From humble beginnings in the small country of Switzerland, Andrea Oliva is a name that’s been on the tips of everyone’s tongue for a while now. They say the proof is in the pudding, and after seeing him at last months Winter Social festival, it’s not hard to see why the industry respects him so much. With releases on the likes of Objektivity and Knee Deep in Sound, and regular appearances in Ibiza and festivals all over the world, there’s not much the young Swiss DJ hasn’t accomplished. So When We Dip sat down for a chinwag to discuss all things clubbing related, and his desire to run his own label soon.
WWD: Hey Andrea thanks for sitting down for a chat! You recently released your Sterotype EP on Green Velvet’s Relief records. What was the inspiration behind the EP?
AO: To be honest there was no big inspiration really. I am a fan of Green Velvet and his label. I saw him supporting some of my preview releases and so I thought he might like something of mine for his label. He is such an easy-going cool dude and he signed the music in a second – which made me very happy of course.
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WWD: Good stuff it’s a wicked EP! You’ve played at some of the biggest clubs in the world, from Ibiza to Switzerland and even further afar! If you had to choose one, what’s been your favourite club to DJ in?
AO: Every party, club or festival is different. Every situation has its own charm and its own story – so really it’s impossible to pick just one.
WWD: We can imagine. You’ve got the Ants takeover at O2 Academy Brixton this week, then straight after that you’re off to Malta for Lost & Found festival! How does playing at a festival compare to playing in a club? And which would you say you prefer?
AO: I like both but I have to say I enjoy playing big festival gigs a lot lately – maybe also because I’ve played small clubs for half of my life – so playing big stages is always a great challenge.
WWD: Nice! You’ve also done back to back sets with the likes of Pete Tong and David Squillace in the past and it’s safe to say you’ve always smashed it! Who would be your dream DJ to do a back to back set with?
AO: It’s true – as well as those I’ve done lots of b2b sets with people like Seth Troxler, Joris Voorn, Kölsch and also talents with a bit of a smaller profile like Gianni Callipari. As you can see, all of those names have different styles and that is exactly why a b2b can turn out to be so special. If I had to chose one name though I would say Laurent Garnier because he is simply the boss!
WWD: We’d have to agree! You’re no stranger to making tracks either, having released several EPs on some of the scenes biggest labels including Desolat and Knee Deep in Sound. Can you see yourself running your own label one day Andrea?
AO: For sure – I think now is the right moment to start a label and I have planned to get that ball rolling after the summer season.
WWD: Great stuff we can’t wait for that. And with so many producers coming onto the scene it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. As an established artist, what advice would you give to upcoming producers trying to break into the industry?
AO: Don’t believe the hype, try to find your own style, your own trademark and just enjoy yourself. Don’t let yourself down with fake people who talk too much… the industry is full of those characters. Instead focus on building relationships with the people you have a good feeling with. Share the music and see where it takes you.
WWD: That’s sounds like some good advice! Final question we’d like to finish on Andrea: If you were us, what question would you ask yourself?
AO: Who is the most overrated DJ? Who is the most underrated DJ? Hahaha
WWD: Thanks for chatting to us today!
AO: No problem!