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Exclusive Interview: Optikos
This week’s Artist Spotlight features Portland based Dj/Producer, Optikos. This guy started his music career by playing guitar and being the lead singer in a metal band and began djing after moving to Portland. He then took 2nd place in Portland’s Best DJ competition 2013 after only 3 short months of spinning records. Optikos has opened for huge acts such as Dzeko & Torres, Vicetone, and J-Trick among many others. Read the interview we did with Optikos below and learn a little bit more about him.
What made you want to start DJing/producing?
In 2011 my best friend JT brought me to SYNT (See You Next Tuesday) at the Crown Room in Portland. It was a weekly Dubstep night ran by Kellan and I was hooked. I went every single week and knew thats what I wanted to do. I saved up my money and with the help from my sister I bought a laptop, Ableton 8 and a Traktor S2 and started learning everything I could from anywhere I could.
Who is your biggest influence(s)?
My biggest influence is Hatiras. He has been there for me since I was learning what a cue button was and has been there backing me up ever since. He has been a house legend for years, played all over the world with so many amazing artists and is the most humble guy you’ve ever met.
Whats you’re favorite record of all time?
“I Know The Truth” by Pretty Lights
What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?
March 26th, 2014. My friend Bennyrox’s birthday party. 12 DJ’s tagging… it was EPIC.
Who is your favorite artist to collaborate with?
I recently started working with Lil Clark on a track and I can’t wait to see where it goes. Clark is an amazing producer and good friend of mine so it’s always fun times.
Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to get a track with each artist on BEATROX. We’re a big family and I love working with all of them.
What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?
I was recently opening up for Gent & Jawns and one of the guys walked behind me to get set up. He got inside “my arms fly everywhere when I DJ” bubble and I dumped his entire drink all over his shirt and pants in front of everyone. He wasn’t to thrilled to say the least.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?
I love cooking and coffee.
What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?
I love that fact that an artist doesn’t have to be tied down to one genre, I want to make all kinds of music in all genres. Sonny Moore is a testament to that.
What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?
Lil Clark. Watch out for this guy.
What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?
If you’re too lazy to build your own boat, you don’t deserve to be in the ocean.
Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?
I’m almost finished with my EP (my first release ever) It will be out on BEATROX soon!
