Patrice Bäumel launches new concept, HALO

Lisbon-based DJ and producer Patrice Bäumel has launched his new label concept, HALO.

The brand serves as a personal platform to release his music, whilst simultaneously host a series of events with all-night-long sets from various DJs.

HALO’s intention is to create meaningful, real-world human connection and adopt a culture of participation, rather than consumption: emphasised within the label’s manual, in which it states that “mobile phone and camera use are discouraged”.

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The Germany-born artist’s manual - showcased on HALO’s One Sheet - also notes the DJ set times of a minimum of four hours, no VIP area (and backstage being used as a functional space for staff and artists only rather than a privileged hangout).

A welcoming door policy with friendly security, a stimulating chillout zone away from the noise for togetherness and the DJ booth being placed in the room at, or close to, ground level in order for artists and dancers to be able to touch are also noted. This reflects Bäumel’s philosophy both personally and for the imprint, viewing music as a tool to bring people together and curate a sense of one.

Building on this, HALO’s mission is made clear from the outset: to establish meaningful real world connection and treat everyone as equal, to “deep dive artistically”, to participate with “no consumers, no passengers” and embrace love, unity and high vibrations.

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The debut release on HALO is entitled ‘HALO 1’, which features two tracks.

‘Zero Gravity’, the first of the two, features Sylvain Chauveau - who caught Bäumel’s eye with his cover of Lykke Li’s ‘I Follow Rivers’ and is a driving melodic techno tune to take the listener on an eight minute, mysterious vocally fuelled track. The second tune, ‘Six’, is a seven-minute cut which continues Bäumel’s driving melodic techno throughout the EP.

Having released on imprints such as Kompakt, Afterlife and Anjunadeep to name a few, HALO provides Bäumel - and inevitably various other artists - with a space to get creative with their music, with the concept overall a fresh take on a push for unity, togetherness and involvement.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, follow her on Twitter