Patricia Baloge is an Afrohouse / House DJ from Montpellier, France who is now based in Brooklyn, New York. She was touched by music at a very young age and being brought up in a Ghanaian household allowed her to be naturally surrounded by Highlife and Afrobeats.
The musically eclectic environment that France offers through its mix of cultures, also gave her the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of musical genres such as Dancehall, Rai, Variete Francaise, Dombolo, Pop, Rnb, Electro and Hip hop. It is not before spending some time in New York as an adult that she finally discovered Afrohouse and that completely changed her musical landscape.
Patricia uses Djing as a way of expressing the multiple cultural dimensions that reside inside of her through the blending of Western House and Afro sounds.
Image mise en avant : © Patricia Baloge
You
WODJ MAG: Hey, Patricia, how’s it going for you these days?
Patricia Baloge: Hello! Well we’re going through a pretty interesting time in the world. The lockdown was unexpected for all of us but it has granted me down time to truly focus on myself and how I want to live my life after this global shutdown is over. So I’d say that I’m doing pretty good.
Can you introduce yourself to everyone who’s discovering you?
I am Patricia Baloge, a music artist, DJ and accessory designer on a journey of self discovery through my art.
Your electronic music is eclectic, a mix of sounds and grooves. How would you define your style?
I’d define my style as deep, tribal, melancholic at times and sexy.
You started playing music at a very young age, can you share your beginnings with us?
I always had an undeniable love for music but didn’t begin putting energy into it until age 12 when I started taking private singing lessons. Then I discovered another aspect of it when I got my first synthesizer in my early twenties. That is when I began to understand the impact that creating music could have on my mood so I started being interested in electronic music.
You sing too… You are a complete artist, right?
I do sing. Thank you! It’s interesting that you define that as being a complete artist. As time goes by, I am realizing that my definition of what a complete artist is is evolving. To me, a complete artist is someone who not only has found a medium to express themselves but also has a message they’re ready to embody without apology so that they can participate in making the world a better place. I find that to work better for me because that way my creativity paired with my message can direct my growth. That is how I find strength.
What is the track you play the most in your DJ sets?
Accumule by Superflu has been an infectious one for me.
Your Life
You are currently based in Brooklyn, New York, how is the electro scene in New York?
I am currently based in Brooklyn, New York. In normal times the electronic scene is in constant expansion. The energy put into creating beautifully curated out of the box events is infinite. That creates room for a nightlife full of surprises.
You are originally from Montpellier in France, a famous place for its parties and venues dedicated to Electro. We’re thinking of the now defunct Bar Live, but also the Villa Rouge, which has also closed down. Do you find the same vibes in NYC? What’s it like in NYC?
Yeah it’s sad that these clubs had to close. I think there are similarities between the electro scene in Montpellier and the one in New York. The similarities are born through the spirit of House/Techno music that is one of inclusion, non judgement and pure celebration of the present moment. However I feel like the electronic scene is much more eclectic in NYC than it was when I was living in Montpellier. The melting pot around that scene is much more diverse. I guess it’s reflective of what the city of New York stands for.
What made you want to move to the East Coast?
I moved here for University. At the time I wanted to live in a dynamic environment that would inspire me to grow and evolve in my own unique way. New York seemed to have all the qualities I was looking for.
You’re a DJ and you’re also passionate about fashion and especially jewelry and you founded Studio Baloge NYC. Can you take a tour of the owner?
Yes I did found Studio Baloge prior to jumping into my passion for music. I have always had a love for fashion especially accessories so I decided to make it happen.
Your Projects
What are your next projects to follow?
Well I’m coming up with my next EP named « Womb » that I created while quarantining.
On May 17th, you posted a video on your Facebook page with the words « Coming Soon » and a hashtag that touched #beatdefemmes… Can you tell us more about it?
Yes. I just turned 30 and I suddenly had this strong sense of gratefulness for being a woman. I now understand clearly that I can channel my feminin energy into each and every project I decide to undertake. And creating music is one of them. Music is a male dominated industry and oftentime I made myself small because my programming taught me « They know better. » #Beatthefemmes is my way to say « No, I know too. Hear what I feel. »
Your top 5 favorite tracks?
That one is way too hard. I’d say listen to my sets it has all my faves and more.
What is your biggest dream and how do you plan to achieve it?
My dream is to one day be my death bed and say « I did everything my soul called me to do. I helped in making the world a better place and I did not let anything or anybody stop me. » If I can say that at the end of my life, I will be the happiest person I have ever known.
