IN CONVERSATION WITH OGAZÓN

The elegant Luxembourgish selector, Ogazón, is known for her effortless and versatile approach to mixing and experimenting with vinyl. That’s her signature style. The Berlin-based and Amsterdam-raised DJ has an uncanny ability to read the crowd's energy, a skill honed from her early days spinning records at after-parties in the Dutch capital. Her passion has since evolved into a prominent role in Berlin's legendary nightlife scene. This summer, we were thrilled to experience Ogazón live, performing back-to-back with Ryan Elliott at the NEOPOP Festival in Portugal. Before the festival, we had the chance to ask some questions about her musical journey, her love for vinyl, and the unique art of playing back-to-back sets.

Your sound is highly influenced by the city of Berlin. The reputation of Berlin has let all of us know that it is a special place for music. But what particularly makes Berlin for you such a special city, and how exactly does the city inspire your sound?

Ever since I visited Berlin for the first time, I found myself drawn back to it. It’s just a combination of everything; the distinct neighborhoods, Kiezes, that shape Berlin, Berlin’s history, the architecture and especially the people. It’s just such a melting pot of different people coming from different corners of the world which makes the city ultra dynamic and culturally rich.
Berlin's music scene, in particular, sets it apart from any other place in the world. The city is home to internationally renowned venues. This musical diversity enchanted me from the very start of my Berlin journey. The element of surprise is one of the city’s greatest charms. Even now, Berlin continues to inspire me, particularly its talented DJs. The music here resonates deeply with me. It drives me to dig through music, old and new or create my own tracks, offering a sense of pure bliss that only Berlin can provide.

Berlin is more than just a city; it is a living entity that evolves and adapts, constantly offering new experiences and endless inspiration to those lucky enough to live in this city.

You have spent some time in Amsterdam. We are very familiar with the Amsterdam night culture, can you tell us a bit about your time in Amsterdam? Any highlights 

I often refer to my time in Amsterdam as "the golden days." Those were the carefree years when I was a reckless, life-enjoying student with few worries on my mind. Amsterdam had a huge impact on me, both as a person and as an artist. It was in this vibrant city that I had my first real techno experiences at iconic clubs like Trouw and Studio80. I quickly became obsessed with this newly discovered genre and began collecting records avidly during that time. I played my first official show at a friend's party, and things started to take off from there. This was a transformative period for me, as the city's unique blend of freedom and creativity fostered my growth as an artist. 

One aspect of Amsterdam that I particularly love is its after-hours culture. Afterparties in Amsterdam often have a more relaxed and intimate vibe, with people on the dance floor smiling at each other, creating a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. This is where my DJing journey began. Although my sound and style have evolved over the years, I remain eternally grateful for the opportunity to start my career in Amsterdam. The city’s dynamic music scene laid the foundation for my artistic journey and shaped the path I continue to walk today.

You will play at Neopop b2b with Ryan Elliott, what do you promise yourself from this set?

Ryan and I have shared over 50 hours behind the booth together in the past 2 years so it has become a regular thing by now. What I love most about it is how natural it feels. We haven’t ever prepared for a set; sure we’ll discuss which direction we want to go but once we agree on that (we always do!) we just show up and let it unfold naturally.

I've never experienced this kind of synergy with anyone else behind the decks. Ryan just gets me, and I get him. We share a remarkably similar style in sound and approach to creating a musical journey through our sets. Our specialty is long sets. In fact, the first set we ever played together was an eight-hour back-to-back session at Multisex in Berlin. It's no secret that we have so much fun playing together—you can see it in our performances, and we just can’t hide it!

What are your biggest challenges when playing b2b and what are the moments during b2b sessions that you are looking the most forward to? How do you prepare for a b2b set?

When considering a b2b DJ set, I weigh multiple factors before accepting any request. One of the primary challenges I encounter is that promoters often push for unusual pairings. These collaborations can either work out brilliantly or not at all. My style is relatively versatile; I don't usually stick to one genre, which is beneficial because it allows me to adapt to other DJs' styles. However, this versatility can also pose a challenge. Some DJs are committed to a single style. This means I'm not necessarily a match for everyone. I research each potential partner and listen to their latest sets to understand their current direction. Another significant factor is my preference for playing vinyl, which not all DJs share. Playing with someone who uses a different medium, like CDJs, creates a different feel. Vinyl mixing is a classic style that doesn't allow for loops or hot cues, making it fundamentally different from digital mixing.

Finally, the personal connection with my partner is crucial when doing a b2b set. I need to vibe well with the person to feel comfortable behind the booth. Even if the music is fantastic, a lack of chemistry can project negative energy and kill the vibe, in my opinion. Feeling at ease and having a positive rapport is essential for a successful performance.

When travelling for your gigs, as you have to do now for Neopop, what is an item or something you can't travel without?

I never travel without my record stabilizers and a fresh pair of needles. You just never know what equipment you'll encounter at different venues, so it's crucial to be prepared. Another essential item for me is my noise-canceling earbuds or headset. They are truly lifesavers during my journeys, allowing me to block out distractions and focus on catching up on some sleep!

What else can you tease for us already? What is coming up for you this second half of the year that we can be excited for?

I'm currently in the process of moving to a studio. As the busy summer touring season wraps up, I'm eager to take things a bit easier over the next few months and spend more time in the studio making music. There are some exciting projects in the works, but it's too early to discuss them in detail. As they say, all good things take time!

How do you usually prepare before gigs?

For some shows, I know exactly what I want to play because it's a venue or party I've attended many times. Generally, I adapt my set to fit my slot. I believe it's important to, instead of playing for oneself, set aside ego and keep the audience, the time, space as well as the rest of the timetable in mind. Before a performance, I typically do some research on the other artists to understand their styles. Guaranteeing a smooth transition and an overall cohesive experience for the audience.

To keep my set fresh and engaging, I always bring a handful of records that allow me to take the set in different directions. This enables me to be spontaneous and freestyle some parts of my performance. By observing the crowd and adjusting the sound accordingly, I can create a memorable experience for everyone involved.

What are your top 3 vinyls you have recently purchased ?

One of my favorite releases this year is The Nu Life by my good friend Christian AB. Playing a vinyl from someone I know and whose friendship I treasure adds a special touch, but the album also stands out for its musical excellence. The Nu Life is incredibly well-rounded and dancefloor-oriented, with each track offering its own unique vibe. Yet, the tracks come together seamlessly to create a cohesive musical journey. It’s also incredibly vinyl-friendly, featuring locked grooves, and one track even ends in a loop- every vinyl DJs dream!

Another album I’ve been listening to on repeat is Skee Mask’s latest release, Resort. It was released by one of my favourite labels, Ilian Tape. The album is a brilliant mix of ambient, warm electro, breaks, and even some house. No one quite does it like Skee Mask; the production quality is simply superior. Each track sounds both round and crisp, creating a perfect balance that draws you in and keeps you hooked. It’s a real masterpiece.

One techno record that never leaves my bag ever since I got it is Kaiser’s latest release, Konsistenz, on Freddy K’s Key label. I absolutely love the EP. Every single track hits hard in its own unique way, maintaining a perfect balance of energy and elegance. I'm a huge fan of Kaiser’s productions, and I genuinely believe he’s one of the best modern techno producers around. Gianluca (Kaiser) himself gave me this record while I was playing my latest Berghain show, which made the moment all the more special. 

This personal touch is one of the things I love about vinyl records; each one comes with its own story and unique memories.

What other music styles do you like collecting, except from electronic influenced music?

While my work often revolves around electronic music, my personal listening habits paint a much broader musical picture. I have a deep appreciation for jazz, funk, soul, ambient, and old-school hip-hop. There’s a vast world of incredible music out there, and my home collection reflects this diversity. When I travel, I rarely listen to electronic music, with one exception: ambient music. After a long weekend or in anticipation of one, ambient tunes are my go-to for soothing the soul. 

As a DJ, life can move at lightning speed. You find yourself hopping from playing for 10,000 people on a massive stage to the most intimate boat party in Slovenia's turquoise waters, to an 8-hour set in the world's best club with one of your closest friends, all in a matter of days. These whirlwind experiences often leave little time to sit back, reflect, and let it all sink in. That's why I've noticed the growing need for moments of reflection and mindfulness. Ambient music helps me find that calm amid the chaos. Whenever I have a "moment for myself," which is often while flying, I tune into ambient tracks and let my mind wander. During the week, I also tune into NTS Radio and curate my playlists with tunes from all over the world. I love keeping my mind open and expanding my musical palette. Music is an endless journey, and I'm always eager to discover what's around the next corner.

Your fashion taste is quite elegant and classy - in your perspective, how does fashion and music blend together?

Thank you, I appreciate you saying that! Fashion, like music, is a deeply personal and subjective experience. Even though I don't consider myself a fashionista, I have cultivated a distinct style that reflects my appreciation for timeless elegance. I gravitate towards pieces that I can see myself wearing ten years from now and that still resonate as cool and sophisticated.

This approach mirrors my philosophy in music. When I DJ, I choose records that have a timeless groove, tracks that I believe will age well and continue to captivate audiences in the future. Similarly, when I produce music, I strive to create pieces that will stand the test of time, although predicting future tastes is always a challenge. Ultimately, it’s about a mindset of creating something lasting. Whether through fashion or music, I'm building a legacy that I hope remains consistent and coherent over the years. Just as with fashion, where a classic piece can endure beyond fleeting trends, I want my music to resonate with people long after its initial release.

Photo Credits:
Marc Schäfer @marc__schaeferrep by @vision_us_
Michelle Falck @michellefalck_
Lenaïg Chatel @lenaigchatel

Talent: Ogazón @ogazon.dj