In times when hard techno is the norm, OGUZ‘s dynamism and restlessness stand out.Born in the Netherlands with Turkish roots, his journey began in the underground rave scene of Amsterdam, where he first connected with the essence of electronic music and hasn’t stopped making history since then. Today, as the founder of 808 STUDIOS, OGUZ is not only a prolific DJ and producer but also a trailblazer in fostering a global community centered on genuine artistic expression. With his second full-length release, ‘DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1‘, OGUZ cements his position as one of the most exciting names in hard techno, showcasing his mastery of diverse styles in an era that seems to be demanding authentic artistry. Read on to find out all the details behind this project!
DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1 is packed with collaborations. How do you approach finding a balance between your unique style and the input from each collaborator? Do you have a specific “rule” when blending ideas?
This project was really about bringing back those real dance vibes. I wanted to show people how important it is to put emotions into your tracks rather than solely focusing on creating hits and generating streams. I chose to collaborate with my closest friends, who shared my vision and understood the concept. Together, we made it possible to create the ultimate dance tracks—ones that make me want to dance every time I listen to them.
These collaborations are with both established names like Deborah de Luca and newer talents like Ruiz OSC1. How do these collaborations shape your sound, and what did you learn from working with such a range of artists?
It’s always about art and talent. The reason I created my label, 808 STUDIOS, was to focus on authenticity and talent, not popularity. I’m obsessed with diversity and creating a dynamic atmosphere. Having such diverse names on one project is the best way to showcase this.
Does it hint at a possible series or concept for future releases?
Absolutely! This album is an introduction to what 808 STUDIOS is all about. It’s an open world for talent, allowing the DJs who have collaborated with me and myself to fully explore our creativity without boundaries. Our events, fashion brand, and label are all dedicated to showcasing art and creativity at its finest, without placing any limits on the art itself.
My dream with 808 STUDIOS is to create a world where everyone is welcome and where there is something for everyone. 808 STUDIOS is the future. OGUZ for Night Mag (2024)
Hardcore, techno, hard techno, hard groove…The influences in this compilation are huge! Do you think this mix of styles reflects a certain evolution in your sound? Was there a specific moment during production where you felt these genres come together in a new way?
Highlighting my diversity has always been a priority. I love so many different styles, which I have always incorporated into my sets. That’s what shaped me and made me recognizable to everyone. You never know what to expect because I fully adapt to the atmosphere and emotions of the crowd. That’s how I crafted this project, and it’s a direction I will absolutely continue to push forward in the future.
This is your second full-length release in just a few months. What was the biggest lesson you learned from creating your debut album, and how did it influence the process for DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1?
What I’ve learned is to just keep it real. For me, producing and playing music is everything. I keep myself busy with this 24/7, and even after a 10-year career, it never gets boring. I just want to showcase my passion and share my way of thinking and creating with others. This is what matters most to me—art needs to be free.
Amsterdam has been central to your musical journey. How did the city’s music culture influence the creation of DAM SQUARE DANCE TRAX LV.1, and how do you see it fitting into the broader Amsterdam scene?
Growing up in Amsterdam’s music scene, I attended all kinds of music events, and I never confined myself to one genre. I started with dirty Dutch, EDM, and harder styles, which later shifted to house groove and hip-hop. Now, my goal is to infuse all of these into my core love for techno.
Your music production journey probably began out of personal discovery and a sense of creating community. How has your idea of “community” evolved now that you’re reaching a global audience?
It’s truly humbling to see that my vision and goals connect with people across the globe. From fans tattooing my name, tracks, and the 808 STUDIOS logo on their skin to people sharing my story and connecting with my emotions, it is truly beautiful. Having people cry during my sets, come up to me, hug me, and tell me that I’ve saved their lives means the world to me. It keeps me going and motivates me to reach even more people and continue doing this for them.
You’ve been shaping 808 STUDIOS as more than just a record label. If it were to expand into a physical space, like a club or art gallery, what vibe or ideas would you want it to embody? How do you see it evolving in the coming years?
My dream with 808 STUDIOS is to create a world where everyone is welcome and where there is something for everyone. I’m working very hard to reach these goals; having my own club, a department store, and an art gallery would be truly amazing, and this is absolutely something I’m working on. 808 STUDIOS is the future, and I appreciate the massive support I’ve been receiving worldwide.