Smash The Club Interview: Ookay

Published November 20, 2015

Southern California DJ/producer, Ookay, recently released his debut album, “Ghost EP”, on Dim Mak Records last week. He has produced tracks such as “Bouncer”, “You Make Me”, “Yen”, and a number of chart-topping remixes. At only 22-years-old, he has played at some of the biggest events and festivals, and worked alongside some of most talented guys on the scene. We recently had the chance to sit and chat with the Ookay at Electric Daisy Carnival in Orlando.

Congratulations on your new album “Ghost EP”. It’s different from your Trap-style that many people see you as. What made you want to switch over to try out different genres on this album?
It’s an experiment, I wanted to try new things and challenge myself. I wanted to try new genres that people have never seen me do before. I felt like things were getting to repetitive and I wanted to show my fans what I can do.

What influenced the sound or style on your EP?
I love Death Metal, Jazz, Electronica, Gospel, and House.

What’s your favorite song on the album?
All of them.

What made you want to become a DJ/producer?
I was in a Christian death metal band in high school as weird as that sounds…and that introduced me into DJing and producing. A lot of members in my band weren’t as motivated as myself, so I went a different direction and worked very hard the next 3 or 4 years until I was finally noticed.

Do you like to troll people on the internet?
I love it!

What’s up with you and Hardwell?
I’ve never met him, but I’m a fan of his and I’ve heard he’s a fan of mine.

You and Kennedy Jones are doing a back-to-back set tonight at EDC Orlando, if you could do a back-to-back with anyone else who would it be?
Borgore, Diplo, and Hardwell for sure.

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Kennedy Jones and Ookay at EDC Orlando (Photo Credit: Smash The Club)

You’ve worked with some of the biggest and most talented guys in the industry including Diplo and Showtek. How is it like working with them?
There’s a reason why they are so big. They are just genuine people, talented, passionate, creative, motivated, and they know how to market themselves very well. It was a blessing working with them and everyone I’ve ever worked with has been an inspiration. I try to pass on what I’ve learned to some of the producers I mentor.

How do you prepare for your sets?
I don’t. Maybe the day before I’ll make a few edits, a quick remix, or maybe even an original.

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Ookay at TomorrowWorld (Photo Credit: DustinHollywood.com)

Where do you get your inspiration for your tracks and remixes?
It’s just in my head…I could be in the shower or driving and BOOM!…an idea just pops up in my head.

Do you have any production tips?
Don’t add limiters to your master and don’t listen to people on the Internet. Keep making the music you want to make and if nobody’s heard of that type of music be the first person to do it.

Is there anybody you would like to work with in the industry?
Hardwell, Kanye, and Miley Cyrus. I’m really open to working with anyone.

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Ookay and Jon (Smash The Club)

What’s in your DJ bag?
Headphones, USB, backup USBs, giant flag with my logo, GoPro, and toiletries. It’s kinda boring…I might have to start taking my PS4 with me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Doing what I’m doing now and working with artist in the Pop market to open-up my fan base or working with movies. I’m not “selling out” as it would be my sound and my style.

You can pickup Ookay’s new album “Ghost EP” now available via Dim Mak Records.
iTunes
Beatport


Follow Ookay
Facebook: facebook.com/ookaymusic
Twitter: @ookayx
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/ookaymusic