Exclusive Interview With Dj Ovi M
I recently interviewed Lisa Marie, event host, organizer, and promoter. In addition to those titles she also manages a Dj by the name of Ovi M. Ovi M really started to get noticed in Toronto's scene in the past one and a half years or so, playing regularly at numerous lounges, clubs, boat cruises, and after-hour spots around the city.
Be it opening up a night, closing down a show, or headlining an event, Ovi always (or at least all the times I've seen him) rises to the occasion, by dropping dope beats to get the crowd going.
Ovi is yet another prime example of the outstanding local talent that Toronto's house music scene posses in terms of Dj's. On top of his excellent musical abilities, he also happens to be outstandingly friendly and down to earth, which is always a nice set of character traits to posses.
Without further a due, here is my interview with Dj Ovi M.
Q: When did you get into dj'ing and why?
A: I got into dj’ing about 6 years ago. I would always go to The Guvernment and observe that intense reaction of the crowd to a good mix and that control the dj had over the crowd manipulating them with his music. I wanted to be able to do that, so I picked up a pair of 1200’s and bought my first vinyl’s and a mixer. I had a passion for house music and once I started to learn it only grew stronger and stronger.
Q: What would you call your style?
A: My style is tech house with techno and minimal thrown in; it’s a tossed salad of goodness
Q: What's your favorite venue to spin at in T.O.?
A: There are a few actually. The Gallery inside the Guvernment because everyone just goes bonkers in there! The dj booth is right on the dancefloor with everyone around you, there is nothing to hide behind. It is very intimate. And of course there is The Comfort Zone. No bullshit, JUST MUSIC! That’s why everyone goes there; all the stops are pulled out for zone lol
Q: Who have you looked up to in the music world as far as dj's and producers?
A: To tell you the truth, the dj’s that I grew up with are the same ones that I look up to! Manzone and Strong, Addy, Dekoze and most recently, Carlo Lio. Internationally, it would have to be Steve Lawler. As for producers, anyone that knows me well will tell you how much I respect Carlo Lio. He is one of my favorites by far and there are many others! Too many to mention!
Q: Do you see producing in your near future, if so how far off, and what style?
A: Yeah I do! I have been working on some things but I have been having computer related issues (damn pc’s) This fall I am definitely planning to enhance my skills and focus more time on my productions. I’m hoping to have something out in the next year. Most likely tech house or techno. My biggest hurdle, is that I am my worst critic… it may take some time but when I release my first track, it will be something special! Guess you’ll have to wait and see.
 
Q: What is the most important aspect of dj'ing?
A: Programming your track selection! Being able to make your entire set seem like a trip with peaks and lows… all depends on where you want to take the crowd. Your beat matching will always come with practice but with programming you have to get in the trenches to figure it out.
Q: Craziest thing you've ever witnessed at a party (no holds bar, the more r-rated the better)?
A: I was at Guv once roaming through the orange room with a bunch of my friends. We saw a big circle in the middle of the room of people so naturally we wanted to see what was going on. A HEFTY girl was in the middle of the circle dancing in a dress, everything ok until she hit the deck and raised her titanic ass in the air with no underwear on. If that was not bad enough, everyone noticed the string from her tampon waiving around, I almost yakked right there.
Q: Dumbest request or question you've ever been asked while dj'ing a gig?
A: At Tryst this guy comes into the DJ booth and asks me: “My girlfriend was wondering if maybe you can call room service to come and bring us some food here in the club?”
Q: Biggest pet peeve (industry/scene related)?
A: Mondays
Q: Biggest pet peeve (in everyday life)?
A: Tuesday after a long weekend! lol
 
Q: Best tune of Summer 09'?
A: There are way too many to choose from, but I would have to say it would be The Junkies: Ritmo (loko remix) Everytime I play it people go insane!
Q: Favorite all time tune?
A: Three drives on a vinyl: Greece 2000 (original). It would be something else but the track has not been released yet and I’m not going to spoil it for Mr. Lio….. Ask me again in a few months and the answer will change ;)
Q: Worst Job you've ever had?
A: Working for PAS MAG: Performance Auto and Sound. Fuckin cheap bastards!
Q: Lady Gaga, Eva Mendez, Paris Hilton, who would you Fuck, Marry, and Kill (hypothetically speaking of course)?
A: Eva Mendez, Eva Mendez (she reminds me of someone that is VERY close to me :) ), and Kill:Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga does nothing for me
Q: Tom'a'to or Tom'at'o?
A: Potato lol
Q: Sweet or Salty?
A: Salty
Q: Black Berry or Iphone?
A: neither
Q: Any last words of wisdom, shout outs, or anything else you'd like to get off your chest?
A: Keep at your dreams and it will come true if you work hard and push for it. I’m living proof! Lisa, thank you for getting me where I am with your relentless promoting and managing skills and to all those who have supported me along the way. Thank you so much! I wouldn’t have gotten here without you!
Please feel free to check out the following websites:
www.myspace.com/ovim
www.ovimlive.com
Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/dj.ovim
Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2233089724&ref=search&sid=506461341.2908664193..1
Aaron
“Getting down to business, so you can get to the business of getting down”
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