Tel Aviv DJ/Producers have had superior dance club success on a worldwide scale. Out magazine called Tel Aviv “the gay capital of the Middle East,” and it’s been ranked as a global party town up there with both Ibiza and Miami. International DJ/Producer Oren Nizri moved from Tel Aviv to Miami in 2003. His masterful blend of soulful vocals and funky European house was a perfect match for the direction of South Florida’s music scene. Even though Oren is based in Miami, not a month goes by without jetting off to some exotic hot spot. If his increasingly expanding schedule says anything about Oren, it’s that he’s not slowing down any time soon.
I caught up with Oren as he was leaving the South American leg of his latest tour:
David Atlanta: Tell me how you got your start in Israel.
Oren Nizri: I got my start as a DJ in a radio station called the Voice of Tel Aviv with a show called In My House in 2001. I had a bi-weekly show that was dedicated to house music before it became a mainstream. From there I started playing in clubs and big events, moving to Europe, and then eventually settling in the USA.
DA: After 10+ years in Miami, are you still enjoying the club/music scene there?
ON: The scene has changed a lot, and not always in a good way, but it is part of the work and the business. I always try to and listen to other house DJs whenever I’m in town. Living in Miami, we are constantly exposed to some of the best talent in the world on a weekly basis, which is awesome.
DA: You have been in the business for a long time. How has your “sound” evolved over the years?
ON: My sound varied since I started. I never used to play only one genre of house. I can definitely say that my sound has updated itself and evolved along with the club scene.
DA: So how would you describe your music now?
ON: I play anything from funky vocal big room to progressive house, mostly European house since I play for both markets. I always try to find a line of tracks that will appeal to both.
Of course you try to adapt yourself to the venue and the crowd, but that’s what makes the job so exciting! Every night, every club, every crowd…they will never be same
DA: When was the last time you spun in Atlanta?
ON: I was in Atlanta a year and a half ago, and I’m always glad to be back. I have always gotten amazing response in Atlanta. Over the years I have made some loyal fans in this city. Jungle is a great club, and has been very good to me and it’s one of my favorite
places to spin in the US.
DA: What do you plan to bring to the boys of Atlanta this weekend?
ON: I plan an uplifting set as always. Atlanta loves music that’s full of vocals and that has great energy. Hopefully, you will never wanna leave the floor.
DA: Where do you find your musical inspiration? Do you have favorite producers and DJs?
ON: I grew up on classic house music and that’s is my true love. All the DJs that were responsible for house music exploded in the mid 90s like David Morales, the great Frankie Knuckles, Danny Tenaglia, Roger Sanchez, Masters at Work. I mean the list can go on and on. These are some of the names who have inspired me the most in my career. I also follow DJs such as Avicii, Thomas Gold, My Digital Enemy just to name a few
DA: You’ve traveled all over the world, what are some of your favorite places to work?
ON: With no doubt South America is incredible. Brazil has an insane club scene where it’s part of the culture and they live for clubbing. I always have a fantastic time there on my tours.
Europe is one of the best places to play in terms of freedom they know their house music so well they will go with you from beginning to end. As a matter of fact, I will be back to Europe during September and October. In the USA, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle and Miami are few of my favorites.
DA: In your off time, what do you like to do?
ON: I like to relax hang out with friends and watch a lot of cartoons. I feel silly for admitting this, but I’m a huge fan of SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, and Family Guy.
DA: Anyone special in your life? You had a boyfriend I think last time we talked.
ON: (laughs) For the time being, I am in a full time relationship with my career.
DA: What do you most look forward to when working up a crowd?
ON: The moment you realize the crowd gets what you’re doing, and will go with you all the way to the end. It’s a pure joy, and a remarkable feeling making people happy on the floor. It makes them forget about everything, even if it’s only for a few hours.
I look forward to coming back to Atlanta. I have nothing but great memories every time I spin in your city… see you on the dance floor and bring all your energy for another amazing time!
DJ/Producer Oren Nizri will be spinning at Jungle (2115 Faulkner Rd. NE) on Saturday, August 1. For more details go to jungleatl.com
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