I’m a big fan of Anjunabeats, and have really enjoyed their Anjunabeats Worldwide series over the years. When Anjunabeats Worldwide 08 dropped, mixed by Oliver Smith, I wasn’t familiar with his work, but really enjoyed the album. I did some digging and quickly learned he has produced some incredible tracks over the years. I really enjoy “Inside” and “Shadows,” one of his most popular releases to date. But now that he’s worked on Anjunabeats Worldwide 08, the future is bright for this guy. The compilation series has brought us extended musical journeys from the minds of Mat Zo, ARTY, ilan Bluestone, Jason Ross, GRUM and more. This might be the best release to date. In an effort to learn more about Oliver and this album, I reached out for an interview. Needless to say, it was a fun interview. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Oliver Smith.
You recently released Anjunabeats Worldwide 08. Tell me more about that release and what it was like working on such an iconic project.
This is the 8th edition of the Anjunabeats Worldwide compilation series and I was honoured to finally get a chance to mix it this time! Each edition of the series features brand new music from the DJ compiling it, along with the best new material from the Anjunabeats family. It’s been very exciting see how it has grown and evolved over the years.
Names like Mat Zo, ilan Bluestone and Jason Ross have produced similar compilations over the years. When you started working on this release, did you reach out to them for any insight, or did you want to put your own fingerprint on it?
I did speak to some of the other guys about how they approached their mixes and to ask if they had any tips. It was interesting to hear their thoughts, but at the end of the day it’s important to put your own stamp on a project like this. I see it as a reflection of my current musical tastes and mixing style, and I’m pleased to say that it’s had an amazing reaction.
You worked with Natalie Holmes on one of those singles. She does a lot of work with Above & Beyond. What was it like working with her?
I first came across Natalie Holmes when she joined Above & Beyond on their acoustic tour. She is an extremely talented performer and songwriter, with a great voice, so it was a pleasure to work with her. “Zero” also came together very quickly, so I felt like it was meant to be! Hope to do some more tracks with her soon.
Tell me more about your relationship with Above & Beyond.
We go back a long way. I first met the guys when we were studying at university in London. They were just starting the label at the time and I was the first artist they signed. We’re still good friends and meet up whenever we can.
You are not currently on the DJ Mag Top 100. What are your thoughts on a list like that? What would it mean for you, as a DJ, if you made the cut this year?
I don’t think the DJ Mag Top 100 has the influence that it once did. I’d rather concentrate on making the best music I can than spend time worrying about popularity contests and voting campaigns.
Some big names have supported you over the years. What does it mean for you to have guys like Tiësto and Paul van Dyk playing your stuff?
It’s great to have the music shared with a wider audience and also helps to open some doors in terms of DJ bookings. I guess I must be doing something right if guys like Tiësto and Paul van Dyk choose to support my records!
There are a lot of big dance music festivals out there. Do you prefer playing to bigger crowds, or do you like small nightclub shows?
They’re apples and oranges really. Generally, I prefer clubs because you can take the audience on more of a journey and have a bit more flexibility in terms of what you play. It tends to feel a bit more intimate. On the other hand, the sheer scale and amazing production value of festivals can be a fun experience.
I’ve not been to Ibiza yet. Tell me more about the island.
It’s a place of contrasts. It’s an amazing place for dance music, with some of the most legendary clubs in the world and the biggest DJs visiting every summer. But there’s also another side to it, which is more relaxed. The countryside is beautiful and there’s also some historic architecture, good food and beaches.
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. Do you have plans on produce a podcast in the near future?
I occasionally make mixes for other people’s shows, and I’m also a guest presenter on the Anjunabeats Worldwide radio show. That kind of thing can be very time consuming so I prefer to concentrate on making records.
I recently saw Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten at Ministry of Sound. That is one of my favorite clubs in the world. What are some of your favorite clubs?
Yes, Ministry of Sound has a very nice sound system! I always get an amazing reaction at Sound-Bar in Chicago (where I recently did a show in Dolby Atmos surround sound), I just played at Hï Ibiza for the first time, which was a cool experience, and Exchange LA is another one that stands out.
You recently took over the Above & Beyond Reddit page. What was that like and what were some of the weird questions people asked?
I enjoy doing these “ask me anything” sessions. The questions range from music production tips to favourite foods. I think my favourite question this time was, “Can you ollie on a skateboard?” It really is a mixed bag!
Speaking of nightclubs, Las Vegas has become the center for dance music in the United States. What are some of your favorite places to see a show in Sin City?
To be honest, I haven’t really spent that much time there. Playing EDC Las Vegas was pretty epic though!
What’s next for Oliver Smith?
I’m still on tour for a while with dates coming up in the UK and Canada. Also excited to be getting back in the studio to work on some new tunes!
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
I guess this might be a good place to say thanks to everyone who has supported Anjunabeats Worldwide 08 and come to see me on the tour. I was blown away by to get an iTunes Dance Chart No. 1 in so many countries!
Connect with Oliver Smith:
Website: http://www.oliversmithmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliversmithofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/djoliversmith
