Interview: Oktavio on His Journey Through Sound and Scene
The rising Argentine talent opens up about his debut release, musical evolution, and balancing DJ life with personal growth.
We caught up with Oktavio, an emerging progressive house artist from Argentina, to discuss his creative journey and recent move to Europe. From producing his first tracks in 2024 to signing with respected imprints like South America Avenue, Oktavio shares his experiences, influences, and insights into the ever-evolving electronic music landscape. Whether it’s experimenting in the studio, playing packed dancefloors, or fishing in nature, his passion and authenticity shine through.
Hello Octavio! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?
Hi! All good, luckily. Lately, I’ve been producing a lot of new music and I moved to Europe for a few months some time ago.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
I started producing music in August 2024, with just a computer that allowed me to download Ableton — that was my only gear at the beginning.
My debut release, which was my EP "Sauro", was honestly a very exciting moment for me because in a short time I was able to get my first EP signed, a big step in my career as a DJ and producer.
Did you have a mentor or take any lessons, either offline or online, to enhance your skills?
Yes, I have a teacher who gives me virtual lessons, and I also take online courses on music production to constantly improve my skills as a producer.
Do you have a preference between producing music and DJing? (Only answer if you’re DJ’ing, if not, you can ignore this question ☺)
I honestly love both, but I think I enjoy DJ sets more because I really like seeing the dancefloor full of people enjoying the music and the party.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far, both as a DJ and a producer?
As a DJ, playing at important parties in my hometown at the end of 2024. And as a producer, getting my latest EP "Lumina" signed by South America Avenue, which is a big achievement for me as it's such an important progressive house label.
How did you first learn about The Audio Atelier (& sublabels), and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the labels?
I discovered The Audio Atelier thanks to the manager of South America Avenue, who told me that my EP "Sauro" might be a good fit for the Electronic Eden Records label.
Some of my favorite releases are:
Paul (AR) – Expeditions [One Of Those Days]
Myron Eugene – Smileseeker [One Of Those Days]
Skyhunter – Waiting [One Of Those Days]
Many artists have a signature sound or style. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity while also experimenting and evolving as an artist?
Right now, I’m producing progressive house with leading, hypnotic melodies accompanied by strong grooves. I'm still searching for a signature sound, but I’m always experimenting by blending different sonic elements.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming platforms and digital distribution reshaping the landscape. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry, and how have these changes affected your career?
Yes, the electronic music industry has changed a lot, especially with social media. Many DJs and artists focus more on social media than on the actual music they play in their sets.
I think social media is a great tool to promote yourself and gain visibility, but it’s also important to keep creating quality sets for live shows. Personally, it’s been a bit challenging to create content for social media, but I'm slowly adapting and trying to grow in my career as a DJ and producer.
What are some of your favorite record labels, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?
Some of my favorite labels are Mango Alley, RKP Records, AH Digital, Manual Music, and Droid9 South America.
In 2025, my goal is to release tracks with progressive house labels like AH Digital, which I would love to be part of, and hopefully, in the future, release an EP or track with the other labels I mentioned.
Can you share some insights about the current underground music scene in your Argentina?
The underground scene in Argentina is still going strong, but electronic music has become more “commercial” and the underground side has faded a bit. That said, the progressive house scene in Argentina is big, and many people love the genre — and that’s truly beautiful.
Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?
Besides music, I’m also passionate about fishing and traveling to new countries — especially activities related to nature, like fishing, trekking, or visiting national parks.
Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows that you'd like to recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
I really enjoy watching interviews with Hernan Cattaneo on YouTube. He’s without a doubt one of the best progressive house DJs in the world, and I think he shares a lot of insightful and inspiring thoughts for those looking to grow in the electronic music scene.
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Some of the tracks that had a huge impact on me are:
Lost & Found (Original Mix) – Guy J
Buenos Aires – Nick Warren
Altair – Hernan Cattaneo & Soundexile (Guy J Remix)
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
In the near future, I hope to grow a lot as a producer and get my tracks signed by important labels, and of course, to perform at major parties and clubs both in Europe and Argentina.
Huge thanks for the interview and to the whole team at The Audio Atelier for making this possible.
OKTAVIO
Follow OKTAVIO here: Instagram | Spotify
Get his release here: https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlZFWScs_8JGE