The Big O

By Scott Kearnan
Originally appeared in Out At Night Magazine (Boston)
Thursday October 2, 2008

"Boston is such a beautiful city", says Oren Nizri. On Friday, October 3, the hotshot DJ/producer will bring his enviable skills to a set at Machine in Boston. But he's also planning to stick around for a while longer, and not to nurse a morning after hangover. "I'm staying an extra day just to relax and explore more of the city", he says.

He may be looking to relax, but this rising star has been a busy bee since first moving to Miami years ago. Beforehand, the Israeli DJ was a popular music personality in his home country, hosting his own radio show ("In My House") and spinning the hottest clubs across the Middle East and Europe. Still, he admits moving to America was a daunting task given the difference reception dance music receives. "America radio is not big about house music," says Nizri. "In America, house music is still considered underground. Unless you have satellite radio, you will not be able to listen to dance music at home. In Israel and Europe, we are used to having a variety of radio stations that cater to every single type of music that exists. The level of music exposure is totally different and as an artist, that causes a big impact in the development of your career."

Nizri also says that there are some differences - and similarities, too - between gay nightlife in America and Israel. "The main similarity is the concept - let's have a blast dancing! - and the production value of the parties in terms of decor, entertainment, sound system, marketing and all the other details that make an event extra special and unforgettable," he says. "A difference is that in Israel, parties are much more mixed than here. Israeli people will go to a good party no matter if it is gay or straight. Here, it's much harder to find that mix. And I know that well, because I play for both audiences alike on a regular basis."

Whatever the differences, Nizri is certainly adjusting well. He's an increasingly recognizable and in-demand DJ on the stateside scene. In fact, he's earned a coveted spot in next month's series of White Party events in Miami. Perhaps it all goes back to his signature sound, a classic and upbeat house vibe that harks back to his own to his own favorites: early influences like David Morales and Frankie Knuckles, and contemporary peers like Freemasons and Masters at Work. Above all, Nizri focuses on creating a vibe that captures the very spirit of dance music and encapsulates what first attracted him to the genre. "In Israel, house music and dance music unite people in the parties [people] who are all about going out and having a wonderful time, dancing the night away and forgetting about their problems and worries. Even though dance music is always evolving with the the years, it [still] has a lot of similarities with classic house. It is funky, driven and upbeat. That has influenced my style up until today."

Upbeat is a key word. Nizri says he tries not to over-think his sets, and mainly aims his laser-like focus on having a good time...and making sure that the crowd does, too. "My sound is very European...filled with soulful, deep and funky beats that progress into big room, high-energy tracks with sexy and uplifting vocals,"he says. "I get all the time that my sound is so different and unique, but the reality is, I am not making any effort to be that way. I am just spinning what comes from my soul and what gives me goose bumps when I play."

Besides the Israeli and European influences, Nizri says his adopted home - town of Miami is also working his way into his sound. "After living in Miami for five years now, the Latin flavor can be felt in my sets," he says. "The big drums, the shakers and the percussion keep people grooving and dancing non- stop." And the more they move, the happier this DJ is. "Music has been my passion since as long as I can remember, and to be able to share my knowledge and musical taste is a wonderful experience,"he says.

A DJ who is more concerned with serving his crowd than serving his ego? Is it too good to be true? "I consider myself and entertainer," says Nizri. "The direction of my sets depends on the setting of the venue and the crowd that I have in front of me. To me, it's all about pleasing the crowd and not giving a break to the dance floor". "It's my job to make your night out memorable," he promises. Hey Oren? Thanks for the memories.