IN CONVERSATION WITH OGUZ

OGUZ is a rising force in techno, blending his Dutch-Turkish roots with the energy of Amsterdam’s underground scene. Following his standout ADE 2024 show, he’s back with DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1, an 11-track mixtape on his label 808 STUDIOS. Known for dynamic beats and boundary-pushing collaborations, OGUZ is redefining techno while building a vibrant creative community.

Your latest release, DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1, showcases a more hard-groove sound. What inspired this shift in your musical direction?

The shift towards a harder groove in ‘DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1’ was driven by my evolving connection with the underground scene and my desire to push boundaries. I’ve always been fascinated by the raw energy of techno, and this release felt like the right moment to experiment with heavier, more intense rhythms. The groove is something that draws people in on the dancefloor, and I wanted to capture that energy while staying true to the deeper, darker tones I love. It’s about connecting with the crowd in a more visceral way. Before shifting to the harder sound of techno, I was playing groove, something many people don’t actually know about me. This release was my way of returning to where I started. I don’t want to be classified as only a hard techno artist. I am diverse and multifaceted, and with my releases, I want to embrace every side of myself. It’s important for me to show the crowd my diverse personality and artistry.

 With such an intense release schedule over the past 18 months, how do you maintain your creative momentum and avoid burnout?

It’s all about balance and finding inspiration in the process, not just the end result. I make sure to give myself space to recharge, whether it’s through sleeping, spending time with loved ones, or simply disconnecting from my phone for a while. I also keep my workflow flexible and avoid forcing creativity. When things feel forced, I take a step back and wait until I feel inspired again.

 Your mixtape includes collaborations with major names like Marcel Fengler and Deborah De Luca. How do you approach collaborations, and what do you learn from working with these artists?

Collaboration is a chance to learn and grow. Working with artists like Marcel Fengler and Deborah De Luca has been very special because they bring their own unique style and approach. For me, every artist represented is an inspiration and a legend in their own right. I always look at collaborations with an open mind. It’s about mixing our individual sounds in a way that creates something bigger.

 The track "DAM SQUARE DANCE ANTHEM" has been described as a "high-tempo, upbeat techno pumper." Can you share the story behind creating this track?

‘DAM SQUARE DANCE ANTHEM’ is one of the most special tracks I’ve ever made. I have been working on this track since I started producing in 2016, but I was never able to finish it until now. The idea behind the anthem was to create a classic dance track that will be listened to forever. When people hear it, I want them to instantly feel energetic and connected.

 808 STUDIOS is described as more than a record label—it's a community. What role does the label play in shaping your music and supporting other artists?

808 STUDIOS is all about creating a space where you can be creative without limits. It’s a collective of like-minded artists and people who inspire each other. For me, the label has provided an opportunity to experiment and grow in ways I wouldn’t have been able to on my own. It’s also a platform where our talent can find a voice and where we can share our vision with the world. Supporting other artists is a huge part of it—whether it’s through mentorship or simply offering a platform for their work, we’re all in this together. With that in mind, we’re excited to soon drop a new fashion collection, extending our vision and creativity beyond music to offer something truly unique.

 Having started your journey at illegal raves in Amsterdam, how do those early experiences influence your music and live performances today?

Those early rave experiences in Amsterdam shaped my approach to music. There’s something raw and rebellious about those underground events—they weren’t just about the music, but about the freedom and connection that happens when a group of people comes together with no boundaries. That sense of freedom and energy is something I try to carry into every performance and every track. When I’m performing live, I want to recreate that unrestrained energy and transport the audience into a space where anything is possible. Those early days and illegal raves are the reason why it’s a top priority for me to not only play on big stages but also support the underground scene and perform in small venues. It’s in those spaces that I still feel the strongest connection with the crowd and truly become a part of it.

 Tracks like "DEVIL NEVER LEAVES VS AIDA ARKO" and "VAMPIRE EMPIRE VS 6EJOU" have intense, high-energy vibes. What’s your process for crafting tracks that resonate so strongly on the dancefloor?

For me, it’s all about creating that visceral, physical impact. I’m constantly thinking about how the music will translate on the dancefloor. It starts with a deep focus on rhythm and bass—it’s about locking in that groove that gets people moving. I build from there, layering textures and sounds that create tension, release, and movement. The goal is to keep the energy high while giving the crowd moments of anticipation and surprise. Each track has to feel like a journey, with the dancefloor as the destination. I achieve this by exploring different ways to sound design, taking the experience to another level and creating an atmosphere that feels like a simulation.

 You’ve been pushing boundaries in techno while staying true to your roots. How do your Turkish heritage and Dutch upbringing influence your music?

Both my Turkish heritage and Dutch upbringing are huge influences on my music. Growing up in a household that valued the rich cultural history of Turkey gave me an appreciation for melody, rhythm, and storytelling, which I try to incorporate subtly into my techno. The Dutch influence, on the other hand, has shaped my approach to innovation and experimentation. Amsterdam has a rich electronic music culture, and being immersed in that environment has pushed me to continually evolve and explore the limits of what techno can be.

 ADE 2024 marked a milestone for your solo show. How did it feel to perform there, and how has that experience shaped your vision moving forward?

Performing at ADE 2024 was an unforgettable experience, it felt like the culmination of years of hard work and growth. There’s something special about playing in front of such a passionate, international crowd at one of the biggest electronic music events in the world. The energy was electric, and it definitely shaped my vision moving forward. It reminded me of the importance of authenticity in my performances, and how crucial it is to connect with the audience on a deeper level. I’m excited to continue evolving as a live artist and to experiment more with the immersive elements of performance. For instance, the Battle Arena project, which I created eight years ago, was finally brought to life during ADE. Sharing the stage with my family and fellow artists made the experience truly unforgettable.

 If you could describe DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1 in just three words, what would they be? And why?

Intense. Simulating. Dancing. Because that’s exactly what this release represents. It’s all about creating an intense atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The harder grooves and the simulating energy are what drive this mixtape, keeping the listener locked into the rhythm until the very last beat.