Summary: My field recording journey began in Southern India, where ambient sounds mixed with Carnatic music lessons inspired me to explore deeper into capturing soundscapes. With Catarina, we ventured into remote, naturally quiet areas guided by light pollution maps to record the untouched sounds of nature. An unforgettable journey into the jungles of São Tomé and Príncipe with a mix of awe, challenge, and the raw magic of the environment.

The Seed of a New Passion

It all started for me in Southern India in 2009. While studying Carnatic music, I recorded not only my lessons but also the ambient sounds of my surroundings. Upon returning home from this month-long immersion, I revisited these recordings. As I listened, I was instantly transported back to India. It was then that it hit me how powerful these audio postcards were.

The Evolution into Field Recording

I got the bug for field recording with this experience and started to record more and more. I also began to explore more advanced techniques, transitioning to binaural and ambisonic recordings. These methods offered an even more immersive quality, making people feel as if they were there in the recorded environment while playing the audio clips.

The Path Less Traveled 

Later, when Catarina joined me, we started to look at the light pollution maps, seeking out the darkest areas as they are usually less populated and more nature dense. This strategy, combined with traditional maps, guided us to interesting places to record.

While you can't control the weather during your visit, you can anticipate it by studying the geography, consulting locals, or researching the area's biodiversity. It's crucial to be as prepared as possible to seize recording opportunities in any weather and protect your equipment under all conditions.

Yet the key for a successful recording is to be still and just listen, absorbing the sounds and attempting to blend into the environment.

The Soundscape Experience

What’s the impact of the environment, the soundscape? And how does it feel there? You capture a lot of moments instinctively, and sometimes you just feel like, “How am I so lucky to get to hear this?” 

During our first recording expedition in the dense jungles of Santo Principle, the experience was nothing short of transformative. As dusk settled, the jungle came alive in sounds that was both exhilarating and overwhelming. I found myself alone as Catarina stayed back at the car, agreeing I would return by a designated time.

Entering Darkness

The jungle’s twilight brought profound changes to the soundscape. Huge bats flitted above while monkeys shuffled in the trees, sometimes sending coconuts crashing to the ground. Alone in the dark, my senses sharpened, my imagination ignited by the cloak of nightfall. It was an eerie yet thrilling feeling, being so acutely aware of every sound and movement around me.

As the night deepened, I had to make my way back, navigating through the now unfamiliar terrain, acutely aware of the need to protect the precious recording equipment from potential hazards like wandering hunters. It took me longer than expected to return to the car where Catarina awaited, the journey back as intense as the recording session itself.

This session in Santo Principle was not just about capturing sounds; it was a profound journey into the heart of the jungle, testing our limits and deepening our connection to the natural world.

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🗞️ Olo in the News

Olo was featured in the recent Big Think article uncovering the power of sound

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Olo Events In-Person and Online

Experience self-discovery and connection with immersive sound journeys and somatic practices in a contemporary campfire setting. Rediscover the power of community and inner knowing.

@ Marin (Bay Area)

June 24 — 6:30-9 pm (PT): Somatic Sound Journey at The Portal Marin
The promo code for Olo’s community is SOMATIC and provides a $20 discount from the $50 Non-Member price.

@ Los Angeles

June 25 — 6-9 pm (PT): Somatic Sound Journey: Olo LA Chapter Opening
Co-hosted by Jules Horn at MUD/WTR gather in Santa Monica. Heart-opening cacao as a welcome drink.

@ Online

June 27 — 9-9:30 am (SF), 12-12:30 (NYC), 5-5:30 pm (London):
Psychosomatic Unwinding and Embodiment Practices
We'll explore your passions and desires—what moves you the most and how they manifest in your body and life. We'll also explore how to let your passions motivate you without burning you out.

@ San Francisco

June 28 — 6:30-9 pm (PT): Olo Immersive Sound Journey for Founders, Investors and Operators

July 4 — 10-13 pm (PT): Pancake Brunch, Sound Journey & Beach Walk
Celebrate the 4th of July uniquely with a pancake brunch, followed by a relaxing sound journey and a serene beach walk. Enjoy a variety of pancakes and toppings, immerse in tranquil nature sounds, and stroll along the beach to complete a morning of rejuvenation and celebration.

July 5 — 6:30-9 pm (PT): Olo Immersive Sound Journey for Founders, Investors and Operators

July 10 — 6-9 pm (PT): Sound and Somatics for People Professionals
This event is ideal for therapists, coaches, HR professionals, team leaders, managers, group facilitators and individuals looking to incorporate innovative, science-backed methods for improving overall well-being, resilience, and performance in both personal and professional settings.

July 13 — 9-5 (PT): Embodied Founder Retreat: Cognitive, Emotional & Nervous System Mastery
Join us for the Embodied Founder Retreat, a transformative experience designed to master cognitive, emotional, and nervous system responses. This retreat aims to deepen founders’ understanding of their own mental patterns, emotional responses, and nervous system dynamics to enhance decision-making and resilience.

July 14 — 9-5 (PT): Embodied Leadership Retreat: Exploring Power Through Sound and Somatics
Join us for a transformative event on Embodied Leadership, designed to enhance your leadership qualities through embodied practices. This unique approach integrates body, mind, and emotions, empowering you to lead with authenticity and achieve lasting change.

@ NYC

July 22-27, TBA

@ Finland

August 14-18: Olo Expedition: Kayaking Kolovesi National Park
Like Olo’s Sound Journeys, our expeditions recognize nature as the protagonist. The Olo guides, Tuure and Maria, provide a space where interaction with nature can occur safely and meaningfully.

August 30 - September 1: Founders Retreat at Olo Center
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