DJ Oski OG
With its famously cool people and it’s even more famously cool nightclubs, Berlin has asserted itself as an epicentre of electronic music. DJs from around the world dream about playing the clubs and festivals in the German capital, while music listeners travel from far and wide to try to slip past the notoriously selective bouncers. We had a chat with Otis Hagen Chevalier, aka DJ Oski OG, who told us about the current music scene and what life is like in the hub of the city.
DJ Oski OG
Hi Otis! How are you? In ten words or less, how would you describe where you live?
DJ Oski OG: Hello! Thanks for having me. Berlin has an energetic underground feel with a mix of posh and punk culture. (East vs. West)
What got you involved in the local music scene, and what do you do in it?
I moved from Prague, Czech Republic to Berlin in 2012, while I was working as an Internet radio host for HipHopStage.cz. Finally arriving in Berlin, I got my first gig mixing next to WestBam (One of Berlin’s techno gurus) and right then and there, I understood what Berlin was asking of me. Every time you enjoy a night out in Berlin, you will rarely hear radio music coming out of the speakers in a club or bar for that matter. Another aspect I love about Berlin is the eclectic music. You will always find DJs mixing in something new, or something nobody has ever heard before. Simply put, we are big fans of the underdog artist who comes out with a banger. So if you figured out what I do by the end of this paragraph, yeah you guessed it, I’m a DJ.
Who are the key local acts we should be listening to right now?
Too many to name, but to be honest I am more on the lookout for great DJs who can rock a crowd and impress me with great music… Easier said than done. Found a couple golden DJs that never put a frown on my face when they fade into the next song. Such as Brat-Star (Montreal, Canada) Haruka Salt (Tokyo-NY) DJ Linnéa (Sweden) D.R.E.E.A. (Berlin-NY) Abu Ashley (Port Said-Brookyln) and yours truly DJ Oski OG (Paris-Berlin). Again this is where the eclectic music comes from, since Berlin knows how to find the kids with the golden hands. Even if you play great music in your igloo, Berlin will somehow find out about it.
The bigger names that are conquering Berlin are: tINI, Ninetoes, Sidney Charles, Serious Klein, Skypierr, IAM$ANI, IAMNOBODI, Figub Brazlevič, KUSO GVKI, Tensnake, Oliver Dollar and many more… Don’t forget about Jakarta Records!
What are the dominant music styles in Berlin, and are there any exciting new music trends currently emerging?
The dominant music genre in Berlin? You guessed correct again! Techno and deep house. “JAAA!” Well, If that isn’t your cup of tea there are always parties that range from trap to juke or from favela bass to reggae. The music trend that is going on here in Berlin depends on what you are looking for, and you will most likely find it since the huge diversity of artists aren’t shy to promote an event that they think Berlin needs.
What’s the live music scene/nightlife like?
The live music scene is also strong here. You can find a little bar/pub where there can be some live acoustic doodling or that classy bar with the dude on the piano. On the other hand, you can also find your local dive bar and listen to the Punk/Rock culture screaming out loud or the DJ hooking up his synthesizers and beat pad to create a live music experience. Berlin invites all musical extremes, you just have to find them.
For anyone visiting, what should they see and what should they eat and drink?
The best way to discover this city, in my opinion, is to freestyle your evening by having no plans and making new friends/acquaintances that can show you around. For food, the answer everyone will give you is currywurst and the famous döner kebab. They are not entirely wrong, but I highly recommend the little food stalls in the park on Sundays or in events. The true culinary diversity is to be seen in these places. Japanese pancakes, cous-cous, some sort of Russian potato, Mexican, Korean, etc…
In the end you will not be disappointed with our national dish, “The Kebab”! There is a saying here that the kebabs are so good “even Nazi’s eat them too”.
How do most people prefer to consume music in Germany?
People love going out, they love catching music as it drops in a club or in a festival. In winter it is a little more difficult to motivate yourself to go out sometimes due to weather. So music consumption is still a meal best served in the clubs, but for the winter we love our SoundCloud.
What are the biggest challenges faced by German musicians?
The cutthroat competition to perform. So many kids want to be artists and apply themselves to making it happen. I’m not against it at all, it makes Berlin’s musical diet that much stronger. For example, however, if you moved to Berlin with guitar in hand… good luck.
Finally, what one song, past or present, sums up Berlin best?
Danny Daze – Your Everything feat. Louisahhh! (Original Mix). Enjoy.
