun’ as a whole? Is there a concept or emotional trigger driving this one?
Oktave: Absolutely. ‘Under The Sun’ is all about embracing the moment, feeling the warmth around you, and letting go of the things that weigh you down. It’s got this uplifting energy that’s meant to feel like a summer anthem, even as the season ends. I wanted it to remind people of those unforgettable sunny moments. The track stands out with its catchy piano stabs, uplifting Afro-house rhythm, and the enchanting voice of Nomvula SA. Those three elements really come together to make it memorable.
EG: And what was the collaborative experience like with Chopstar & Nomvula SA? How did the New York/Cape Town connection come about?
Oktave: This collaboration was really special. I’ve admired Chopstar and Nomvula’s work for a while, so I reached out to Chopstar’s manager to pitch the idea. Everyone was excited about the vision, and after months of back-and-forth refining the track, it finally came together. Writing the lyrics, I was inspired by the transition of seasons and its impact on our feelings, knowing the track would release when summer was ending. We needed a voice to complement the music, so I sent it to Nomvula’s team. They loved it, and her vocals brought the story to life. It was such an organic process of blending our styles and cultures, showing how music can connect people across the globe. Creativity really has no boundaries!
“‘Under The Sun’ is all about embracing the moment, feeling the warmth around you, and letting go of the things that weigh you down”
EG: And did you guys have a clear horizon in mind before you got started? Was the idea always to create something that felt ‘multicultural’?
Oktave: Definitely. Living in New York, you’re constantly immersed in a mix of cultures—it’s part of the city’s magic. I’m French-American, and most of my friends have such diverse backgrounds. To me, mixing visions and experiences is a way to grow and learn. The idea wasn’t necessarily to make something explicitly ‘multicultural,’ but to let the influences of different places naturally shine through. The track feels like a global conversation, with different rhythms and energies speaking to each other, which is what makes it feel so alive.
EG: And ‘Under The Sun’ is out now via your own PALOSANTO project. How does PALOSANTO expand beyond the traditional label? Where would you like for PALOSANTO to be in 5 or 10 years’ time?
Oktave: Palosanto is my baby! It’s more than a record label—it’s an agency managing a label, event production, and a booking platform for our curated artists’ roster. It’s all about producing music and giving artists a platform with our events to fully express themselves. We run around 50 shows a year between rooftops, clubs, boat parties, and pop-ups. I like to call our concept “studio to stage” because artists can release tracks on the label and then showcase them at our events. It’s all about creating authentic experiences for both the artists and the audience. In 5 to 10 years, I’d love for Palosanto to be a global community where producers collaborate, support each other, and maintain the trust and loyalty of our audience. It’s all about growth and discovering new music producers.
EG: Now, onto a hot topic… Having seen so many changes to our scene, how do you feel about the rise of AI implementation in music? What’s your relationship with that like? Have you used AI in recent releases?
Oktave: AI is such an interesting topic. I think it’s inevitable that it’ll become more integrated into music production, and I’m open to using tools that can enhance the creative process. But for me, the human touch has to stay at the heart of what I do. Music is art, and it’s those happy accidents, emotional depth, and personal experiences that make it meaningful. AI can be a great assistant, but it can’t replace the soul of creativity. I haven’t used AI in my recent releases, but I’m definitely keeping an eye on how it evolves. It’s exciting to imagine how it could shape the future, but the human connection will always be essential.
EG: Obviously, the closure of ASLICE has made a lot of noise in recent months. What’s your opinion on this? Should ‘big-name DJs’ have to split their fees with the artists that produce the music they are playing? Is there a ‘better’ way to retribute?
Oktave: The ASLICE closure has sparked an important conversation. Producers are the backbone of this industry, and they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. I do think there should be a fair system where DJs share revenue with the producers whose tracks they play—it’s about valuing everyone’s contributions. The current system tends to favor DJs, but with more awareness and platforms advocating for producers, I think we’re moving in the right direction. There’s definitely room for improvement, and I’m optimistic we’ll find better ways to ensure producers get their fair share.
“Music is art, and it’s those happy accidents, emotional depth, and personal experiences that make it meaningful”
EG: Finally, what can we expect from Oktave in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you next?
Oktave: There’s a lot in the pipeline! I’m playing weekly, either at Palosanto events or in different cities, and I’ve got exciting new music coming. 2025 is already looking amazing with gigs lined up in Mexico, Ecuador, Germany, Austria, Marbella, Sweden, France, and of course, New York. Playing in front of new audiences is such a big part of connecting with fans, and I can’t wait to share my vision in more places. For updates, keep an eye on my socials Palosanto and Oktavemusik. And if you resonate with my vision, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to connect with actors of our beautiful industry!
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Oktave! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Oktave: Thank you, Electronic Groove, for giving a voice to passionate artists! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. Take care, and I’ll see you soon!
Oktave’s ‘Under The Sun’ EP is now available on Palosanto. Stream and download here.
Follow Oktave: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
