Four years ago, Arun Sepp stumbled upon Open Source Radio while searching for an internship. That internship never happened, but something much more meaningful did. From studio manager to resident artist, Arun became a key part of our community. His residency, Perceptual Disturbances, explores the space between sound and vision. Each episode, a new VJ joins him to build an audiovisual world that unfolds live in our stream – immersive, and fully collaborative.
In this special Spotlight, Arun reflects on his journey at OSR, from learning the ropes in the booth to building his voice as a DJ and finding a second home in our container. He also shares a personal tribute to fellow resident and close friend Nabil, who passed away this year. Their connection was formed right here, through the hours, the records, and the friendship that emerged between shows.
“My residency at Open Source Radio is called Perceptual Disturbances.
The most well-known disturbances of perception are hallucinations, which can be intrusive voices or other sounds. Seeing frightening images or distortions of images. Each episode, I team up with a talented VJ to create a visual journey that merges with the sound. The visuals are made transparent and overlaid on the livestream. Both the VJ and I have full creative freedom. We work separately on our work, and then the two art forms merge and become one during the episode.
I first came across Open Source Radio about four years ago while I was looking for an internship. That never worked out, but I ended up finding something way more valuable: four years of growth, both as an artist and as a person, and a truly warm community.
I started out as a studio manager and loved every bit of it for three years. I met so many amazing people from all over the country, made real friends, and learned a lot about myself along the way. After that warm welcome, I began developing my residency. For me the best part about OSR is how collaborative it is. From the start, the core team helped me shape my residency. I also got creative and technical support from the community, and that’s really what made the show what it is today.
Open Source Radio has been my playground for experimentation. I’ve had the chance to explore different styles to find my own sound, put in the DJ-hours, push myself, and make countless mistakes. All of which taught me something. Every moment in the OSR container, whether it was my residency show, curating program, a fun B2B during a community day, a festival takeover, or an interview, has given me depth and development as an artist. I’m eternally grateful for that.
Recently, a good friend and fellow studio manager at OSR passed away. We met at OSR so I want to say a few words for Nabil:
Since you left, I’ve been reflecting a lot on life. I think we all are. Reflecting the big picture but surely also the small one. Our moments together replay in my mind every day. We shared so many memories in that little green container. Laughter, bitchin’ and of course playing records. Even when you were fighting your own demons, your energy stayed warm, contagious, inspiring and full of light. Thank you for all of it, Nabil. For the moments, the lessons, the inspiration. You moved through the world with a rare kind of presence, and it left a mark on all of us.
You may not be here anymore,
but you’re far from gone.
Wherever you are, keep spinning those vinyls, bro.”