A Interview with DJ Oren Nizri

By Scott Holland
Originally appeared in Hot Spots Magazine
Thursday, December 27

How did you get started in the club world?

I began my professional career in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1998. I started collecting music at a very early age, and by then I had a lot of great stuff already. Through doing my own networking with music personalities of the time, I got the opportunity to audition at the "Voice of Tel Aviv", the city's hottest radio station. I proposed to them a different sound for a show. They really liked the concept and I got the job. I decided to name my show "In My House", and it was obviously dedicated to house music. The response to my work as a radio DJ fast lead me to build up loyal followers among the large and diverse market, and my bi-weekly show became a sensation in the station. That massive exposure opened the doors for me to start spinning live in some of the most successful nightclubs and music festivals in my country and around Europe as well. I have fond memories of my radio show. It was really fun times and a great push for my career.

What was your first residency in Israel? In the USA?

I held weekly and monthly residences in different nightclubs in my country and overseas. The first residency in Tel Aviv was in a club named The Lemon. It was a fantastic venue with a great following that was underground and very sexy. In Miami, my first residency was at the lounge of the former Cafeteria on Lincoln Road. They had a sophisticated and intimate high-energy lounge at the back of the venue that will throw all these wonderful parties when it just opened. I was one of their first resident Djs.

When and why did you move to the USA?

I came to America on holidays in 2002 and visited Miami and New York. I loved both cities and I thought about establishing myself here at some point. I was blessed to accomplish so much in Europe at the time. After five hectic years of work and in early 2003, I decided to move here and a year after that, I met who are today my business partners George Coronado and Arnold Matteson, and we started our company Give Me A Beat Productions. We have been working very hard and we see the results of our hard work right now. We are having a great year, and 2009 is getting lined-up very nicely, things are just getting better and better! We have amazing projects on the horizon.

What are some of the major cities you have spun in?

Tel Aviv and almost every major city in Israel. The scene in my country is simply amazing and right now it's considered as one of the leading countries in nightlife in the world. In Europe, I have played from London, to Barcelona, Berlin, Luxemburg to Milano and Paris, etc. In the states, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Washington DC, Fire Island, New York, Houston, Boston, etc. As a matter of fact, George is planning a national and international tour to bring my music to different cities during 2009, and the dates are getting lined-up as we speak. South America and Canada are also part of our network and they'll be part of the schedule and I will be going back to play in Israel as well.

What has been your favorite gig?

That's really hard to say! I am a lucky man, and I have to say, I have endless great memories about my performances. I can tell you that at the moment I am having a blast spinning at my weekly Friday night residency at Living Room Nightclub in Fort Lauderdale and I am looking forward to the Heat Wave pool party this Saturday, November 29, during White Party weekend.

How did you get contacted to be a White Party DJ?

We have built up a great relationship with Care Resource and I have been playing for White Party for the last four years. They felt that my music style is perfect for the pool party and when they contacted my manager George, Care Resource wanted to book me for that event. I am very happy to play for them again during this year's edition. I admire their hard work and all they do for people who fight AIDS/HIV.

What separates you from other DJs?

I get all the time that my sound is so different and unique. My sound is very European hence my background, filled with soulful, deep and funky beats that progress into big room, high energy tracks with sexy and uplifting vocals. When I am out of town spinning or when I play in a venue for the first time, the crowd seems to notice immediately that there is a guest DJ playing a special set or that is a special party. To me it's very flattering to build up this reputation. Honestly, I am not making an effort to play a different set or to try to be different than anyone else, I am just reading the crowd and playing what I love and what comes from my soul.

You are one of the few DJ's that play consistently for both gay and straight crowds. What is the difference in the way you play, and between the two crowds?

Playing for both audiences is something that I have focused on since the very beginning. I have played from mega-clubs in Europe, to the most renowned clubs in Miami such as Mansion and Karu & Y to chic boutique hotels, to celebrity oriented parties, to circuit parties. The straight crowds are more into the dirty, funky and electro sound and the gay crowds are more into the contagious vocals and the more driven and tribal sound. In Florida, both crowds appreciate the Latin beats, which after living here for 5 years, I enjoy myself and have learned to incorporate in my sets.

Other than DJing, what do you like to do for fun?

My schedule is very busy, but I like to spend time with my close friends, go out for meals and to catch up. I also love traveling and exploring new places, exercising, amusement parks, and watching TV. I am a very laid back kind of guy. I love to watch cartoons, like Sponge Bob Squarepants, South Park, Family Guy and the Simpsons.

What does the future hold for Oren Nizri?

I am a music producer as well, and I am focusing on that side of my career at the moment. Again, these 4 years have been a blessing and I want to continue working hard for the people who follow my music and for their constant support. I am excited about gaining more national and international recognition on this side of the world, and I am working very hard to achieve so. I consider myself an entertainer, and my priorities will always be my fans and the crowds. DJs should be so happy for their support as they are the ones who determine our success.