Swiss DJ and producer, Andrea Oliva makes a debut on the Nothing Else Matters roster this month with his debut single; ‘Dancing, No Sleep’ which also features a remix from label head honcho; Danny Howard. Andrea is one of the busiest DJs in the industry with close ties to ANTS Ibiza, Elrow and Music On as well as some of the world’s best festivals.

Over the last decade, he has released music on some of the biggest labels in Dance including EP’s on Relief, Saved Records, elrow, Truesoul and Hot Creations to name but a few. ‘Dancing, No Sleep’ is a hard-hitting club cut, building through various filters, synths and playful loops with a hypnotic vocal throughout and shuffling hi-hats, bouncing b-line and accompanying chunky, heavy house drums. Danny Howard’s remix offers a deeper, more chilled out, take on the original with intricate percussive effects alongside the mesmeric vox and enticing synth flutters and indulgent grooves throughout. Once again this is another powerful Nothing Else Matters release that cannot fail to make a mark.

WWD: Thanks for talking to us today Andrea… how have the first few weeks of 2020 been for you?

My pleasure! 2020 has started in the best possible way – January is my month off touring so I have plenty of time to see friends, chill and go to the studio. Happy days!

WWD: Over the course of your career you’ve worked in a lot of different aspects of the music industry, but what was your real ‘big break’ into the artistic side?

Over 25 years in this industry I’ve been able to see a lot of different sides of the electronic music world – going right back to when I was around 13 and discovering the art of DJing to then being a promoter, booking DJs, organising events and producing music myself. I am close to completing my circle and I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way – both good and bad.  I think the more you live through those experiences, the more little breaks you get which eventually lead to your bigger break. I didn’t have my big break yet, but I have my goals straight in my head and I am working hard towards them.

WWD: We’re loving your new record on Nothing Else Matters! How did you hook up with Danny for the release, is he someone you’ve known for a while?

Danny is a big supporter of my music, in fact him and also Pete Tong are the ones who support my music on their shows on BBC Radio 1 always first. It’s a pleasure to contribute to the relaunch of his label, which has some great music coming.

WWD: How much does the title of the record describe your life?

Having no sleep literally dominates my life especially when on tour… but then seeing people dancing to my music makes up for everything.

WWD: What would you say are some of the key things to sustaining a career as an electronic music artist?

Focus on your own production skills, create your own kind of sound, make it your very own sound and work harder than you think you have to as noone is going to come knocking on your door to offer you residencies and record deals.

WWD: We’re only a few months away from yet another Ibiza season. Does it feel like it takes over your life when the season’s in full swing?

It takes over my life in the most positive way. Ibiza is a special place for many reasons and I can’t wait to be back. If it was up to me the season would start in February and finish in November, haha.

 
WWD: It feels like every season or so, a new trend or sub-genre emerges and goes onto rule the island for a while. Any predictions for 2020?

Indeed. But it’s also true that house and techno is always up there and hopefully will be there forever. I love discovering new artists and new sub genres as you call them, but sometimes you just don’t have to believe all the hype.

WWD: We know your a big fan of Oxia’s seminal Domino… if you could get your hands on one classic record to remix, which would it be?

I have remixed some classics and I can tell you its not easy. 99% of the time I would say you shouldn’t even touch a classic and you should just let it be an amazing historical tune. I would love to remix DJ Rolando’s ‘Knights of the Jaguar“, but at the same time I know I wouldn’t do justice to the original so I would rather enjoy it for the rest of my life and let it be one of the best classic records of all time.

WWD: What can we expect from you over the coming months?

I start touring from February and then soon after we have the Ibiza and festival season coming. Also I have a lot of music ready to release on different labels and my very own label looks like its finally gonna see the light.

WWD: Finally, can you tell us about one artist that might not be on our radar yet, but that definitely should be?

There are so many I could mention, that’s the beauty of our industry right now. If you dig deeper you will find some amazing new artists, and I would like to suggest to everyone to do just that. Nothing beats that moment when you discover a new favourite artist and their music.

Dancing, No Sleep is out now on Nothing Else Matters – listen & buy