Oskar Offermann

There’s a certain air about Oskar Offermann that feels so different to the DJs before him. Maybe it’s in his Eurropean blood, but he’s managed to crack that fine balance between the crazy nightlife of his day-to-day (or should we night-to-night) job and his life at home. You’ll get the chance to be in his presence at earthcore festival on later this year.
Hi Oskar, thanks for taking the time to chat to Forte magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Right now I am very busy in the studio. During the week I work pretty much every day there. I have a very German working routine, which is highly unlikely for a DJ I guess… I get up with the daylight, run for an hour, and go into the studio until eight. But I try not to be too strict about my schedule, and enjoy life if I am having a bad day with no ideas.
We saw you did a little insight into the life of a DJ, which unsurprisingly featured a lot of plane trips. Have you worked out a good technique with flying so much and avoiding jetlag? 
I am not a big sleeper. I need much less sleep than average people – that helps of course. And the good thing about my job is I am only at different places for a short amount of time, working at night. So in Asia I don’t even worry about the timezone. I just stay in my European one.
Is travelling the world another love of yours? Or does it just feel like part of the job? 
I am very comfortable with travelling. Some fellow DJ colleagues have trouble with the fact that you travel all by yourself most of the time, but that is totally fine with me. It gives me time to reflect.
On social media you do quite a lot of ‘Sunday Morning Meditation’ posts, do you actually meditate? Does that help you keep a balance? 
I try to. I haven’t had any teaching for that, and I only do it in a short routine. But I try to get my mind not to think for a short moment. The music I post there, is just stuff I find inspiring and not so stressful as house music can be sometime. Just ambient tunes to clear your mind and listen to at home.
You’ve been announced as one of the artists performing at Earthcore in Australia, is this your first time at the festival? Looking forward to it? 
Yes, it is my first time. I have been to Australia twice before, but never to the festival. I am looking forward to this!
Given you’ve performed all over the world, how do us Aussies compare? Do we know how to party? 
Oh yes my dear. I think the rave culture in Australia is a very good one. For instance in the cities you have all these Sunday day parties. Almost a little bit like Berlin, but just with better weather and beaches.
Out of everywhere you’ve performed, who has been the craziest crowd? 
Hard to pick one… party wise. Some are just different. The Japanese are probably the most unusual crowd I’d say. Because they come to listen to your DJ sets. They won’t leave the floor until you’ve finished, even if you play a death metal tune… That is very special, I think, as it gives you the pleasure of playing more experimental stuff.
Have there ever been moments where things have gotten too crazy, or do you thrive off that? 
Crazy is good I’d say… with the right people at the right time. And of course only if you manage to keep the balance. But the real madhouse moments are something which I find inspiring for my music.
Thanks again for the chat, any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers? 
Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do either. Respect the nature and the environment – especially at a festival. Thank you!
When & Where: Earthcore, Pyalong – November 26-30
Photo by Georg Roske