American house maestro Oscar G drops a double album on Nervous Records this month with appearances from a whole host of heavy hitters including the likes of Kenny Dope, DJ Sneak, Byron Stingily, Pablo Fierro and Katiashe. Ahead of it’s release, we caught up with the main man to discuss the influences behind the record, while he also took the time to share an exclusive with When We Dip readers in the from of ‘Azucar’ – a top notch collaboration with I’m A House Gangster chief and industry vet DJ Sneak.
WWD: Hi Oscar, Thanks for taking the time to have a talk with us. What have you been getting up to this week?
This week I’m doing some press/promo leading up to release of my new album this Friday May 20th. I’m also digging through new music getting ready for this weekend’s gigs.
WWD: Has the Summer buzz hit Miami or is it one of those places that buzzes the whole year round?
Summer season in Miami is actually off-season. High season here is the Winter months. I always look forward to the Summer though because it is mostly locals. The real Miami reveals itself. That being said, yes it buzzes all year round.
WWD: Talk us through the new album! What was the process like? many late nights?
Many late nights indeed. I was actually originally planning to do a DJ mix compilation. I just kept thinking that was irrelevant at this point, given the way people get their music. Around the same time, I had finished the title track “Beep my Boom”. That track kind of motivated me to work on a full artist album instead. 20 songs and many sleepless nights later, here we are.
WWD: Did you approach the LP differently to how you would approach an EP?
It is very different because I wanted to achieve the difficult task of presenting it as a coherent DJ set but made up of all original songs that could stand alone as well. This made it more involved than putting together 2-3 songs that work well.
WWD: What was the one thing you found most difficult about putting it together?
The most difficult thing is knowing when you’re done. When is a mix down perfect? When do you have enough? Is there too much? Questions like these haunt you a little bit when you’re nearing the end of the process.
WWD: What’s your favourite LP/Album of all time?
This is impossible to answer..do I’ll give you a few that come to mind..
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Eric B & Rakim – Paid in Full
Depeche Mode – Violator
WWD: Production-wise, what did it take to get you to this level?
I don’t think you ever really reach a level per say. You gain experience and knowledge of the tools. But, creating habits or comfort zones is dangerous. I think the important things are to evolve and remain objective.
WWD: Talk to us about your relationship with Nervous, where did it begin?
I first did a few Murk projects with Nervous many years ago. Since then, we have developed a very productive relationship. Mike Weiss is like family and is also my manager. I think it works because we trust our instincts and have a mutual respect for what we each bring to the table.
WWD: What is it about the label that appeals to you?
Ive always respected Mike Weiss and the legacy of Nervous as one of the pioneering house music labels. Most importantly the creative freedom they give me is a huge motivation.
WWD: Collaborations play a big part in the release, how do you go about selecting who you work with?
I tend to work with people I respect and more importantly have genuine connections to. The collaborations on this album came about organically more than anything else. I didn’t have a specific plan or list of people I wanted to work with. They all kind of just happened. Luckily, it is a very talented group of friends.
WWD: Now that the album is all wrapped up, what’s the schedule like for the next few months?
I will be doing a bunch of parties in support of the album. The first will be this Saturday at Space Ibiza New York with DJ Sneak, who collaborated on an album cut with me. Aside from that, doing interviews like this, and trying to create some awareness. All while hoping people don’t get sick of hearing my crap!
Release date: 18-05-2016
Follow: Oscar G // Nervous Records