Origins Meet Oto, practicing his craft under the name EVONLAX. He is a 21-year-old music producer from Georgia, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes as well as being the originator of wine but not yet for its electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Growing up, Oto’s fascination with music was different from what was mainstream in his hometown. While learning the guitar in school, he stumbled upon Kygo’s music and thought, “I want to make something like that.” This spark led him to a YouTube search, his first FL Studio tutorial, and an unwavering commitment to creating music that has only grown stronger with time. Hailing from Georgia, where EDM culture is still in its infancy, Oto has embraced the internet as his gateway to global music. “If I had grown up 15-20 years ago, I might have been limited to local genres. The internet gave me the freedom to discover music that resonated with me.” Determined to put Georgia on the EDM map, Oto has already made strides by remixing a Georgian song into a deep house track. This effort garnered over 22,000 views on TikTok and the attention of creators and the public alike. Yet, for Oto, this is just the beginning of a larger mission to inspire his country to embrace EDM. Musical Style and Inspirations Oto’s style has transformed significantly over the years. Initially captivated by future bass for its cinematic and emotive qualities, he has since transitioned into house music, exploring subgenres like deep, tropical, afro, progressive, and tech house. “I’ve always considered myself a ‘tropical’ person,” Oto explains. “I love the summer, the beach, and sunny days. Summer is the season of freedom, where life feels most vibrant. I want my music to be the soundtrack to unforgettable moments—the kind you can never forget.” Oto’s journey into music was influenced by icons such as Illenium, Kygo, Avicii, and Alan Walker, as well as NCS, a label he discovered through gaming. Over time, his inspiration list has grown to include Diplo, Tinlicker, Ben Böhmer, ODESZA, Swedish House Mafia, and John Summit. As for where he finds his inspiration, he explains, “Sometimes, I go to a bar or club to hear a DJ and spark new ideas. Other times, I take a break for a day or two.” He emphasises the value of experimenting, even if the results aren’t perfect. “You can’t always create hits, but every effort is a learning experience. It’s always a win-win.” “I draw inspiration from everywhere,” Oto says. “I love finding unique elements in unexpected genres and using them to create something fresh and meaningful.” Big things on the horizon So far, Oto has collaborated on one track Traveling Man, available exclusively on YouTube. However, this year, he plans to team up with more artists. His dream collaborators include Diplo, Tinlicker, John Summit, and Avaion. “Collaboration is exciting because it combines creativity and opens new possibilities.” The most personal project in Oto’s career is one he’s working on now, featuring his own voice for the first time. “It’s an exciting challenge, and it feels more authentic. Every song I create feels personal, but I want to bring even more of myself into my music.” Visuals are a critical aspect of today’s music industry, and Oto takes an active role in collaborating with labels to ensure that album artwork and videos align with his music’s emotions. For his upcoming self-released project, he plans to take full creative control, including shooting his first official music video—a milestone he’s eager to achieve. Reflecting on his journey, Oto acknowledges how much his production skills have grown but remains committed to continuous improvement. His vision for the future includes seeing his music played at major festivals worldwide, performing globally, and leaving a lasting impact on the EDM scene. Though Oto has not yet performed live, he’s gearing up to launch his DJing career this year. “Live performances bring a special energy. I can’t wait to connect with people directly through my music.” A Message to Fans To his fans and aspiring musicians, Oto leaves listeners this advice: “Do what you love and believe in yourself, even if no one else does. Don’t just hear these words—truly understand them and let them drive you. We only live once, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.” With an ever-evolving sound and an unshakable passion for music, Oto is poised to redefine Georgia’s music scene and make his mark on the global EDM stage. Keep an eye out for this rising star—you’ll want to be part of his journey.