Formula Indie Sessions Interview with Mr. Otus

Mr Otus: the anti-hero of French electro. Accompanied by his mascot Owlive – a mischievous observer owl – he transforms contemporary absurdity into sonic art. His electro-disco-pop-funk beats reveal with critical tenderness the paradoxes and inconsistencies of our era. Owlive scrutinizes, analyzes, then Mr. Otus translates these observations into ironic and benevolent melodies. Each track becomes an offbeat look at our daily flaws, never with contempt.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My earliest memory of music is sitting in the back of my parents’ car, listening music played on my walkman. Back then, I used to listen endlessly to the “Synthétiseurs” compilations, playing them on repeat for hours. I was completely fascinated by the music of Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis — their ability to create vast emotional landscapes with machines felt almost magical to me. It was like they were building worlds out of sound, and I knew I wanted to learn how to do the same. I didn’t understand it yet, but something about those sounds felt like freedom and happiness.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It started with the piano at 8 years old. I spent hours playing and learning, fascinated by how a melody could change a mood. Very soon, I discovered synthesizers — their endless possibilities completely hooked me. From the age of ten, I had one clear obsession: I wanted to produce a song that sounded just as good as what I heard on the radio. That ambition never left me; it’s still what drives me today.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

Mr. Otus was born from a need to create an alter ego — an anti-hero who observes society through the eyes of Owlive, a mischievous owl companion. Together, they turn modern absurdities into sonic art, mixing irony and groove.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

It’s electro-disco-pop-funk with a French twist — somewhere between Vitalic’s power, Röyksopp’s atmosphere, and Philippe Katerine’s eccentric humor. It’s danceable, colorful, and slightly sarcastic. What I love most is mixing genres — nothing bores me more than a monotone track that doesn’t evolve. In my compositions, I always try to create twists and movement to keep the listener surprised and engaged.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

The composition matters more than production. You can create amazing tracks with an average production, but the reverse—great production with weak composition—rarely works, even though it can sometimes. And I also learned that imperfection is what gives life to a track. I used to chase technical perfection, now I chase emotion — the slight crack in a sound that makes it human.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

My voice, the piano, as I play for many years now, and Logic Pro are my main playgrounds. I use a lot of emulation of analog synths for texture— sometimes distorted, sometimes whispered — as the main storytelling tool. My next track will be once again very different, I want to add electric guitar.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

The references inspiring me include Vitalic, Röyksopp, Mr. Oizo, Philippe Katherine, and Ed Banger aesthetics, which inform my style and artistic choices.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I’ve always been an observer. My experiences — in marketing, in life, in watching people’s absurd routines — taught me how humor and irony can reveal truth better than moral lessons. That’s the essence of Mr. Otus. Now all my social networks are driven by absurdity of our world with a lot of humoristic videos.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope they smile, dance and think at the same time. My music invites people to dance while realizing how beautifully ridiculous our world can be.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Music has taught me never to lose the sense of pleasure in what I do. It’s easy to get lost in doubt or external opinions, but staying connected to joy is what keeps everything alive. I’ve learned to follow a clear creative direction, to believe in my project, and to keep moving — even when criticism or fatigue try to slow me down. It’s not always easy, but persistence with purpose makes the journey worth it..

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Les TRANSMUSICALES in Rennes in France — because it’s eclectic, open-minded, and full of energy. Or maybe Sonar in Barcelona, where sound truly becomes art.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I will not be original at all here, but I’d love to collaborate with Daft Punk 🙂 (yes I can dream) because they mastered the balance between emotion and machines — something that deeply resonates with me. And if I could pick another, it would be Susanne Sundfør, like Röyksopp has done for years. I’m completely in love with her voice — I don’t even know why, but her tone cuts straight through me every single time. I also have a deep admiration for Quentin Dupieux — not only for his music as Mr. Oizo, but for his sharp and absurd way of looking at society. He manages to expose the ridiculousness of human behavior with humor, distance, and elegance. That’s something I try to do as well through my music — to make people smile while realizing that we’re all part of this beautiful nonsense.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)

You can find me everywhere under Mr. Otus. Spotify, Instagram, Threads, Youtube …

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

To build a live experience where music, visuals, and storytelling merge — a world where Owlive and I can invite people to dance and question everything.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That behind the irony and the owl and the costume, there’s a sincere desire to connect — to make people laugh, think, and feel less alone in this strange, beautiful mess we call life.

Representative YouTube video: