A huge name in the current Naarm scene is none other than local Oots, Oots is driven by rap & techno you can definitely tell as that's the style he goes for not only in his sets but in his tracks as well! Oots has supported the likes of Crush3D, Laura King & has even made tracks with International artists such as Shay Whelan + many more to be announced on the way.
Oots, is on the current rise with an EP dropped a few months back called "Unmatched Energy" & also having an artist such as Skin on Skin playing one of his unreleased tracks at Pitch Music & Arts this year, Oots has headlined shows in Naarm & just recently @Bloom Geelong & in Sydney. We recently caught up with him to talk about what the future holds for him & where did this passion come from?
Q & A:
Question 1: When did the drive to start mixing and being involved in Dance music be a big thing for you in your life for you?
A: In 2018, I went to my first ever festival which was Beyond the Valley. These 4 days really exposed me to the scene that I later would become a part of. I was lucky enough to see the likes of Kettama, Mall Grab, and Skin on Skin play for the first time ever and their sets got me into this type of music.
Later on I then went to Pitch Music and Arts in 2020 just before the lockdown. After this festival I decided to buy my first set of decks which were Pioneer DDJ-400s.
The lockdown was perfect for me as this is when I taught myself how to DJ. Later down the track I began to want to produce my on music, I knew this would be a great way to express myself as an artist rather than DJing and only playing other people’s tracks.
Question 2: Do you have any further plans for 2022 such as track drops? shows interstate?
A: I very recently played my first interstate show which was in Sydney. This night was so special to me because it sold out and I got to meet so many amazing new people.
This year in terms of releases, I have many tracks in the vault, these include edits as well as originals. I’m currently in the process of choosing which ones I’m wanting to put out.
Question 3: Favorite Gig or Fav Venue you have played at recently?
A: My favourite venue that I’ve played at recently is Bloom in Geelong. I really liked the intimate one room set up, and it was packed to the brim!
My favourite gig that I have played would be my most recent one in Sydney. It was the first time a set of mine had been professionally recorded with video. Had such a blast.
Question 4: Favorite all time tune?
A: This is a very, very hard one.
I’m gonna give you 2 genres.
Believe it or not I actually listen to rap a lot more than techno. However I absolutely love both.
A timeless song that I will never skip in my rotation is Wokeuplikethis* by Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti. Shit is so hard.
In terms of the style of music I make and play out, my favourite song at the moment would have to be SWIM’s edit of “Say It Right” by Nelly Furtado. The talent that man has is insane.
Question 5: With producing what is one tip you can give beginners that a new to making tracks?
A: Use Ableton, it’s just the best.
Also, it may take a while to wrap your head around the different concepts. It looks so confusing when you first open up a DAW. Use YouTube tutorials and be patient. I look back and listen to some of the first tracks I ever made (which aren’t released anymore) and it’s amazing how far you’ll see yourself come.
Question 6: Who inspires you?
A: Very easy question. The people who listen to and love my music inspire me. The feeling I get when people come up to me saying they like my music is unmatched. This always gives me a feeling that motivates me to go home and work on music for hours.
Question 7: Do you like sticking to one genre or do you like others that you show off in your mixing/producing?
A: I love techno and rap, those are the two that I tend to demonstrate in my music. However, sample vocals that I have used and chopped up include Ariana Grande, and forthcoming SZA ft. Summer Walker (An edit I’m releasing soon)
Question 8: What is one piece of advice you can give to those just starting in the industry?
A: Make friends, and don’t be afraid to contact people you fuck with. A year ago I sent through a google drive to Manny (SOS) and a year later he spun one of my unreleased at Pitch 2022 in front of thousands of people. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! (But at the same time don’t be annoying haha)
Question 9: Unmatched Energy is a record label you have curated yes? what is the plan for the future?
A: I am currently gathering tracks from my friends in the community that I will be releasing on a V/A sometime this year. So far these include tracks from Shay Whelan, CUZ E, Mistr Dean and Blokes45.
Question 10: Some of the tracks you play in your sets are always known to be played by you? What are your top 3 tracks you love playing out?
A: “The Transition”, which is an unreleased one by my boy Ben Prophet.
“Winger”, which is an unreleased collaboration by Ejeca and Obskur. The Obskur lads sent this one over about a year ago and I can’t stop playing it!
The 3rd track that I love playing out is one forthcoming on the Unmatched Energy V/A. It’s by my friend CULLEN (CUZ E) and it doesn’t have a name yet!
Below will be where you can find Oots on social media & his latest track drops!
SOCIALS:
Instagram: @Oots
Spotify: @Oots
Soundcloud: