ONYVA is an artist who’s we’re tipping for bigger things in 2017. His story serves as a sage example to all up and coming producers. Success in this business is all about making the right moves and taking your time.
Hi ONYVA, tell us about you
ONYVA: I’m 38. I moved to Monaco recently, but I am from Manchester.
What made you get in to dance music?
ONYVA: The 808 state show! I heard this weird and wonderful music they called “house” way back in 91’/92’. It had me hooked from day one. Next I was buying 12”’s every Saturday at Eastern Bloc in Manchester.
Where was your first gig?
ONYVA: I played quite a few gigs on the rave scene in the mid-90s in Manchester, nothing major. My biggest gig was in 1998 when I headlined a techno event in Turku, Finland.
How difficult was learning to produce for you in the beginning?
ONYVA: Very hard. It’s not like today with countless tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere, which is superb, but much harder to be self taught. Also the software was much more cumbersome. I started with Cubase and a small midi setup, but really got things moving more quickly when Reason v1 was launched in around 2000.
Talk to us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it.
ONYVA: Old skool is a big influence for me, as its my roots. However, I love “tech” so a lot of my tracks start with a sample or two from some of my favourite old skool tracks and then build the tech vibes around them. I love bringing those old vibes back to the new school with modern beats, arrangements and bass.
What’s the music scene like in the South of France and how often are you playing?
ONYVA: Its not great! There isn’t much going on in Monaco, but there is in Cannes, but it is pretty limited. Good job I get to Ibiza a lot. 🙂
I’m just focusing on productions and mixes at the moment. I’m then gonna start pushing myself as a DJ more soon and getting gigs.
Which other DJs or producers are you liking right now?
ONYVA: There are a lot! If I had to pick one it would be CamelPhat and has been for a year. Their productions are superb and very current.
What are your go to labels?
ON IT Recordings, Relief, Red Lunar
Tell us about your DJ setup
ONYVA: Its changed a lot. I still have my 1210’s mk2’s which I bought in 1996 and over 5,000 vinyl so that is a key go to for sampling. In terms of strict DJ’ing I now use CDJ nexus setup with RekordBox and EFX. I did use Traktor, but I think the RekordBox setup does pretty much everything now and is much more portable.
What’s been your biggest achievement
ONYVA: In music? Now that I am applying myself (only really have I given decent focus in the last 12-18 months) I would say getting featured on 5 Ibiza compilation albums for various tracks this summer with Toolroom, Cr2 and Phonetic. Also Remixing Funk D’void who is a legend in my eyes was a great moment for me. Finally, getting my imprint ON IT Recordings off to a wicked start with artists such as Brett Gould, Jey Kurmis, Host like Detroit, Tuff London, Barber, Funk D’Void, Funkagenda already doing originals or remixes. Lots more to come from ON IT in 2017 and beyond.
What can we expect from you soon
ONYVA: Lots of new productions are in the works, so hopefully you will see them released on some big labels. I want to look to start getting some bookings later this year and finally lots of amazing new music on ON IT!
FOLLOW ONYVA:
Soundcloud / Instagram / Facebook / Beatport
