Checking in with Lola Edo

How would you describe your identity as a DJ?

My DJ part hasn’t been around for very long, but I’ve been going to clubs since I was 14 or 15. Considering my age, that’s already many years. I’ve experienced a lot of music styles. As a child, I was all about hip-hop and R&B; then, I delved into electronic music. That ranged from drum & bass to dub to hardstyle to minimal then house, and so on. I don’t stick to one music style. I really enjoy preparing an opening set for a summer festival one day and doing a closing set at a rave the next. I love creating two different sets where you can really recognize my style.

As you’ve mentioned before, your mixes often incorporate Afro influences. Can you tell us more about your relationship with African music and culture, and how you integrate these influences into your performances?

It has something to do with my roots. I’m Dutch-Nigerian, and from a young age, I always noticed that when I heard tracks with djembes, bongos, or Doun douns, I felt it in my body. It makes me dance for real. I also noticed that too many drums started to irritate me at some point, and I still miss that industrial sound. That might come from my other roots, haha. So why not mix it like me?

In footage from last year’s Orbit, we see you front and center at the United Identities stage. What really gets you going?

Yeah, dancing to music in a dark club or just in the sunshine is my favourite thing to do. Many people find it draining, but for me, it gives me energy. I’m living the life I never could have dreamed of. These kinds of things “get me going”. Listening to good music and often having like-minded people around you. Not that unfair bullshit and the compartmentalized thinking of “normal” daily life. Not feeling so awkward with each other, like you often do in places like the supermarket. It makes me forget about the world’s horror momentarily and inspires me to get back out there and extend that time of freedom as much as possible.

Which performance are you most looking forward to at Orbit Festival this year?

Um, what not? It’s a great lineup. But if I have to choose, these are my faves: Carista b2b Alia Eris Drew and Octa Octa, passion DEEZ b2b OG Karin Sally C, Verraco B2B Pariah. I’m also a big fan of Eris Drew and Carista; both are really fun to watch live.

You’re a co-founder of the queer bar Pamela and involved in the opening of the new club Tilla Tec. You’re certainly not idle. What are your future plans and ambitions?

Yeah, I’m also the co-founder of Tilla Tec. Definitely have ambitions. I want to open a campsite somewhere in southern Europe one day where you can experience total freedom of expression.

A new club also brings opportunities to do things differently and better. Are there specific changes or improvements you’d like to implement compared to the current club offerings?

Absolutely. As I mentioned before, we also want to extend the freedom people experience at night to the daytime. We also want to lower the threshold for people who always thought the club wasn’t meant for them by offering a much broader program. What I also find important is that resistance returns to club life. It could use more activism. Nightlife has always stood up for a better and more inclusive world, and that’s very important.

Stay Updated

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.