Caribbean-born, New Orleans-bred Otto Orellana had already accumulated a vast collection of world music before turning his passion into a full time gig over 20 years ago while pursuing his Bachelor’s in Studio Art & Design at LSU. Even though his focus was printmaking and mixed mediums, his main interests were collaborating with visual & fashion designers. 

Instead of splitting interest in both music & visual arts, he decided to integrate his music archiving with the visual art scene in 2001. He gained recognition with his co-founding of Stabbed in the Art, along with his co-producers TJ Black & Alex Harvey. He was the music director for The Uncommon Thread series working closely with creator Erin Rolfs & the dance company Of Moving Colors. After that he went full-time into curating the music spaces & dj’ing at Marrazil, Tsunami Rooftop at The Shaw Center for the Arts, and The Spanish Moon to name a few.

Although music was a full-time endeavor at this point, he continued to work & collaborate with Art Galleries, Beauty & Fashion, Live Painting icons in the community. The Oculus, Ephemeral Gallery, LSU Museum of Art, & Baton Gallery are just some of the spaces that were frequently curated musically by Otto. Otto, renowned as a DJ’s DJ, continues to uphold his legacy every weekend in New Orleans, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and passion.

Check him out on ig @otto808