We had the good fortune of connecting with Libby Dorot and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Libby, what do you attribute your success to?

Following your authenticity! Oslee is actually an acronym with “O” for “Obey your Authenticity.” (Followed by Serve, Love, Excel, and Elevate.) 

Each of us is a ‘chip off the old block,’ a tiny, unique expression of Source, or God, or the Universe, however you may call it. And if we were given this life as a gift, then what we do with it is essentially our love letter back to Source. So honoring who we are – our talents, values, dreams, what we want to create and explore – honors that gift that is our life. And, it not only bring us joy but ultimately uplifts others as well.

When I started Oslee in 2017 I didn’t even intend to share my music. I began making mantra music for myself because I was taking Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training and it’s said that mantra recited in your own voice is exponentially more powerful than solely listening to someone else sing or chant it. But what I produced excited and delighted me so deeply that I just wanted to share it. I started performing at yoga festivals, spiritual expos, and seminars in the US, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

At that time, Kundalini Yoga was more homogenous in every way (and still largely is.) The music generally fell into the ‘New Age’ genre. The clothing was often white or muted, traditional and flowing. And here I was, making electronic pop mantra music and performing it in iridescent sparkles and a crown. You would think that this would ruffle feathers but people were largely into it. It’s a new generation of practitioners and that vibe resonated with them. People were calling me ‘the Lana del Rey of chakra music’ and ‘the Lady Gaga of mantra,’ (which makes me laugh because what is chakra music) but I particularly appreciate that because those are very original artists. I didn’t set out to do something different, just something that expressed my love and devotion in my own way – something that I would like myself. When you’re sincere and you’re enjoying yourself, that’s contagious. That’s what’s ultimately most valuable and beneficial for everyone, because you give people permission to be themselves too.

So I keep checking in with what feels true to me and then do that as best I can. And sometimes that’s difficult because with Oslee I developed a following of beautiful, soulful people that I feel really connected to but currently I feel inspired to play with Oslee in a different way. I’ve been going to these beautifully transformative and impactful meditation retreats by Dr.Joe Dispenza and I’m inspired by the upbeat, positive, empowering pop music they play. I know that, like me, people are listening to these playlists to change and elevate their mental and emotional state, to help them heal, to make them feel empowered and believe in their own unlimited nature again. So letting my creativity blossom in that direction feels really worthwhile.

I’m also exploring another facet of myself with a project called Libby. It began with the intention of creating music for sync (tv, film, advertisement) but it’s morphing into its own thing, like a catepillar in its chrysalis, I dont yet know what that beautiful butterfly is going to look like. Who is Libby, what are their colors, their aesthetic, their message, etc.
I’ve been creating a lot of feel-good 80’s synthpop music with some really talented people. I also have a really fun Halloween ep coming in October, (Halloween is my favorite!) This project has me tapping into a lot of playfulness and joy. You’re catching me at an exciting moment because a lot is changing and will bloom in due time. I’d be thrilled if you followed me along for the ride! My first single for Libby will drop in August and I’m so excited to share it. (If you’d to follow along, my Instagram for this new project is @libbytunes.)

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oooh! There are no limits when it comes to discovering amazing food and fun in this city!! I’d say go to Little Tokyo for lunch and get a bento box at Maruya. Visit Pop Killer, a fun and unique store. Go to the Crystal Springs part of Griffith Park and watch the drum circle (we’re talking full kits here, not bongos – it’s a sight). Lay out under the trees or play some tennis. Then catch Magic to Do at UCB on Franklin, a completely improvised musical that happens once a month and never fails to have me in stitches. Then go to charming Cafe Figaro (actually called Figaro Bistro, but I feel like we all call it Cafe Figaro) in Los Feliz and soak up the vibe. Be sure to get the Napolean for dessert. Afterwards drive up the road to the Observatory, pull off on the side. Put on some great tunes and gaze at the skyline and stars and feel epic. Then go to TPO Coffee for their injeolme bingsu because it’s some of the very best Korean ice cream in the city and they’re open super late.

I also have to give a shout out to the South Coast Botanical Garden because they have an amazing enclosed butterfly garden in the summer – beautiful, exotic butterflies everywhere! Take one of the many hikes in Palos Verdes and visit a secret cove – you can’t go wrong with any of them. Then go to the Terranea for a cozy drink and enjoy the extraordinary views of the ocean during sunset. Then grab some chestnuts at Hisaya Kyoto Chestnuts for your ride home.

And here’s one more cuz I can’t help myself. Have brunch at the Chicken Koop in Alhambra (so fun and delicious) then go to Arcadia and look at the peacocks that openly roam the neighborhood streets. Then go to Huntington Gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery (the rose garden is incredible too when they’re in bloom.) Then back to Alhambra for the fantastic Singapore Laksa soup at Borneo Kalimantan and their grass jelly drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my mom and dad (whom I called Aba, which is father in Hebrew). They always saw my aptitude for music and pushed me in the direction of my strengths and gifts. When I started performing with the Washington Opera at age 8 (and every opera thereafter) my dad would always sneak into the dress rehearsals and film the performance on one of those old camcorders!

My parents saw me as the artistic child, but I wanted to be seen as the smart child! So I think I kind of rebelled against their visions. But they were always supportive. Whenever I tried doing something other than music, like becoming a neurofeedback facilitator for example, my dad would say, “That’s great cookie… but how’s your music?” I eventually came around, realizing that music gives me immense joy and it’s just innate.

I hope my parents know that I love them and am so grateful for their encouragement now, even if I experienced it differently as a kid!

Website: Osleemusic.com

Instagram: @oslee_music

Other: Instagram: @libbytunes

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