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Andrea Oliva on ANTS and Ibiza
Ahead of ANTS' debut show in London on February 27th, we caught up with the main man behind the party, Andrea Oliva, to see how the event is spreading the spirit of Ibiza across the globe.
Ciao Andrea! How’s life treating you?
All good thanks - ready to hit the road again this weekend!
Define yourself using three words!
It would be more interesting if someone defined me in three words haha But if I really have to I'd say: Positive - Open - Energetic
You’re playing at Electric Brixton, 27th of February, how do you find the vibe in London?
I always love to come back to London and play different venues. I've never played Electric Brixton before and it's also the first ever ANTS in London, so I am excited about it.
Can you tell us a bit about the concept of ANTS?
Everything started in Ibiza and goes out from Ibiza. Besides it having its own kind of stamp musically, ANTS is about trying to bring the Ibiza vibe to our favourite cities across the world now. It's incredible to see how big it's getting year by year - people may not realise but we're only going into our 4th Ibiza season this year. There is a big passion on delivering the best party to a crowd and a lot of dedication from a passionate team is behind all of this.
With a party that you’ve taken to so many countries, how do you find the vibe changes in different places?
Every city and country is different of course. Our job is to create the best vibe possible every time. In some places they learn from our energy, and in other places we are blown away by how much energy and good vibes the people give us.
How do you prepare yourself when playing at new venues?
I just go with the flow. The art of a DJ is to catch a moment and play the right track so you can give people their best time. Only with those unexpected moments do you take them on a journey with your sound and then it becomes a night to remember for everyone.
Do you have rituals before you play?
Hmm not really - as I said I like to go with the flow
What makes playing music in the UK different to playing in Ibiza?
It's actually not that different - the UK is one of the best places to play! Apart from maybe the weather!
Can you sum up what you think is special about the spirit of Ibiza?
It's unique and it has to be lived by everyone individually a few times. You have so many possibilities on an absolutely beautiful island and the more you get to know it, the more you don't want to leave!
You spend a lot of time travelling the world DJing, how do you deal with being away from your family and Switzerland?
That's the other side of the card of course. You need to find the right balance and good organisation to handle quality time with family and friends.
Your uncle used to produce techno, how much of an influence did that have on you going into music?
He was a big influence as I'd never heard that music before and I was like 11 or 12 years old. It all started from there for me.
Banditz must have been a lot of fun! How does it feel to have created something that is a part of Swiss nightlife history?
It was fundamental for mine and my partner in crime's careers. It gave the chance for him to focus on our own club, Nordstern, and for me on my international career.
What was the moment that you realised music was what you wanted to be doing with your life?
When I saw my uncle playing with those machines in the studio, and also seeing my two friends Alex and Michel mixing records in around 1992.
What are you most excited for this year?
If the year goes anything like last year I will be the happiest person on earth :)
What is the message you would like to get across in your music?
No big messages. Just get in and enjoy the party!
Can you tell us one thing about yourself that no one else knows?
I thought people always know everything these days :)
What are you most in love with right now?
My beloved ones.
What's the worst thing you have a reputation for?
Not being on time, especially when it comes to waking up in the morning.
What ideas have changed your life
To let things go!
Follow Andrea on Twitter and get tickets for the ANTS show at Electric Brixton on February 27th here.
