SHERI ELFMAN | 12.12.2007
OREN Nizri has been on the scene in South Beach since 2003. The DJ/producer who got his start in Israel is a busy man – he spins Wednesdays at Halo Lounge, Thursdays at Vix Thursdays at Hotel Victor, and on Saturdays at SIXX In The Rear at SIXX Miami. You can also often hear the sounds of Oren Nizri at Kashmir in West Palm Beach, Score in South Beach and Torpedo in Fort Lauderdale. 411 chatted up the DJ about what’s coming up next for him.
411: When did you start deejaying?
DJ Oren Nizri: I started DJing in my native Israel in 1998. I was a radio DJ and had my own weekly show named "In My House." My show and my music became so popular that I started getting offers in clubs. So I started spinning in some of the best clubs in Tel Aviv and Europe. I started DJing in the USA in 2003, when my business partners George Coronado and Arnold Matteson and I opened up our music production and event planning company Give Me A Beat Productions where I am the Resident DJ and Producer.
How did you break into it?
Music has been my passion all my life. Since I was a teenager I used to buy and collect music and experiment with it. As I grew older, it was very clear to me that I wanted to work in the music industry. Spinning and mixing music is something that I always wanted to do to make others feel happy and to entertain. I feel blessed that I got the opportunity to develop my career as a DJ and music producer and that things are doing so well for us in Give Me A Beat Productions. Needless to say, we are working very hard and we like to support and give back to the community.
Are you single?
I rather not talk about my personal life.
Do you meet a lot of people when you’re out DJing?
Yes I do. When I DJ and when I am not DJing, but just attending events as well. It is nice when people approach me and tell me that they remember when I played in a venue or a specific party and how much they loved my set, my music style, etc. It is encouraging for me to keep on working hard for people who follow my music and who share with me the love for house music.
Do you think it’s interesting how a lot of DJs are regarded as celebrities?
It is interesting. It can be good and bad at the same time. Successful DJs are much respected these days and taken into consideration as a very important part of an event. On the other side, there are individuals who want to be DJs for the wrong reasons, for the fame, for the attention, or because they think it is an easy job, and not because they really have the talent or the passion for this competitive business. It is not easy to be a DJ and a music producer. It's a lot of work, full of long hours and sacrifices.
What makes you different than other DJs?
The comment that I hear very often is that my music is very unique and so different from many DJs. I love and play a lot of European house music that is very well-known in Europe but not here. I think that makes me different without trying to be.
How would you describe your style?
My style is very upbeat and energetic. I play a lot of soulful and funky house that is very uplifting and with a lot of vocals. In the club scene, I play high-energy vocal tracks with tribal sounds as well.
What songs get everyone on the floor?
“Don't Stop The Music” by Rihanna, “Everybody Dance” by Deborah Cox, “Free My Love” by Suzanne Palmer, and Chris Crocker “Leave Britney Alone” the Bryan Reyes Club Mix.
What’s next for you?
On Sundays, starting on December 16, I’ll be spinning at the grand opening of Tea Dance "Splash Tea Sundays" at the Catalina Hotel. Its promoted by Omar Gonzales and Dustin Reffca, the same promoters of CLICK at DEK23.
What should people expect when you DJ at Score?
Score is a fun place to spin at and this is the after dance party of a Benefit for SOBAP (South Beach AIDS Project) on Friday, December 21. It is so important to support and to come out to give donations to organizations like SOBAP that do so much for the community and for people in need. So, I hope I will see all of you guys that evening at Score.
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