Back from the States with his huge ‘Play It Down’ dropping everwhere
Interview : Dan Prince
Oliver welcome to DMCWORLD, you are currently in the midst of your North American tour, where are you right now?
“Good evening! I’ve actually just arrived back in Berlin now. I’m exhausted but it was an amazing tour.”
Okay cool. Last week saw dates in New York and Toronto – how were those gigs, Verboten always rocks…
“These were two really good shows. I started that tour off at Verboten NYC with my label mate Jesse and to play with him is always too much fun. Wrongbar in Toronto was really cool too, it was good vibes as always. I never had a bad show there.”
Many people were appalled at how EDM swept America last year, citing the clubbers adoration for the commercial sound was going to be detrimental for the emerging scene. Others saw it as a great way to open people’s ears and provide a doorway of exploration to other dance music genres. What are your thoughts on the whole American EDM debate?
“I think it’s a good thing to get young people involved there. They may not be familiar with my sound, I’m not a fan of commercial music, but it definitely helps to play small stages at some big festivals from time to time.”
You have a huge affinity with the States taking musical inspiration from many of its cities. So please take a few minutes and explain what these cities mean to you, your favourite DJ/band and some of your favourite clubbing memories from each location…
New York
“NYC is legend when it comes to house music with labels like nu groove..”
Miami
“It’s always great for the WMC in March to hang out with friends and chill with them for a sec.”
Chicago
“Such a legendary city for my sound, it’s always great vibes to play there and on top of that, it is great for record shopping at Gramaphone.”
Detroit
“I’m also really influenced by the motor city sound-wise. This was my very first time there and it was such fun to play out some records at grasshopper underground. Chuck Daniels showed me a bit of the city too and I really enjoyed it.”
You have been busy in the studio of late, your new track on Play It Down has been smashing dancefloors up everywhere. How has the American clubbers received the track?
“Actually it’s been really quite good because the all heads know where I licensed the sample from and dig it! It always got the floor moving when I played it so it seems to have connected well over there.”
You have also a remix on the forthcoming Kraftek package, other remixers include Stacey Pullen, Pirupa and Green Velvet. Talk us through your rework…
“It’s been fun to remix that one and such an honor to remix that alongside legends such as these. I always enjoy the challenge of a remix and this was no different. It was a great track to get stuck into I have to admit!”
I interviewed Kaz James this week, something he said was kinda interesting…”I don’t think it’s necessary these days to actually be a good DJ like it was 15 years ago at the start of my career. These days you can get away with pressing play on a laptop.” Discuss…
“To be honest, I don’t really care how you play. I care more about quality and what you get out of it and of course my hair…”
Where have some of the stand out gigs been for you this summer, Used & Abused in Ibiza was mental…
“Yeah, the Used & Abused parties were amazing indeed and a total surprise for me that Dice wanted me to play. I’ve got to admit that it was one of the standout gigs for me.”
What are your thoughts on Ibiza 2013, is the island still the No. 1 party destination in the world?
“Ibiza is always good fun and its great to see friends and meet people there. I think its definitely one of the best party islands I’ve been to.”
Tell us about that Chez Damier set you have been raving about on Facebook recently…
(Laughs)
“That was pretty emotional for me to warm up for him and how he smashed it, just a real house music icon and super friendly too. It’s not often that you meet people like him!”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning?
1. Fast Eddie_Feat CeCe Penisten – Steppin(Border Patrol Remix)
2 Jesse Rose & Oliver $ – When We Heard Solidgroove
3. Steve Silk Hurley – Jack Ya Body (Doorly Club Rub)
4. Gregory Porter – 1960 What (Opolopo Kick & Bass Rerub)
5. O&A – Shake It (Extended House Mix)
6. Jason Hodges – Old School Swing
7. DOC:HOOK – Jacking Dogs
8. SHADOW CHILD feat TYMER – 23
9. Cajmere & Oliver $ – We Can Make It feat.Dajae
10. LaRosa – Something Strange (Filsonik Remix)
A quote from a certain household DJ last week… “It was different when I started out back in the day, there was no glamour side of travelling around the world, getting paid fortunes for gigs, it was all about the music. I think people get into it for all the wrong reasons today.” Discuss…
“It’s just different today. I’m from that school as well where you get famous with a record instead of getting hype with a t shirt, but at the end of the day, the quality always counts.”
Anthem of the summer?
“Ninetoes/Finder.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“There is a lot going on studio-wise. The new single is nearly finished with my mate Jimi Jules and I’m still working hard on my very first album ever so stay tuned.”
https://soundcloud.com/oliverdollar
https://www.facebook.com/oliverdollar
