DJ ODI

DJ ODI is an absolute legend in the stateside drum and bass scene, hailing from New York City and beyond, he has been making waves since the early 90s. With his roots in hip hop, he started out when breakbeat and jungle music were really taking off, and he quickly became a key player in the underground scene of NYC. As both an impressive performer and an organizer, he’s been crucial in shaping the drum and bass landscape in the stateside scene with crews such as Digital Konfusion, Konkrete Jungle, Jungle Sky, and too many more to mention.

Experience his groundbreaking music, electrifying mixes, and the legacy he’s built in the scene.With well over two decades in the game, ODI is respected as a true pioneer in the jungle and drum and bass scenes throughout the states and everywhere in between. Looking to the future, he’s all about keeping the music authentic and impactful, not confined by any rules of genre or the like. He’s solidified himself, his passion is undeniable, and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

[mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/djodibk1/45-minutes-to-go-dj-odi-exclusive-for-okc/ width=100% height=120 hide_cover=1]

Thanks for taking the time to do an interview with me. Your set last Friday here in Oklahoma City was sick, but that was to be expected. Tell me a little about you, what sparked your love for this music and what made you say “this is what I need to be doing”? 

I grew up in a time in the 80s into the 90s where the world was wide open, sampling exploded in music culture. The doors were opened by people a little over a generation of me. It was viable to make music. I was very lucky to grow up in Harlem in the 80s. Several Hip hop pioneers came from my block such as Master OC, and Charlie Chase. I grew up looking up to them and when I got the chance to learn how to play music it all clicked. Playing raves and clubs just solidified that it was where I needed to be at that time of my life! Loving DJ culture in general, loving that part of it is a huge factor. I would say about rave culture, it’s hard to talk about because it’s all I’ve known, even pre rave i was a part of night life culture, so it was just always there. 

What was/is the NYC scene like? Have any notable memories? Any other notable crews/scenes you’ve been a part of or played a role in? Whether from the beginning to current time.

I was really lucky to have been a part of the transition between old school rave and jungle/dnb. Being there to watch Konkrete Jungle, and other early events happen. I was lucky that I am part of KJ OG, Digital Konfusion Crew (my fam) NASA crew, Jungle Sky and the Universal Zulu Nation.

Are there any artists, drum and bass or otherwise, that have influenced you?

I would say The Latin Rascals, Carlos Berrios, Mc Search, Dj Premier, Mozart, Clyde Stubblefield, so many more!

Is there a track that blew you away and has never lost its magic?

I think they all are like that for the right person at the right time. Classics are those universally accepted watershed moments but it takes a long time for a record to get to that in my mind. Right now I will say that “mystic sunset” by Marky and S.P.Y. has been in the majority of my sets for 15 years or so now. so that maybe? But there are so many go to’s – even this week I discovered a new Hazard tune called “Panic” that’s gonna stay in my playlists for a while. So who really knows?

Were there specific artists or experiences that solidified your connection to the scene?

I have so many memories after 30 years. Once of my best ones is playing a outdoor fest in St Louis area same stage before Plastikman, 3 Decks, turbosound, – Intersteller Dreamfest – So dope.

What sets you apart from others? What influences you?

I was coming from the Hip Hop world and blending mixes were the way to go. So I brought long mixes, riding vocals, and mixing genre into it. Using rap/ragga/rnb vocals over jungle/dnb. That according to some was how the hip step style came about. So I’ve been called part of that movement as well. But I just play what I think would make me dance if I were on the floor. Being from the hip hop and Dance music world from the start gives me an interesting perspective and tool box to pull from. Scratching, long blends, crowd reading I think are things that gave me a leg up back in the day. Now I am just trying to keep up with all the amazing players like Hector Mamajuana, Gigan, Jen Symmetry, and so many more!

Describe your DJ setup. What software or hardware do you prefer, and why? 

Pioneer CDJ 2k x 2, Pioneer DJM 900 NXS mixer. I try to stay as standard to what I would see in clubs/raves. For DAW I have been a Cubase User for over 20 years and LOVE it! I have the Roland cloud system, as well as the US Spark system, being able to get that level of reproduction from the OG hardware is key!

Looking back on your time in the scene, what’s been your most rewarding accomplishment?

Being able to have opened the door for the music in a lot of ways makes me smile. Knowing that I influenced people’s styles or helped an entire genre of music grow. It’s a smile.

What are you most grateful for in the drum and bass scene?

I’ve gotten to live a dream, make music and travel. It saved me, got me out of the hood, and I can’t say anything else better than that!

How did you get your name? Is there something special about the meaning?

There was a graffiti artist in my hood who tagged ODI. He was retiring and blessed me with the Tag. I’ve run with it and tried to show respect to it since!

How do you feel about how drum and bass exploding right now? Both globally and stateside?

I am really excited, seeing the way the world has stepped up its game is brilliant. Sound Design, Structure, sharing knowledge, seeing it all makes me so psyched to see what’s next!

If an aspiring artist came to you for advice, what are the top things you’d tell them? 

Educate and entertain. Have fun, be humble first and foremost. Its a ride and take your time. Enjoy what you do and that will show through.

You’re creating a dream lineup. Who’s playing at this show?

Andy C, Randall, Hype, Machete, Lenore, Phantom 45, Danny the Wildchild, Jaybee, Craze, Pearly, i-Cue, and me.

Any shout outs? What crews have you been apart of in your journey through Drum and Bass?

Digital Konfusion, Jungle Sky, Konkrete Jungle, The Global Drum & Bass Collective, Uptempo Dance, Base Industry Recordings, Jungle Bells, Torque, Konkrete Jungle LA, Proper Chicago.

Are there any upcoming releases, shows, collaborations, or label signings that you’re particularly enthusiastic about?

I’ve just been very lucky to be able to still be here playing shows and traveling. I am lucky and happy. I have had a busy year with releases on Global DnB Collective, Rolled Up, Exult and dropping mixtapes on my Mixcloud monthly as well! Also having the Digital Konfusion Mixshow monthly takeover on FM4 in Vienna, Austria! 

Check out DJ Odi on social media and stream some mixes!

• https://www.facebook.com/DjODiBK125/
• https://www.mixcloud.com/djodibk1/