Olsvangèr Mix
Hitting up Tapes #41 we welcome Tel-Aviv-based DJ & Producer Olsvangèr, AKA DJ Headshot! As the founder of Tofistock and the curator of its cross boundaries BAZAAR mix series, Olsvangèr’s agenda is to promote local talents combined with international figures that the label is inspired by and feels connected with. The intention of the label is to expose the local scene to the freshest and the most exciting movements in the field, whilst attracting the international scene to hear the unique developments of the talented artists around Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
His latest track ‘Ghustown’ made some international resonance whilst it was weaponly dropped at Panorama Bar, Dekmantel Festival, and many more, by some of the finest DJ’s. We’re so excited for you to hear this mix; filled with unreleased local music from Tofistock and Olsvangèr’s friends from around the world.
Thanks for getting involved in our Tapes Series! Great to have you on. Why don't you start by introducing yourself? Where are you currently residing and the typical - one interesting fact about yourself?
Hii:) DJ and Producer AKA DJ Headshot. Olsvangèr - originally from Jerusalem, currently based in Tel-Aviv, I guess the most interesting and relevant fact about me at the moment is that I’m really into gfx design and clothes design. It feels really good to let exciting new things take you away, fresh passions and explorations creating gorgeous seasons.
Tell us a bit about your mix. When and where did you record it?
This mix is mostly built on unreleased local music of Tofistock and talented friends from all around the world. It was recorded in Tel Aviv at a studio close to my heart. I had a good time with a few cold beers while I danced barefoot.
Tofistock’s most recent compilation, ‘Hyper Love’ is killer! Four luscious trance cuts and I’ve noticed you’re actually on two of them - one as Olsvangèr and another under your alias DJ Headshot. How would you say you differentiate your two aliases?
I’m taking part in 3 tracks in the compilation - the two that are mentioned and another one by myself and MYKI under the name Babylon X. This project “Babylon x” is also going to release some hot EPs next year. In matters of the difference between Olsvangèr and DJ Headshot, my main project (Olsvangèr) is more versatile and fluid, absorbing inspirations from many directions, and actually started from punk and new wave-influenced electronics.
DJ Headshot was born to take more risks, push boundaries and be a future badman that I mostly don’t let Olsvangèr be, so expect more broken-beat productions, polyrhythms, and sometimes hardcore and distorted stuff from Headshot.
You don’t just run one, but TWO labels! Tell us a bit about Powerpuff Trax as well.
I co-founded The Powerpuff Trax with Dan Orbach - it started as a tribute to labels from the 90’s that used to release proper dance floor material made by running machines and the natural flow of a good studio session.
How’s the party scene in Israel at the moment?
One of the most interesting and positive effects that the Corona has spawned in Tel Aviv is a broader scene of independent productions, the old and tidy clubs have suddenly become less relevant because it was very difficult to open them in the days of strict legislation. This situation has created an underground culture that lifts the glove on its own, which is young and refreshing, and sometimes more exciting and sweeping than usual. On the other hand, it is indeed painful and difficult to see the lack of stable clubs, with quality programs, sometimes international content, residencies, and a respectful sound system.
Hopefully this winter we will be able to gather in the best clubs around and get inspired. There are a lot of talented DJs in Tel Aviv, and the cross-generic wave that the world is experiencing is also affecting Tel Aviv and that’s gorgeous.
What’s next in the pipelines for you release-wise?
2022 is going to be a year full of fresh Tofistock releases. I’m really excited for some upcoming EPs from my dear partner MYKI, a gorgeous album by Lily Haz, an EP of mine, and the second volume of Hyper Love. Lots of merchandise is planned as well! And stunning artworks from local diamonds like Eliran Dahan, Liane Rosenthal, Yuval Bezalel, and more TBA :) All of that besides the essential Bazaar mixes released every month.
How did you land into producing/DJing? Any tips for anyone starting out?
I was 16 when I started playing with fruity loops, started working with tutorials, and diving deeper into this world. After a while I started learning Cubase 5, then went to study synthesis professionally and in the meantime was also DJing. Both these acts of producing and DJing were an influence on each other symbiotically. I think my best tip to give out is to use all the amazing tools available online whether it’s courses or free sources. It’s probably easier than ever before to expand your world and make progress.
**Quick Fire** If you had to pick a track to accompany the Olympics 100 metre sprint what would it be?
Infected Mushroom - Heavyweight
Favourite Festival?
Zikuk Festival at Mazkeka Jerusalem
What would you like to see happening more in the future of clubbing?
I’d love to see the growth of small clubs that are based on the sound system and the close warm feeling of unity for the audience and DJ as one. Especially in Israel. Clubs/venues owned by women also sound so cool and dreamy in my visions - and very hard to find in Tel-Aviv. I would also love to see more bizarre productions getting their spotlight in the big game of club music.
Thanks so much for joining us!