Ace Ventura

Yoni Oshrat (aka Ace Ventura) is a big lover of Australia and we love him right back. Also a big movie fan, we had a chat to Yoni as he made plans to head to Universal Studios in LA and, of course, plans for Rainbow Serpent Festival in the near distant future.
Hi Yoni, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I just woke up in my hotel room in Los Angeles. It’s 4am though, so I guess you can say I’m a bit jet lagged…
Last time we spoke you were in somewhere beautiful and exotic, what’s your view at the moment?
It’s still dark outside so I can’t see much…But as soon as it’s sunny I’m gonna hit Universal Studios for my Hollywood fix. I’m a serious movie fanatic and ain’t missing a visit there whenever I’m in town.
Given with your line of work it’s common to follow the summer and festival season around the world, do you dedicate a time of the year to have off/when is it?
Unfourtunatley I have never done that yet. I play every weekend, which is tough, both physically and productivity-wise, but no complaints as I still love it to bits. In the future I believe I will try that, as it would be awesome to sit down and focus on a project rather than a session here and a session there.
You’ll soon be performing at Rainbow Serpent Festival, which you haven’t played before, have you heard much on what to expect from the festival? With new festivals do you do much research before heading there or do you prefer to be surprised? 
Oh yes I have heard so many things about Rainbow. It’s the favourite festival of some of my artist friends. No I don’t do research before usually. I know the general vibe of the scene in each country so I have a general idea. I do love being surprised, and the Aussies tend to do just that whenever I play in Australia. Really looking forward to this one, long overdue!
What’s the biggest thing that sets off the Aussie crowd and gets them ready to party?
From my experience you guys are amongst some of the most festive crowds in the world. It’s just in your nature to come and have a good time no matter what, so it’s usually good to go by default. And when the music is good there is no stopping you from making a serious mess…love it.
You’ve been known for your incredible remixes, what’s your creative process of putting them together? Do you constantly refer back to the original?
Well, if I dont have a general idea before even starting a remix then I usually don’t do it, as one has to bring a new take on the original otherwise what’s the point! Some people like making a whole new beast with very little elements of the original, while I think the best balance is to have the best of both worlds in there.
We understand you first started as a DJ playing to kids, who can at times be a tough audience to manage. What kind of things did you learn early on from working with that audience?
Hehe yeah that’s true. When I was around 14 I started doing kid’s parties with my friend Ryan. Our set up was two SL1200 technics turntables, an amplifier + 2 speakers and some cheap ’90s lights and smoke machines….That’s where I first learned how to mix. It ain’t easy holding that crowd together, let me tell you! Slowly we upgraded to a more teenage audience in clubs in Israel, and that’s where we started playing more techno oriented dance music (mostly eurodance at the time like 2unlimited/Ace of Base/Ramirez and so on) until psytrance arrived in the scene and that’s where things really started to get interesting!
What are three elements that make a good crowd?
Good vibes, open minds and beautiful girls.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, do you have any last words of wisdom to share with our readers?
No life changing message here, I’ll just say that I can’t wait to have my debut in Rainbow and come and play and dance with you guys. Next year also marks the 20th anniversary for Iboga records and I can safely say you are in for a BIG treat which Iboga and FM bookings are planning for this festival. See you soon down under me maties!
When & Where: Rainbow Serpent Festival, Lexton – January 22-25