Following the release of “Innervisions” on Purified Fragments XV, Oovation gave us the rundown on who he is as an artist.
Anyone can learn to be a producer with a little hard work and dedication, but it takes a special artist to put their entire heart and soul into their music too. Especially in the melodic house and techno realm, where music is meant to hit deep in the soul and resonate with listeners, it makes all the difference when artists go the extra mile to make enjoyable and moving tunes. Rising German producer Oovation could tell you all about that, as he’s proven time and time again his ability to take his craft to the next level.
Oovation has been honing his sound for a decade, but in the past few years, he’s been revving up his engines more than ever before. You may have heard of him from collaborations like “Sohn” with Amber Long or “Aer” with Jordan Gill, which landed on Coldharbour Recordings. But if you want a true nugget of gold, you ought to check out his debut album Perception, which is homed on JOOF Recordings and features a smorgasbord of mouthwatering melodic tunes to sink your teeth into.
Fast forward a bit, and now he’s crystallizing his production excellence with a feature on Purified Records‘ Purified Fragments XV. It’s no secret that the Purified Fragments series has historically platformed some incredible tastemakers and continues to do so with each installment. The latest edition features “Innervisions,” a sweet and immersive dive into the waters of Oovation’s mind. A poignant indicator of a great melodic house tune is the feeling of being able to take a deep breath after listening, and “Innervisions” exudes that feeling tenfold.
To get a feel for what Oovation and his sound are all about, we connected with the rising producer to learn about his background in music production, his roots, and so much more. He also spun a mix for us that features tracks from Daniel Portman and Max Day, among others. Give it a whirl and read on for our full chat!
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 377 || Oovation on SoundCloud:
Hi Oovation, thanks so much for talking to us today! To start things off, can you talk a little bit about your background in electronic music? Why did you gravitate toward electronic music production?
Greetings, EDM Identity! Thank you for the invitation. During my younger years, I had aspirations of becoming an audio engineer, which led me to experiment with effects and synths. Simultaneously, my passion for electronic music began to take shape. It served as the perfect avenue for me to explore and experiment with various sounds and effects. Through a period of trial and error, I transitioned into working on more musical compositions and discovering my true passion for writing and producing music.
At a young age of 19, I signed my first tracks and released my debut vinyl record. Fueled by this early success, I delved deeper into the label game and immersed myself further into the scene. It was during this time that I embarked on my DJing journey and got my first club residency, adding another dimension to my musical career.
Who or what have been some of the most significant influences that you have looked to in developing your sound and artistry?
Coming from a strong technical audio engineering background, I adopted the practice of beginning my tracks with blank initialized synth and drum machine patches, creating all sounds from scratch without any exceptions. This rigorous approach to learning has been immensely beneficial, as it offers a unique perspective on music production and aids in the development of a distinct signature sound.
The reality is that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone’s taste, which is why I have always strived to remain authentic and unaffected by the opinions of others. Instead, I have chosen to follow my instincts and stay true to myself, forging a path that is genuine and reflective of my musical journey.
Can you give us your perspective on the electronic dance music scene in Germany?
Germany has undeniably played a pivotal role in the evolution of electronic dance music (EDM), boasting a vibrant and influential scene. The country has been at the forefront of embracing diversity, but with such a vast array of subgenres, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lost in a dense jungle of musical styles.
The country also boasts a vibrant and thriving community of electronic dance music enthusiasts, which is truly remarkable. It’s easy to quickly connect with like-minded individuals and discover inspiring venues that foster creativity. Moreover, people in Germany exhibit a refreshing open-mindedness when it comes to embracing more experimental music. However, one downside of the immense popularity of electronic dance music in Germany is the emergence of extremes within the scene.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new trend emerged, characterized by even more industrial and harder techno. This shift has somewhat marginalized the space available for melodic progressive techno, depending on the region. However, in recent times, I have noticed some encouraging changes, with venues starting to offer increased support for this particular music style.
How do your French-German roots play a role in your music and artistry?
French melodic techno marked the beginning of my journey in music production. The genre still resonates with me, leaving a lasting impact on my sound signature. Artists like Worakls, N’to, and Joris de la Croix have played a significant role in shaping my taste. The allure of their majestic, cinematic soundscapes gradually building up to technoid drops has captivated me. I find myself drawn to the rich atmospheres and emotive qualities inherent in the genre. French melodic techno, in my opinion, strikes a harmonious balance between listener-friendly elements and its ability to make a profound impact in a club environment. It offers a distinct experience, setting it apart from the more industrial German techno, yet it still commands a powerful presence on the dance floor.
Upon relocating to Germany, I was introduced to the raw and industrial melodic techno sound that defined the German scene. It was during this time that I also embarked on my DJing journey. The fusion of experiencing the world through a DJ’s perspective and immersing myself in the new environment provided me with an entirely fresh sonic experience. I believe my signature style is a symbiosis of both worlds – a blend of melodic and listener-friendly elements while simultaneously possessing a powerful technoid club potential.
Congratulations on signing to Purified Records and landing “Innervisions” on Purified Fragments XV! What does it mean to you to join the Purified roster?
I have always held great admiration for the label’s style and diversity. The music they curate aligns perfectly with my own tastes – an immersive and emotionally driven sound with a strong ability to captivate club audiences. I feel a deep connection with the label, and I think “Innervisions” has discovered its ideal home. It is a truly fulfilling experience to be a part of such a high-quality artist roster and contribute to its collective body of work.
Additionally, it is nothing short of incredible to witness the support my music receives from a renowned act like Nora En Pure, who has been playing “Innervisions” across the globe. Her endorsement further validates the impact and reach of my music, and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and be associated with such an esteemed artist.
What is one thing that you want new listeners to know about you when digging into your discography?
In response to your question about my French-German roots and their influence on my music, I believe that my album Perception, released last year under the guidance of the legendary John 00 Fleming, beautifully exemplifies this symbiosis.
Finally, what else have you got up your sleeve for 2023 and beyond?
I am currently focused on refining and evolving the Oovation sound, aiming to make it even more proggy and melodic, coming back to my French melodic roots. The recent release with Purified has provided me with a clear direction to follow, and I am excited to continue on this path with upcoming releases. I have been diligently working on numerous new original tracks, and exciting collaborations are in the pipeline, among others, with my regular collaboration partner, Jordan Gill. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
