Oliver Koletzki Interview

We grabbed some time with German DJ and producer, Oliver Koletzki, to discuss his collaboration with Niko Schwind, his appearance at Sonus Festival in Croatia this August, and his approach to music and life.

Hi Oliver, whereabouts in the world are you right now?
I’m on the northern island of New Zealand playing a small hippie festival called Shipwrecked.

How’s 2016 been for you so far? It’s been fantastic.
I’m doing a mixture of holiday and touring since the first week of January. Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and back to Germany next week. Life is good to me.

Your most recent EP ‘Black Walls’ is in collaboration with your label’s Niko Schwind. How did this project come about?
We’ve been really good friends for over 10 years and have the same taste and understanding of music. I wanted to start a new more techy live act where I can play all the melodies live on stage. So I asked Niko to help me and we produced the first songs two years ago.

How different or similar was the production process for “Black Walls” from your previous solo efforts?
We are producing in Niko’s studio with Ableton, so this is a big difference because I’ve been working with Cubase for 25 years. But when it comes to ideas and creativity we are a perfect team with a constant flow.

Do you have any plans for solo releases or new collaborations this year? What kind of creative direction do you have in mind?
I started to work on my sixth solo album which will be released in spring 2017. I think this will be much more mystical and dark than the other ones. With Niko, I will make a whole album, too.

We have to congratulate you on Stil vor Talent’s 10th year! Are there any upcoming projects that you could share with us?
Thanks! Our birthday compilation, of course, coming out 1st April with 25 exclusive tracks of all our artist.

You have some amazing festivals lined up for this year including Sonus Festival. Zrce Beach in Croatia seems like a beautiful location. Are you excited?
Yes, of course. I only played once over there and it was amazing. Beautiful beaches and a crowd that knows how to party.

The line-up looks great with yourself, Seth Troxler and Apollonia. Do you think you’ll get any time to check any of the acts out whilst you’re there?
For sure. I’m staying the whole five days. Really looking forward to hearing Dixon, Seth and Ricardo.

Where is the most amazing location you’ve played?
Last week I was playing deep in the jungle of Byron Bay, Australia. That was impressive and inspiring. Just like Rainbow Serpent Festival the weekend before.

Finally, how do you stay inspired and relaxed balancing your own music, collaborations and business?
I have been DJing for 23 years. The last 10 years I played 150 shows a year. Last year I finally started to make a change and took much more free weekends and holidays. Since then I have a good and healthy balance.

Catch Oliver Koletzki at Sonus Festival 2016!
Get your tickets now at www.sonus-festival.com

By Serina Lee