Introduce yourself, who exactly is GAWP?
GAWP is a guy called Oliver Portamento from Leeds UK who has been behind the scenes for many artists carving peoples careers by producing tracks, radio shows and also mix and mastering for many.
What first inspired you to become a producer?
Visited Ibiza in 98 at the age of 16 and when I realised I could create my own mashups that I didn’t have to press on vinyl as the CDJ500s just came out I was hooked on making music.
How did your new Sun Comes Up track come about?
I’ve worked with the melody men for many years now they are actually two women, Lou and Dyanna.. the tracks written especially for the summer with a groove that was infectious. After working so many times over zoom and vibing we have really bonded well and create some great tracks.
This is a key release for you, tell us more about the vibe behind it.
This is a key release as I’ve just finished a 7 week usa tour and the track was the highlight in all my sets across many states so I knew it would be well received from the fans, radio and club Djs and even my parents approve!
What’s your ideal vision for your music career when it comes to labels or dream gigs?
I’ve done this so long I feel that I’m truly grateful for anything now, for me it’s more building relationships longterm and working with labels who are in this for the right reasons. Heldeep being one of them since I toured with Oliver Heldens on his 5 Tour back in 2019.
Which instrument did you first play and at what age?
Triangle… Ting
Were your family supportive in your formative music career?
Yes always not in a financial way as ive always had side hustles from hairdressing to my own watch and boxer short company which now folded.. excuse the pun.
Outside of music, what else makes you tick?
This is a hard question, I guess I love to travel, food and being around people is great.. this is potentially as I work in the studio alone most the time.
You’ve produced lots of great tracks and achieved mixed success in the past, how does this influence your current sound?
It can be. A blessing and a curse as I feel the longer you produce music the more intelligent you get with it which can be harmful as what younger gen like can be so simple and not exciting to make as a producer but then the same time trying to break the mould is always the educational side to music production.
What would be your perfect collaboration?
I actually hate doing collabs unless I’m in the same room as the person, sharing the same coffee pot and on the same vibe! But ideally would love to work with someone like MJ Cole, Rob Swire, James Wiltshire.. all heroes of mine.
Talk us through your creative process….
There’s no method as such just to create a vibe from the outset, I do not use templates or save all my sounds just start with a kick, drums and then build from there really.. probably like most people.
Your socials hint you’re full of character, highly creative and love the lighter side of life… tell us more
Is that a compliment? If so thanks 😉 I ran events for 12 years booking all sorts of artists and the ones who influenced me the most had so much fun and just loved the party! Not taking it too serious and seem to have had a long fun life.. so I’m guessing my music is serious and im just here for the fun part of the ride. After all being too cool takes quite a bit of work/
What’s the story behind your artist name?
I created a track back in 2014 and my friend Gawped at me and his words “who is actually going to play something like that” then I said to him no need to GAWP, and had to explain what gawp meant. Rest is history.
What’s something we don’t already know about GAWP?
That I once payed a parking ticket in Pennies at the local council.
You’ve gained support from a lot of heavyweight DJ’s historically, what’s your takeaway from this?
This is great, its really nice to see people still supporting me over the years and with the GAWP project its my second time around so theres lots of history and relationships there that these people didnt know I was GAWP and the music did the work.
Do you have any weaknesses you’re actively trying to improve?
Believe it or not im sh*t at playing music, give me technology and electronic equipment im in my own but playing actually instruments im like a pirate with a hook on a guitar.
Which piece of studio kit is your favourite and why?
My 41 year old 808, the question why has just been answered.
What is it about music that excites you most?
That I find it so hard to make as I’m so fussy but then when I do like something it excites me and I know it’s going to be good!
Give us 3 of your favourite songs, past or present…
Deadmau5 – Reward Is Cheese
Jocelyn brown – Somebody Else’s Guy
Sister Sledge – Thinking of You (Dimitri from Paris remix)
(Try mix those 3 together!)
What advice would you pass onto younger generations?
Have fun! Don’t listen to grumpy old sound engineers who gatekeep and you carve your own path! Also wear ear protection at raves and loud concerts.
What’s the best piece of advice another person ever gave you?
DJ: use mono split cue to avoid any delay from monitors.
Personal: don’t eat nuts late at night
Producer: study your fav artists and use a reference track
DJs are often great Chefs with creativity in their blood. Is this the case for you?
I’m far better at actually eating than cooking, usually by the time the food is ready I’m full.
Favourite food and how it makes you feel…
Beans – Hot or cold, great for fall out shelters.
Clothes maketh the man… sounds materialistic but are you into fashion?
I sound better than I look.. that should answer this one.
Where can we find you performing next?
Next up is…
Croatia – NOA Beach NVD festival in June
USA tour JULY / AUG (loading)
Ibiza and ADE Amsterdam in October.
Any other releases in the pipeline that we should know about?
Got a few exciting ones..
One on Monkis label &Friends out 7th June 2024
Nervous Records out 28th June 2024
Shermanologys label De’aupe TBA
Gene Farris label Farris Wheel with Redux Saints out later in the year.. and so many more!
Open plug, why should people support your new release?
As I have always given people the option to buy or stream the music and wound never tell them why they should, I guess its from my promoter days.. I used to say people should talk about my parties not me. I’d also suggest people also check out my older productions too not just the new ones, some of the older ones are still standing up to this day.
Find Our More & Follow:
I’m quite an approachable person on social media so drop me a comment on my posts etc.. I 99% reply back to everyone unless you’re a weirdo then get restraining orders on you! (Joke) you can find me on all platforms @GAWP music or from this link https://linktr.ee/gawpmusic. Thanks for reading this far and it’s been a pleasure to share my life journey with you through music.
OLI aka GAWP
