JM#224 – Epiphany

Chugging rhythms and a sonic dialect that stretches the known globe come together in a sound like no-other in Oslo. It’s the sound of Epiphany, a DJ collective and event that has taken root in the Norwegian capital with a uniquely diverse background informing the aesthetic. 

A regular fixture in the city’s nightlife, including Jaeger’s weekend lineup, Epiphany is a multi-cultural group of DJs consisting of Epifanov (Alexandru), Mulo (Fabien), Lorentz Bodega (Stian) and Ihle (Marius). Their diverse background is reflected in their sound which is reflected in the aesthetic they bring to their events and the audience they attract.

They’ve created an inclusive community on the dance floor with their personal tastes coalescing around a global village of sound. They’ve garnered an appeal amongst dancing emigré to the city, drawing many to their nights, with the faint sounds of a nascent home echoing through their House and Tech-leaning DJ sets.

While they’ve been a staple at Jaeger, we know little more about Epiphany beyond brief exchanges, so we took the opportunity after a recent Jaeger mix to get to know the group better. With their idiosyncratic sound playing in the background, Epiphany take our questions. 

This Jaeger Mix feels long overdue. Epiphany has been such a staple at Jaeger these last few years. But one thing we’ve never asked; What were the origins of the Epiphany?

Epiphany started with Alexandru back in 2018, hosting the very first event at Elefant. Later that year, Mulo joined and brought a new energy to the concept — including live percussion, which became a signature part of our early sound. In 2021, Stian came onboard and helped us launch our first open-air events, “Endless Summer.” Marius joined in 2023, bringing experience from another club concept, and in 2024, Filip joined the team to take care of our media output. It’s been a steady journey, growing through friendship, trust, and a shared vision.

Would you describe yourselves as a collective?

Yes, we definitely see ourselves as a collective. Each of us plays a different role, but there’s no hierarchy — every decision is made together. It’s truly a team effort built on mutual respect and shared creativity.

What was it that brought you together and what kind of music did you initially bond over?

We all shared a deep passion for creating something fresh, different, and community-driven in the Oslo underground scene. While our individual musical tastes vary, we were united by a love for electronic music that incorporates organic sounds. More than anything, we bonded over a common vision, to build something meaningful and lasting together.

What styles of music did you grow up listening to and how did it feed into what would become your individual DJ styles?

Each of us comes from different backgrounds and musical upbringings, and we’re a multicultural group. That diversity has been one of the most important factors in shaping our sound. It’s a true blend of influences that naturally came together into something unique.

This mix is a perfect reflection of that Epiphany sound. It’s based around these chugging dance floor grooves with a lot of non-western influences peeking through. It’s very unique to Oslo, but how did you arrive at this sound?

Travel has played a big role. Many of us have lived abroad and been exposed to music that isn’t always present in Oslo. We’ve always wanted our music to feel inclusive and welcoming, reflecting a more global sound. As Oslo becomes more multicultural, people’s tastes are evolving too. At heart, we’re a warm and positive group, and that naturally translates into music that’s groovy, melodic, and uplifting.

Is it something that has evolved over the years?

While the core essence of our music has remained consistent, the quality and depth of what we play has naturally evolved. We’re always discovering new tracks and refining the experience we deliver.

What influences did you draw upon in channeling this sound?

We’ve been inspired by many artists and labels over the years. The “All Day I Dream” sound has been a longtime favorite for some of us. Artists like Kora (Ca), Djuma Soundsystem, Be Svendsen, and collectives like Kamelkollektivet and Luskoteket have all played a role. Spending so much time at Jaeger has also been incredibly influential — it’s been a place of musical discovery for all of us.

Epiphany events are always well attended by a dedicated audience, at least from what I’ve perceived at Jaeger. Why do you think it resonates with Oslo’s dance floors?

We’ve worked hard to build a kind, welcoming, and inclusive community. When people come to our events, they feel at home — like they’re among friends. Beyond the music, it’s the sense of belonging and shared joy that brings people back. It’s not just about the party — it’s about the people.

Besides Epiphany do you find there’s a larger community, incorporating similar events and festivals?

Oslo’s electronic music scene is growing, and it’s exciting to witness. More club concepts and communities are popping up, creating a vibrant ecosystem. On the festival side, we organized GØYA together with Nomaden and some friends in 2022 and 2023 — it was the only local festival where you could experience our kind of sound.

You also bring an aesthetic to your events. How important is that element to the Epiphany events, and what’s the purpose of focussing on those details beyond the music?

The way a space feels is just as important as how it sounds. Through decorations and visuals, we try to create an atmosphere where people can let go and experience something outside of everyday life. It’s about making the music even more immersive — giving people a space where they can feel fully present.

At the core it’s based around four DJs, Epifanov, Mulo, Ihle and Lorentz Bodega, but how much does it extend beyond those DJs?

While the four of us drive the music, Epiphany is much bigger than just the DJs. Filip, our newest member, ensures our moments are beautifully captured through video and photography. Beyond that, our community steps up at every event — helping with setup, scanning tickets, decorating, and ensuring that every guest feels safe and welcome. It’s a team effort!

As four DJs with similar styles, where do your selections usually diverge from each other?

Each of us brings our own flavor. Stian leans a bit more towards progressive sounds, Mulo is more drawn to Afro house, and Epifanov and Ihle tend to focus on melodic deep house. That said, we’re versatile and all enjoy exploring across these genres, which keeps our nights dynamic and evolving.

Are you guys usually playing b4b and how was it approached during the Jaeger Mix?

If we have guest DJs, we usually do b2b sets to make room for everyone. Otherwise, we each play our own sets, but with a shared understanding of the journey we want to create together. For the Jaeger Mix, we sat down and carefully curated playlists for each hour, ensuring the energy built smoothly across the set — creating one continuous, flowing story.

What were some of the initial ideas for this mix as you were coming together to discuss it?

We wanted to showcase the broad range of music we love, while making sure the mix felt cohesive and organic. It was important to us that it reflected both our diversity and our unity as a collective.

As I said, it’s a pretty good representation of the Epiphany sound. With the context being different from your usual Epiphany nights, how did you have to adapt for the recording?

We approached it differently by thinking of it more as a musical journey than a club night. For the podcast format, the focus was less about driving a dance floor and more about creating an emotional, evolving soundscape that people could connect with in any setting.

We know besides the events, you also do the mix series, but what other avenues do you explore in terms of music?

We’ve all started producing our own music, which has been a really exciting step forward for us. Beyond the podcast and events, we’ve also started playing more internationally, which is an amazing opportunity to share our sound with new audiences.

Will there ever be an Epiphany record label for instance?

It’s definitely something we dream about! We’re all a little bit perfectionistic, so we’re taking our time to make sure we get it right. But it’s a goal we’re working towards — and hopefully one day you’ll hear the first Epiphany EP!

What else is on the horizon for Epiphany and its DJs that you’re eager to share?

Right now, we’re focused on a very exciting summer season. We have events lined up all the way through November! We’ll be playing at Jaeger in May with Djuma Soundsystem, at a rooftop party for Musikkfest, and we have international gigs in Rome and a festival in Romania, plus a club night in Stavanger. It feels like a new chapter is opening, and we’re incredibly excited for what’s ahead.