I love to tell stories. Every medium, brushstroke, chord, poem, decision is intentional. It's all telling a story.

Lightning in a Bottle is a place built on that same idea. Every stage, set, exhibit, activity, and artist is contributing something to a bigger picture. So when I started to prepare for LIB this year, I wanted to be intentional with what I asked the artists.

For me, it came down to one question. A question that touches the music, the message, the depth, and everything in-between. Something that invites vulnerability if you want to be, but still keeps things light-hearted and interesting. And if there's one thing about me, it's that I like to keep things interesting.

So Here is the Lightning in a Bottle Class of 2026 to answer my question:

What story are you telling through your music right now?

"Right now I’m trying to tell stories around female sexuality in a way that feels unapologetic, playful, and liberating. A lot of these newer dance tracks are about reclaiming desire, sensuality, and confidence. I hope the music gives people a sense of release, empowerment, and a little bit of cheekiness too."

“What inspires us most about music is creating sounds. We're not always looking to communicate something specific, though we always want to convey a positive message to people. We're passionate about synthesizers and vintage music, and we love creating environments where people can have a great time, laugh during a show, and of course hear a clean, clear, and raw sound from the instruments we bring.”

“I think the story I’m telling right now is about transformation through energy. Turning pressure into power. Turning chaos into rhythm. A lot of my music lives in that space between feminine softness and absolute bass-face intensity, like healing and destruction dancing together in the same room.

I want people to feel liberated when they hear my sets. Not just entertained. Like they can release shame, remember who they are, and come back to themselves stronger. There’s a rebellious freedom in it, but also a lot of intention. Every drop is meant to move energy - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s the story for me lately: evolution, embodiment, and reminding people they’re allowed to take up space loudly!”

“My sophomore album title 'emotional junglist' is about who I am and how I've grown up since making my debut, I wanted to update the sound and push the jungle genre with a fresh spin on it for the new gen-jungle community and beyond.”

"Right now, I'm telling a story about identity, freedom, and trusting my own creative instincts.

For a long time, I was known primarily through the lens of Afro House, which will always be part of my DNA. But over the years, I've felt a growing desire to explore beyond expectations and follow whatever feels authentic in the studio. That's led me to experiment with different grooves, emotions, and influences without worrying too much about fitting into a specific genre.

As someone with German and Nigerian heritage, I've always existed between cultures, and that naturally shapes how I approach music. I don't see identity as something fixed—it's constantly evolving, and my music reflects that.

That journey has led me to launch my own label, OLUMO, a creative home inspired by my Nigerian roots and a space for artistic freedom. I'm introducing it with my new track, "Let The Beat Remind You," a song about reconnecting with yourself when life becomes noisy and overwhelming.

In many ways, that's the story I'm trying to tell through my music right now: stay curious, keep evolving, and trust the things that truly move you."

"It's a story of a magic tv that picks up sounds and broadcasts from the past and mixes it all up. What comes out of the tv is our show."

“The world needs more love and joy at this moment in time. I’m trying to bring that through my sets and the tracks I'm making!”