For this audioillustrated episode The Prophet is with Daksinamurti, ethologist, archeologist and psytrance magician, in other words, Daksi Till of Sangoma Records.

How did your present journey begin?

I had my first contact with electronic music as a teenager. Techno, and cheap formula music labeled “dancefloor” were pop music back then. In Germany every kid was familiar with events like Mayday and Love Parade, which were broadcasted on TV or on the Radio. It didn’t interest me much – I was more into rock, world music, punk, and reggae. My first contact with psychedelic music was at the “Burg Herzberg Festival”, a Hippie Gathering that had its roots in the 1960s, and happens close to my hometown. Still being in school at the young age of 14, I attended for the first time, and in the next years heard lots of bands like Gong and Hawkwind, as well as heroes from the Woodstock generation which influenced me enormously and which I still listen today. I knew that “Goatrance” exited, and got my first flyer for a “Return to the Source” event in Camden, London in the early 1990s. Some of my friends listened to “Goa” and I even had a couple of CDs and tapes. Still, it took me till early 1999 to fully discover it’s full potential on the beaches of Goa at a time where people could fly. Back home I started to collect music and spin for myself on two discmans and turntables followed shortly after.

What meaning stands behind the name of your project?

To make it short: Daksinamurti is an aspect or form of the Hindu deity Shiva, a personification of the ultimate awareness, understanding and knowledge (jnana). Daksinamurti represents his aspect as a teacher of music, yoga and wisdom. The name is Sanskrit and means the figure facing the south. In Hindu mythology, death and evil comes from that cardinal direction and therefore he is also a guardian deity. He is often found on temples especially in Southern India and is shown sitting under a banyan tree, seated on a dear throne and surrounded by sages. The left foot lies folded on his lap and with the right foot he crushes a demon that stands for ignorance.

What have been your greatest inspirations?

Well, I get inspired a lot by music and life in general. Musically speaking, the Rastafarian concept of “chanting down Babylon through music” suits me very well. Music is seen as a powerful tool against injustice and for gaining liberation of mankind – addressing problems and struggles, dismantling oppressive institutions, with the goal to bring down the oppressors and evil spirits. Music is seen as a path to change the current state and mindset while facing reality – a form of exorcism with good intentions. Music can be beneficial and has healing abilities. It’s a celebration of life and existence that can remind us that there is more to reality then we know of. We carry information within us, which is from our tribal animistic past that is as old as mankind and definitely older than religion and ideologies. Through music we can reconnect with this ancient past where everything is interconnected, this scratches the surface of what could be described as a neo-shamanic experience. So, yes, to sum it up, I’m inspired by music itself, nature and everything and everyone around me.

How has your sound, your taste in music developed throughout the years?

Sure, my taste is constantly evolving and I’m always on the search for new inspiration. Since I started producing music I have a better ear for production. I think my sound still carries the essence of what I used to like but in a contemporary outfit. Maybe in the past I was too focused on a particular style, while today I enjoy the freedom of having a huge music collection with a lot of variety ranging from night to light which always ends up in some new story depending on time, place, crowd and myself.

What projects are you involved in?

Besides DJing and producing, my main project is Sangoma Records, which I run with my friend and label partner Emiel who is based in Doha, Qatar. It is our platform to work with friends, release interesting music and at the end of the day create culture. We have between 1 and 2 releases each month and it involves a lot of communication with people from all over the world and combines both art and music into something very personal. So far we’ve existed for only 5 years and I think we are on a good path and we are happy to see our artists being active, working with each other and playing at numerous events all over. Big thanks to everyone who supported us and trusts in our music!

Who do you think are the most cutting-edge newest sound makers in the scene? Who are your newest discoveries? 


Well, some of the discoveries we try to present on our label. There are many cutting edge sound makers around – naming individuals would do no justice to those I forget at this particular moment. At the end of the day, names are secondary and it depends on the particular track and music itself.

Which artists remain the ultimate classics for you in the scene (or in music generally)?


Maybe Simon Posford, who always sounds fresh and mind-blowing, even though some of the music is more then 20 years old. Simon, if you read this, I still haven’t given up hope for a Hallucinogen III album Some other ultimate classics for me would be Doof, Etnica, Man Made Man (who have great fresh music, by the way) and at least a dozen I forgot at this very moment (see question above).

Most memorable gigs, experiences?

There were quite a few, but I think my highlights are Boom 2012, Ozora 2015, MoDem 2017 and my first set at an Alien Safari in South Africa 2008. A memorable, funny party I remember was a festival in Iowa, which lost the venue and ended up being a party over 3 days at various locations, like a bar, the cellar of a private student house and the grand finale at the Iowa University’s hall of fame with an epic sunrise set I played, being all visible through the glass windows for everyone passing by on their way to Sunday church on the main road, who must have been wondering what on earth was going on in there.

What do you think about our scene (psychedelic gatherings and community) and their role in our lives, if any:)?

Well, that’s a tough one. Festivals have been a part of my life for so many years and still I get excited once spring is here. It’s the time when you meet friends again from all over the world and being outside resonates best with our type of music, to be under the stars, dancing under the moon or witnessing a sunrise. Clubs are just not the same, but in our northern European hemisphere, it’s a necessary evil. Our scene is more than a trend or a sub – or youth culture. For some people it has even a religious component. For myself, the role is clear – it’s my life by choice. Still I believe it is important to critically self-reflect and exchange ideas more. After all these years I still get amazed and must make the compliment that we have some really extraordinary, amazing artists, musicians and creative minds in our scene and people who think way ahead of our times. I think that this scene, as well as the healing properties of the music, could be an antidote to some problems of our modern civilization. Music can bring out the best in us and it connects and unites us. Borders vanish and nationalities become secondary. Still, we have to find ways to influence society with some of our ideas and ideals. The psychedelic revolution of the 1960s had a huge impact on culture in general and the freedom we enjoy today. I get the feeling that the 2nd phase is just in its baby-shoes. So, yes, even though I see many things critically, I have confidence and believe in the potential this scene carries for both the individual and society. Psytrance shouldn’t be the privilege of a few fortunate ones, who can afford everything and (mis-)use it to add a bit of spice to their self-centered hedonistic lifestyle. Maybe, sometimes it’s better to sometimes keep things underground, healthy and democratic than copy developments from the EDM scene. Our scene is so full of creativity and undiscovered art, which deserves to be shared with an audience, and shouldn’t be left to those who have the best marketing skills or social media output.

Musically speaking what’s still on your bucket list?

Well, there are still places and festivals I would visit or play at again. Pretty much on top of my bucket list is to set up a studio at home so I can work more on music.

What are your other passions in life?

There are quite a few. I have diverse interests outside of Psytrance. This year I started working as an archeologist during the week, which has been a dream since I was small- just without the Indiana Jones action. I studied cultural anthropology/ethnology for almost 9 years, so for sure, academics are one of my interests, especially culture, religion, and philosophy. I wrote my thesis about shamanism in Nepal, and this topic still resonates with me. I love traveling and exploring new places. I love the ocean, so swimming is one thing I enjoy a lot. I also love the sauna – one shamanic ritual, which still remains with us in the Western world and is cleansing, healthy and to some extend even psychedelic.

What are you working on at present?

Currently I am working on a solo release, which is going to be something in between an album and a compilation with many friends involved.

What are you looking forward to the most?

The return of summer and maybe the next trip to Japan in 2018.

Big thanks to the Ozora crew for the trust in our label and music and for the awesome times that we will never forget at this spectacular festival. My sincere condolences to the friends and family of Gerely – the good soul of the Ozorian Prophet – who passed way too early. You will be missed!

Cover photo credit: Magu Sumita