DJ Oscar G
Interviewed for Riffin' by Webjockey Fashionboyz
DJ Oscar G's Rifflist on Riffin.com: Some of Oscar Gs Tracks
DJ Oscar G Launches Into Space
Miami nightlife legend, DJ Oscar G, has been the much-lauded resident of Space nightclub since 2001. In that time, he has earned an international reputation as one of the most evolved and pioneering DJs in the world. With a new album out that was recorded live at Space, Oscar G takes some time to talk with Riffin' about why New York makes him nervous, the current state of Miami clubbing and why electronic music is at a critical crossroads.
Riffin': Your new release, "Nervous Nitelife: Space Miami" was recorded live, capturing all the sounds of the crowd going crazy. Why did you choose to do a live recording?
Oscar G: I have been at Space nightclub in Miami for over 7 years at this point, and I wanted to share the experience of being there on a crowded Saturday night with those listening to my album. With the live production, you can get a sense for the way the entire ambiance, from how the music is programmed to hearing the crowd get excited to the ambient sounds of the smoke machines billowing and the horns blowing.
Riffin': What is the culture of Space nightclub?
Oscar G: There is lots of energy in the room, especially for such a long night, often 8-10 hours. The great thing is that they trust me, so I can be more experimental with the songs I play. They understand that when they see me it will be a unique experience, one that ebbs and flows. Sometimes when I travel people expect to have every track big and heavy, but when I am at Space, I can highlight different moods throughout the set.
Riffin': Is Miami still as great a place to spin as in the late 90's?
Oscar G: (Laughter). I think what has changed since the heyday is that the nightlife is no longer so tourist driven. This city used to be where all the models and fashionable people came, and even though there is still an element of that to the nightlife, the scene is propelled by the locals. Especially at Space, which is in downtown Miami instead of South Beach, you see that it is very local driven. Sometimes the summer time is when we get busiest, which is the lowest tourist time. The local scene has developed a lot more. Back then it was more transient.
Riffin': When you come to NY or another city, what do you expect?
Oscar G: I love NY. Some of my favorite DJ's I first saw while I was in NY. To be honest, though, when I am in NY is when I am the most nervous, but I love the gigs over there. The crowds have been really good. NY has gone through a lot of changes, but it has gone into an upswing.
Riffin': What do you think is the future of electronic music?
Oscar G: Now is an exciting time because we have gone through the superstar DJ time when things were bigger and corporate and now it has tapered off being like that. So now there are lots of new ideas and sounds, especially among the DJs and musicians. The music now is new and fresh. It is a more low key time in terms of commercial cross over, which I really believe is a time when real developments happen.
Riffin': What music are you into these days?
Oscar G: I am really into Ralph Falcon. He has been doing things on his own that are really great and refreshing. Songs that are so hard to come by and he is doing these things that are more minimal and bass and groove-driven instead of big production and crescendos.
Riffin': What advice would you give to someone starting out and who wants to become a DJ?
Oscar G: Run the other way! You gotta really love this shit. This is all I have ever done. I kid you not when I say that I started DJ'ing when I was 12. I never planned it out as a career or anything like that, but I love to do it as much now as when I started. For someone making their way, just make sure you love it, stay original and, most importantly, stay humble.
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