French-American DJ, producer, and now label owner Oktave added the Palosanto record label to his existing brand of the same name back in August. So far they’ve brought us music from AUGUSTE, Chopstar, and Nomvula, alongside the label boss himself.
We had a brief chat with Oktave recently, where we spoke about his reasons for launching a new label, how things have been going so far, and what the future might hold for him and Palosanto. Read the interview in full below…
You started Palosanto back in August, what made you decide to launch your own record label?
The Palosanto record label was born from a simple but powerful idea: to create a complete “studio to stage” experience for the music producers. Over the years, we’ve built a strong community around our Palosanto events, where people come not just for the music but for the energy, connection, and shared experience. I realized that while we were giving artists an incredible platform to perform, there was an opportunity to take things further and to help them tell their story from start to finish.
The goal was to create a space where artists could develop their music, release it to the world, and then bring it to life in front of our audience. There’s something magical about hearing a track in a studio, watching it come to life on stage, and seeing the audience connect with it. Palosanto is about capturing that full-circle experience, ensuring that every artist and every listener feels like they’re part of something bigger.
And you’ve so far released music from AUGUSTE, Chopstar, Nomvula, and yourself – how have you been finding and signing new music?
Honestly, it’s a mix of intuition, relationships, and a lot of listening. I’ve been lucky to have a strong network of talented artists, so some of it comes naturally through collaborations or conversations. AUGUSTE, for instance, is someone whose sound I’ve admired for a long time, he’s a rising star. Chopstar and Nomvula also brought something fresh and unexpected to the table, which is exactly what I look for.
A big part of the process is just keeping my ears open. I’m constantly listening, whether it’s demos, live sets, or even unsigned tracks I come across on platforms like Trackstack. But it’s not just about the sound, it’s about the energy and alignment. I want every artist on Palosanto to feel like they’re part of the family, part of something global. When I hear a track that gives me chills or takes me somewhere emotionally, I know it’s right for us.
Who else might we see release on the label in the coming months?
Without giving too much away, we’ve got some incredible talents lined up. What excites me most is that they each bring something unique, not just musically but in how they connect with audiences. I’m especially drawn to artists who challenge the norm, who take Afro house and infuse it with their personal story, culture, and innovation.
We’re also looking to work with artists who have a strong presence on platforms like Beatstats but not especially big names and whose music is already creating waves in the Afro house scene. Releasing music on Palosanto is about more than just putting out tracks, it’s about being part of a group of artists who share a vision for elevating the genre.
Two names I’m particularly excited about are Tayllor and David Mackay. They are officially joining the family soon! They embody the kind of energy and vision that align perfectly with what we’re building. Their music has this ability to move you both physically and emotionally, and I can’t wait to share their work with the world.
What’s your favourite record label besides Palosanto?
It’s hard to choose just one label because so many have influenced me in meaningful ways, but if I had to pick two, it would be Innervisions and MoBlack Records.
Innervisions is incredible at creating more than just music: they’ve built an entire world. What Dixon and Âme have achieved goes beyond the tracks. Their ability to combine music, branding, and storytelling is amazing. Every release feels like part of a bigger story, and that kind of thoughtfulness is something I really admire and try to bring to Palosanto.
MoBlack Records is a bit more personal for me. Mimmo has been a huge force in Afro house, supporting the genre long before it became popular. His dedication over the years has given so many artists a platform and brought Afro house to a global audience. When I was starting Palosanto, I reached out to him, and he gave me such valuable advice. He’s not only a role model but also a friend now.
What I love about both labels is their authenticity and vision. They’ve built something meaningful and lasting, and that’s exactly what I hope to achieve with Palosanto.
What advice would you give to any aspiring label owners?
The first question to ask yourself is, why are you doing this? Running a label is a lot of work, and without a clear purpose, it’s easy to lose direction. Think about what you want to bring to the music world. For me, starting the Palosanto record label felt like the missing piece after creating the Palosanto events that connected producers with a loyal audience. It all clicked naturally.
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Playing it safe or chasing trends might seem easier, but the labels that truly stand out are the ones that push boundaries. Trust your instincts, even if it feels like a gamble.
Finally, surround yourself with people who share your vision. Whether it’s your team, the artists you work with, or the fans who support you, having a strong community makes all the difference. And remember, building something meaningful takes time, be patient, and stay committed.
One track that you’ve been absolutely loving in 2024?
AUGUSTE – Terre, beautiful single on Palosanto. This track just blows me away every time. It’s got this hypnotic vocal and groove layered with percussion that feels alive. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s one of those tracks that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen.
Anything else you want to mention before we go?
I just want to thank everyone who’s been part of this journey, whether you’ve come to a Palosanto event, listened to our releases, or supported us in any way. Palosanto is still in its early stages, but the love and energy we’ve received so far have been incredible.
I’d love to invite everyone reading this to come to our events. The Palosanto experience is something you have to feel in person, whether it’s through the music, the energy, or even the little details like the candles we pass out.
And if you’re an artist, please send us your music. I’m always looking to connect with passionate creators who share our vision. Feel free to reach out on Instagram. Let’s keep building this community together!