Ookay Talks ‘Thief’, Stealing The Show At Coachella & Why Women Run The World

From humble beginnings, San Diego based producer, Ookay exploded onto the electronic dance music scene and left a permanent mark resembling his now iconic bandana. With a rapidly growing fan base, due in part to his hilarious Twitter persona, Ookay has proven that age isn’t a factor and has quickly become one of the young leaders in the league of superstar Trap producers. With tracks like Congrorock’s “Bless Di Nation Ft. Sean Paul” (Ookay remix), Steve Aoki, Chris Lake & Tujamo’s “Boneless” (Ookay remix), and breaking down the boundaries between Hip Hop and EDM while also achieving mainstream success with Freshman and Sophomore releases on Ultra Records charting in the Beatport Top 10.More recently, Ookay teamed up with electronic music superstar to release their take on Avicii’s “You Make Me”(Ookay & Diplo remix). With these successes as well as support from main stage giants like Tiësto, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Major Lazer, Borgore, Showtek, Chuckie, Knife Party, Dirtyphonics, Krewella, Adventure Club, and many more, Ookay has quickly become a household name in the bass music scene. Not satisfied with his already stunning discography, Ookay teamed up with Dutch superstars Showtek to create ‘Bouncer’, one of the most highly anticipated singles that is sure to get everyone ready for festival season. Be sure to grab ‘Bouncer’ on March 24th from Skink Records.  Out of a desire to branch out and express himself in a completely different genre, Ookay began a side project named “Coaster” that encompasses the young producer’s love for Tech and Deep House. By itself the music produced under the Coaster persona is impressive enough, but when compared to Ookay’s more well-known Trap catalogue, you can really begin to appreciate just how talented and diverse this young producer really is. With 6 years of DJ experience under his belt, Ookay has gained a reputation for putting on an unbeatable live performance that features flawless transitions, supreme song selection, and even some comedic MC’ing from the man himself. Shaking festival grounds, bringing clubs to their feet, and rocking concert halls, Ookay has impressed and moved thousands of fans with what he manages to do behind the decks. Ookay’s grand impression on the world will continue to stay strong and grow in the many, many years to come from this young producer/DJ.

It was not most interviews, in part because Ookay is not most artists. The San Diego-born DJ and producer plays drums, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, harmonica, as well as some instruments I’ve never heard of. “The melodica, keytar, SPD, which is like a drumming apparatus,” he ticks off his fingers. I ask how many instruments he can play. “I think 6 now?” he responds, not even completely sure. He credits his musical prowess to his father, a bassist who introduced him to “very complex jazz early on, like, 13 or 12 years old.” He says, “It’s all thanks to my father, I wouldn’t even be here right now if it wasn’t for him.”

And in an age where being a DJ can mean anything from “getting paid to hit play on a premade playlist” to “arranges all their own music,” Ookay sets himself apart from the pack, especially with his live shows. He’s been performing live on the festival circuit for a few years, but revamped the format for Coachella, where he plays multiple instruments and sings. He’s also upped the visuals. “It’s funny,” Ookay remarks, “it’s called dance music but there’s no dancers.” So he added dancers onstage. “Problem number one, fixed.”