Daktyl and Benni Ola have brought their eagerly awaited Chaos Theory, Pt. 2 EP, into the world, offering fans the complete artistic journey. Following the wave of excitement ignited by singles “Safe” and “Family Ties,” the dynamic duo returns to TOKiMONSTA’s Young Art Records with this second collaborative compilation.
This new release showcases two previously unheard tracks, “Lemonade” and “Float,” forging a seamless connection within the Chaos Theory project. Known for their groundbreaking sound, Daktyl, and Benni Ola continue to defy musical norms and challenge our understanding of what truly works.
Benni Ola, a versatile artist contributing his vocals to this EP, embodies a true Renaissance spirit, spanning songwriting, spoken word poetry, modeling, and acting. On the other hand, Daktyl, recognized as a music production virtuoso, has cultivated a diverse catalog in the electronic music sphere over the past decade. Together, they harness a synergy that champions authenticity and results in remarkable artistry.
Chaos Theory, Pt. 2 is a testament to their artistic collaboration, and in this exclusive interview, Daktyl and Benni Ola invite us into their imaginative realm. Here, they explore the intricate relationship between music, wellness, and the chaos they embrace as a source of inspiration. Join us as we delve into their Chaos Theory project and discover the profound insights shared by these two innovative creators.
What role does wellness play in your day-to-day lives outside of music?
Daktyl: I work out at least three times a week. If I don’t get some fresh air and exercise, it drastically affects my creativity.
Benni Ola: What role doesn’t it play? I remember a quote from Steve Jobs: “A healthy man has many dreams, and an unhealthy man has but one, and that’s to be healthy.”
That always stuck with me because we often forget about ourselves in the pursuit of our dreams. I can do what I do because of my mental, physical, and spiritual health and wellness.
What are some practices you guys use to stay present?
Benni Ola: One thing I love doing when I am with Daktyl in the studio is to put our phones on airplane mode and turn off the Wi-Fi. Turn the tech into a brick and use it to write. It completely changes the experience.
Daktyl: I try to meditate as much as possible. I typically have a musical idea immediately after (or during) sitting still and meditating.
Tell me about what spirituality means to you. What role does it play in your day-to-day lives and in your art?
Benni Ola: Spirituality means a lot to me. I come from a spiritual background; my family is spiritual. We take it seriously, and I plan on passing that seriousness down. At its very base, it is the awareness that we do not have all the answers.
There are things beyond us that we don’t know and can still honor. A lot of times that honor looks like silence and stillness. The silent and still times are necessary for me daily. Those are the times I listen and take in the message that is creativity.
Daktyl: I consider myself an agnostic person, as I mostly believe in science. I am obsessed with physics and the way the universe works. I believe that is its form of spirituality and something I have found a tremendous amount of inspiration in.
Is mindfulness a requisite to making good art?
Daktyl: Not at all. I wrote a lot of music before I even understood the concept of mindfulness. If you are open to it, though, it can help a lot. Not only with the creative aspect but all the chaos of the creative industries and business.
Benni Ola: No, but if you want to make good art consistently, the answer is yes.
How does your mental state affect your creativity?
Daktyl: The type of music I make depends entirely on my state of mind that day. It is always reflected in the output if I am feeling sad, introspective, or energetic.
Benni Ola: Your mental state is whatever it is; you can filter it into the art. This can be beautiful, it all depends on your ingredients, your mental state being one of them.
What’s one tip you would give to an artist in a session who is struggling to stay present?
Benni Ola: Consider, ‘Why am I not present?’ Write it down. Walk outside, return, turn your phone off, and create without expectation.
Daktyl: Take a break!
What role did wellness play in the conception of Chaos Theory?
Daktyl: In making this project, we worked through many issues we were individually experiencing. It was like therapy.
Benni Ola: Chaos Theory felt like an attempt to get well. There was a lot of exploration of healing in exciting and different ways.
There was a sound bath at the release party of Chaos Theory, Pt. 1, and another one for Chaos Theory, Pt. 2. What impact did you feel this had on the party?
Benni Ola: The sound bath is different. It empties you and reveals intention. Some people experienced the sound bath and after meditating, thanked us, others had a reflective moment and had to go be with themselves because they had some deep revelations. Some people felt extremely ready to receive what was next.
The cool part about all of it is we were able to curate different experiences that produced a myriad of emotions for the listener.
Daktyl: That was our intention; the rest is out of our control. I was quite skeptical about sound baths until I did one. It is powerful and leaves you feeling incredibly renewed if you are open to it. Music’s power over your mental state is bizarre and incredible to me.
The Chaos Theory project has such a diverse range of sonic influences, but everything comes together so seamlessly. Is there a larger metaphor here for the chaos of life?
Daktyl: That means so much that you said you have no idea. It is something I stress about constantly, the cohesion of everything. It is a metaphor for the chaos of life. I was reading a lot about the butterfly and chaos theories in physics when we were making it, and the concept perfectly fit the music and our vision.
Benni Ola: Honestly, you tell me, haha. The project will speak to you if you let it. Or you can just dance around or do whatever you do, but if you listen, it will speak to you.
How do you each plan on utilizing wellness practices in your future ventures as artists or daily lives?
Benni Ola: Protect the artist to protect the art. It is as simple as that. I will keep focusing on my health so that I can show up and honor this experience I get to have.
Daktyl: Could not have said it better myself!
Connect with Daktyl: Spotify | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
Connect with Benni Ola: Spotify | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
Connect with Young Art Records: Spotify | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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