An Interview with Ollie Winiberg

Where did it all start for you?

When I was 16, I set up a record label that was funded by Southend council. The label (named Hi-fly Music) went on to release a compilation album of 17 bands from Essex that didn't have the financial recourses to release their own physical products. The CD's were then equally distributed between the 17 acts to give away at their gigs. Local press heard about what I was doing which lead to an interview on BBC Essex who offered me (live on air) the BBC Introducing gig. It was due to last 3 months, and 12 years later - I'm still here! 

Who is your biggest inspiration? 

I have a few. So, my wife and daughter are a given. They're the reason I get out of bed in the morning. My older brother, Josh, has probably the darkest sense of humour of anyone I've ever met. We often try and out do each other on who can say the most horrendous thing.. he usually wins. Musically, Mike Portnoy. As a drummer, his approach and technical ability are arguably the best in the world. And from a radio POV, I'd say Zane Lowe had the most on air passion. I loved hearing him big up a track before he hit play. He was super clever too. I DJ'd with him once. He got £12k. I got two Red Bulls 😂

What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a DJ? As an attendee?

I have so many gigs that I've been to that I've gone "oh wow. This is the best concert I've ever seen!" But it must be said, my mate Mike Bromfield and I went to see The Who at the back end of last year in London. They played were absolutely unreal. They had a live orchestra with them. I found the entire evening jaw dropping. These guys still have it in their 70's and don't seem to be slowing down. They are real muzo's who don't seem to be putting their guitars down any time soon.  

What is the one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJs making? / What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?

A few things really. Bands describing themselves as "alternative" or "unique" is a massive bug bare. These are two words that have been lazily banded around by jurno's who don't have the vocabulary to describe what they are actually listening to. With so much completion out there, it's so important you describe yourself interestingly. Because if you don't, someone else will. Another one is artists not being across all social media platforms. I hear musicians say "but I don't really get twitter...". Use it. It's free. You can build a bigger fan base across a wider platform.

As a DJ on BBC introducing Essex can you tell us what bands/musicians we should be looking out for right now?

Nova Twins are killing it at the moment. They are two girls who have fused Rock / rap / metal / hip hop. The two of them are such talented musicians too. If you ever get a chance to see them live, please do! Cassette is incredible. She is like the love child of Motley Crue and Dolly Parton. Suspects are a force to be reckoned with at the moment. I'd say they are the best musical outfit that cool thing are looking after. Sun Arcana are about to be huge. They're SO epic. The sound they create is like theatrical metal. Tigress are also unreal. Last year they supported Bring Me, and towards the end of last year released a cover of massive attacks Teardrop - it's better than the original.

If you could interview anyone dead or alive who would it be?

Living. Ricky Gervais. The mean is a genius. Everything he touches turns to gold. He has the best outlook on life I have known. He isn't phased by anything and is a warrior for animal rights. 

What would you be doing right now, if you wasn’t a DJ?

Would probably be in a band trying to make it. 

What changes have you seen since being a DJ? Good and Bad?

The internet has become more powerful and social media is king. When I first started going the BBC Introducing gig, everything was on CD. But, I have been following the revival of vinyl and I'm SO pleased that a little while ago, vinyl sales actually topped electronic / download sales. Nothing beats a physical release. 

If you could be eternally be stuck in one years music scene, which year would it be?

Ok wow. Ok - maybe the prog metal scene in around 2007 was pretty good. Bands like Sabaton and Haken were emerging, Dream Theater and Symphony X were at their best. It was a very good year. 

How do you feel the Internet as impacted the music business?

In some ways the music industry has slit its own throat with the internet, but in other ways it's so exciting for any music lover to have access to every single song in the world in their pocket. There are pro's and cons on both side of the argument, but I think if you are an artists and want to remain current, you have to accept the changes. 

What is it you love about the scene?

The passion. Essex is full of passionate musicians and their drive is unstoppable. 

What do you hate about the scene?

I'd say there are defiantly a few 'cliques' which I avoid at all costs. I don't find cliques helpful. They tend to wrap people in bubbles, which, ultimately are very difficult to get out of and could be detrimental if ever you wanted to do something else. 

If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?

I hate egos. Let's get rid of them! 

What are your social networking links?

Twitter - @olliewb

Insta - @olliewiniberg

What’s next for you?

Well, just like everyone else right now, all my plans are cancelled, but loads of bits popping up soon. Just keep up with my socials and you'll soon see! 

Any message for your fans? 

I'd just say thanks for supporting the local scene. At the moment, more than ever, we need to be sticking together. If there are any local bands you had planned on seeing but can't because of COVID-19, do them a favour and buy some merch, and if you can't afford it, then just put their EP / album / single on repeat across all streaming services. This will mean more to them than you know 👊🏻

𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙜.𝙘𝙤𝙢