OGUZ's unstoppable stage presence: The secret behind his dynamic performances

At ADE 2023, OGUZ, a dynamic presence in the industry, marked his fifth consecutive appearance with a difference. This year, OGUZ's journey took on a new dimension, punctuated by a series of interviews and burgeoning media attention. His experience, both familiar and exhilarating, underscored his evolving status in the world of music.

With his birthplace in the Netherlands and his heritage rooted in Turkey, OGUZ embodies a multicultural persona. His bold foray into label creation and the release of tracks with provocative titles like "I AM NOT A WHORE" signify his ambition to break the mould in the music industry. His unyielding energy on stage, powered by the synergy of sound and atmosphere, transforms him into an unstoppable force, illustrating a deep commitment to his craft and an eagerness to challenge conventional boundaries.

Hey OGUZ, how was ADE 2023 for you?

I believe this was my fifth time at ADE. Last year marked my inaugural series of performances at ADE, involving multiple gigs. This year felt somewhat novel for me, especially with the addition of interviews and increased media attention. It was a familiar yet exhilarating experience this time around, I must say.

Where are you originally from? You live in Germany, right?

No, I'm actually from near Amsterdam, so I'm local here.

I live in Germany and often see you performing there.

Yes, many people assume I'm German, or Italian. Germans often think I'm one of them, but I'm actually from here, born and raised. Officially, I'm Turkish.

That's interesting to know. This ADE must have been special for you with your merchandise pop-up and playing at three events, right?

Yes, it was quite pressurising. Every day was full-on. I launched my own collection at ADE 2023, and the number of interviews were overwhelming. It was a busy week with no time to spare, just non-stop action.

You've also launched a new label and released new tracks consecutively, including "I AM NOT A WHORE”. I’ve been following your work for a while. That track, especially with its controversial title, really stood out to me.

Thank you. The whole idea behind my label is to showcase why I am trying to do something different. I aim to do the unexpected, so it's gratifying to see people responding positively to something different, particularly the vocals in that track.

Your stage presence is quite energetic. Where does that energy come from?

It's really about the sound and the atmosphere for me. When I step on stage and see the crowd, hear the music, I'm unstoppable. Sometimes I say like, you can throw a knife at me, I won't even feel it at that moment because I'm too fired up. Watching videos of my performances later surprises me because I get so lost in the music.

So it's like a switch that gets flipped when you're on stage?

Exactly. Once that switch is flipped, I'm in unstoppable mode.

Besides your label and merchandise, what are your plans for next year?

I'm working on a significant project, my first album, which is a big deal for me. It’s a way to channel everything in my mind into this project. It's not happening soon, but it's something I'm really excited about for next year.

How do you manage your time with such a busy schedule?

It's challenging. I'm everywhere at the moment, so I use any free time I have for work. It's all about time management, with no room for anything else.

Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to artists in the MENA region, considering its developing music scene?

My advice is to believe in your sound. I come from a Turkish background where initially, my music choice and partying habits were questioned. Despite this, I pushed forward and achieved my goals. It's about convincing people to believe in this music. Before COVID-19, the scene in Istanbul was small, but now it's grown significantly, with a strong Turkish presence at my gigs. I also receive great support from Arabic fans. I believe I've been a reason for them to embrace this music. Believing in oneself is crucial, as the scene is definitely evolving.

There are other techno producers in Turkey. How do you differentiate yourself from them?

It’s a tough question. I'm not sure what sets me apart. I've always aimed to be globally recognised rather than being identified with a specific country. In every country I visit, people think I'm from there. Maintaining a global identity is key, so as not to limit oneself. The world is your audience, thanks to social media and the internet, so keeping all doors open is important.

Being born in the Netherlands, do you think that helped you break cultural barriers in your career?

The key difference lies in the fact that the party and event scene is more developed here. This enabled me to start my first gigs in 2016, which was facilitated by my residence in the Netherlands, where techno parties were already prevalent, as in Germany and France. This accessibility made things easier for me. That's why you often see artists from Turkey and the Middle East, and even from America, moving to Europe for similar reasons. They move mainly for gigs, to make living in Europe easier, but for production, it's the same. As you said, there are many talented producers from Turkey, the Middle East, and the USA, who are also making hits and receiving huge support.

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Take a listen to OGUZ's latest single "Vertigo Lovestory" below and follow him here to keep up with the latest updates.