By: Djole Jovkovic and Christina Schmidt
Olivier Weiter is a name that has been showing up more and more, and after hearing legends like Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren supporting his music and playing his tracks during some of their biggest shows, we wanted to learn more about the Amsterdam based producer. Olivier has been playing shows around the globe and with a unique sound that explores the depths of what underground music is all about, he leaves us with no questions on why his music has been turning heads just about everywhere. His music eliminates the “labels” and genre boarders and with every set he explores an array of sounds that satisfies the big room dance floor as well as having that perfect set to listen to at home during the day. Olivier’s music is emotional and influences our mind to reflect on feelings that go beyond the party. Something that doesn’t go unnoticed in a world where everyone wants to be a “DJ”.
Love This City TV caught up with Olivier for an in depth look into his background, his start in the music industry, his current sound, and what exactly the “WEITER” concept is all about. Olivier Weiter isn’t just another “DJ” to come out of Amsterdam but he represents why the city is known for influencing some of world’s top talents and why hard work and determination pays off if your passion outshines all of the barriers.
What have been some of the biggest milestones in your young career?
The biggest milestone for me was playing in a sold-out Paradiso with my own WEITER concept, which is one of the most special venues from the Netherlands. Afterwards I did a tour in the Netherlands with this concept, it was so amazing! Another milestone was doing the grand Mysteryland opening ceremony, and afterwards touring with the Mysteryland crew to Chile, and to the holy grounds of Woodstock, Bethel Woods USA.
Also, my first release was a milestone of course! To hear your own track played by Nick Warren & Hernan Cattaneo and to see all the people dancing to your music, that was awesome.
You are based out of Amsterdam — one of the world’s most influential cities for dance music. What makes Amsterdam so special and how has the city influenced you as an artist?
I think the most special thing about Amsterdam is the fact that it really feels like a small village. It feels cosy, and it always inspires me when I come back to the city. The canals, the architecture, it’s beautiful. It boosted my career as well, because there are so many creative people living here, and so many spots where you can play music. So especially in the beginning of my career it helped me a lot. I played in every venue I could, just to get more and more experience.
Also the record store “Distortion” in the West district of Amsterdam was a place that really influenced me. I was spending a lot of hours of crate digging there, to find that one special record.
You are deeply rooted in the Amsterdam obscure house scene. Describe your sound and what separates it from the norm?
I find it always hard to describe my sound, I think the best description of my sound is “Techno with a melodic twist” I can play really deep, but also more heavy four to the floor grooves. I love to play long sets so I can switch between different genres and tell a story, which is, in my opinion, a lot tougher if you only play for 1.5 hours.
Being a successful DJ and producer in a very competitive industry isn’t easy, what has been the most helpful piece of advice you’ve received?
The most helpful piece of advice came from Hernan Cattaneo, a DJ that really inspires me a lot. He told me not to think too much in borders, and just do what I do right now instead of following the trends in the industry, and to make sure that the media is not putting a “Techno” or “Deephouse” label on you…because I can be very diverse. That’s what makes me unique, and that’s why he (Hernan) is still in the game after so many years.
You have recently introduced the “Weiter Concept,” describe what it is and where do you see it going in the future?
I made this concept because I wanted to create a platform for self-expression. A platform where I could share my ideas about a good night out, with show elements, a long DJ set, without being interrupted after two hours because the next DJ is going to play, or having more areas so people will lose their focus. It’s more a one-man show.
After the first year we got invited to host a stage at Mysteryland Festival, and the year after at Amsterdam Open Air. This was for me the opportunity to invite other artists, who influenced me sound-wise, and also friends to share the decks with me. In the near future I want to take the WEITER concept abroad and make it a steady platform world-wide.
https://soundcloud.com/olivier-weiter/olivier-weiter-mysteryland
Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest release on Einmusika- “Takkie”. This is a very emotional and deep track, and I applaud you for taking us on a journey with a single track oppose to achieving this through an entire set.
The vibe in the track is definitely inspired by Shamanism. I find this a very interesting topic. The music, the healing process, the journey in your inner self. If you listen to the track you will hear all these elements. From the toms, which are inspired by the shamanic drums, to the vocal cuts and the arpeggiator sound, which are inspired by the mantras of shamans.
https://soundcloud.com/einmusika-recordings/sets/einmusika034-olivier-weiter
Having played some of the biggest gigs ranging from D-Edge in Brazil to Sonar in Barcelona, what events have been the most memorable to you and which ones do you hope to play in the future?
My gigs in South America were really inspiring. In Chile the people are so real and they are super enthusiastic. At D-Edge, Sao Paulo, it’s a different game. The club is state of the art, the LED walls are amazing. It’s serious clubbing over there. I played from 4:00AM-1:00PM, and people were so into the sound. Outside the sun came up, but inside it was still dark. There was a button next to the mixer where I could control the windows. So sometimes I pressed the button and some sunbeams came in, after 5 minutes it became dark again. Amazing! I also would love to play Warung, Brazil and the Terrace at Amnesia in Ibiza in the future!
Describe the creative process for your monthly “From Within” podcast mixes?
It’s nearly the same as producing a record for me. When I get inspiration from friends, gigs and countries, I suck it all up and go to the studio. I start with collecting records the first week of the month, and the last week of the month I’m mixing the podcast. So every month comes “From Within” my experiences as a DJ.
https://soundcloud.com/olivier-weiter/olivier-weiter-from-within-6
Following up on successful releases on Einmusika, Armada, and Sudbeat, are there any current projects you’re working on that you’d like to let the world know about?
Yes, we are working on a project called “Before Now After” with my friends Miss Melera, Arjuna Schiks and Eelke Kleijn. We are busy in the studio with an unique set-up, 4 people together making live beats, each on their own system but all connected to one main mixer. Afterwards we arrange all the stuff. It’s so much fun to do, because your jamming and never know what the others come up with. We already made some interesting material. In February my official remix of the classic “Three Drives – Greece 2000” will be released. End of December I’ll be releasing an EP on Click Records with Michael de Hey, and also a new remix on Parquet recordings is coming your way!
https://soundcloud.com/beforenowafter/sets/before-now-after-weekly
We are looking forward to hearing more from Olivier Weiter and with the success and overwhelming support of his music from global underground influencers we can promise you he isn’t going anywhere.
Check out more on Olivier Weiter….
https://www.facebook.com/OlivierWeiter
https://soundcloud.com/olivier-weiter
http://instagram.com/olivierweiter
https://www.youtube.com/user/OlivierWeiter
