Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ollie Sanders.
Hi Ollie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started learning to DJ when I was in the last few years of high school and began building up my vinyl collection after school, hitting up the local record stores. I began to embark on a clubbing venture and music career that would begin with me spinning at many local bars and clubs in my hometown of Luton, north of London in the UK.
My passion for music started to grow in dance music, and this led to me gaining a few radio shows on several stations while I then was touring clubs all over the UK and holding down some lucrative residencies in the process, including the 2000 capacity club ‘The Base’ in East Grinstead in London along with many Liquid and Life club brands.
After many years in the industry, this led me to buy my own Nightclub and operate it for three years in my hometown of Luton. I had my sites set in Miami for a long time, and I finally sold up shop and made the leap across the pond in 2009. I then managed to build up my reputation by playing at many bars, clubs, and hotel venues in Miami, which gained me a residency at the world-famous E11even nightclub.
I went on to launch a company named Reload Pool Parties in Miami, where we held many events at the Shore Club on South Beach and booked many artists, which included talents like Camelphat and The Cube Guys. Vicetone, An21, Wally Lopez, Starkillers, Crazibiza, Lee Cabrera, Harry Romero, Secondcity, Saeed Younan, and many more.
Being on the South Florida circuit and having launched my own record Label, Twisted Funk Records, in 2019 solidified my status in the industry, gaining six ultra music festival artists who have released with Twisted Funk. You can catch me spinning frequently spinning at nightclubs such as Daer Vixens, Kemistry, Munchies, and many more, along with performances at festivals like Groove Cruise.
The record label Twisted Funk is approaching its 5 Year anniversary next month as we celebrate a milestone that has seen us put on major shows where we have brought an array of artists to the main stage including Roger Sanchez, Steve Lawler, Harry Romero, OFFAIAH, Roland Clark, Nathan Barato, Miss Nine, The Cube Guys, Stacey Pullen, Dont Blink, Saeed Younan, Robbie Rivera, Wally Lopez, Boris, Chapter & Verse, Croatia Squad, David Tort, Markus Schulz and literally hundreds more!
Starting off in a little pub at 16 years old to producing music that has been supported by Legends such as Paul Van Dyk and Bob Sinclair doesn’t take 5 minutes. It’s taken me years of hard graft, promoting, and networking. Producing, event planning & pushing my talents to the limits, and constantly innovating while on the scene, putting in the work behind the scenes that people don’t notice or see.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing comes easy in the music industry.
The biggest challenge I had to face was moving to a new country while not knowing one person and starting fresh. Yet, if you put in the work, it goes to show that you can achieve all your hopes and dreams and continue your passion for entertaining people with your music.
I’ve played them all, from small bars and clubs to the big stage at the world’s elite clubs. I’m humble about all the bookings that come forth, and I’m very proud to be where I am. I’ve come a long way in this relentless career, and it’s a blessing to be included on billings with some of the greatest DJs in the world.
I’ve been fortunate enough to spin with all the guys I mentioned before and be included on billings alongside industry pioneers such as Tiesto, John Summit, Diplo Eric Prydz, James Hype & Nicole Moudaber, Meduza, Nora En Pure, Claptone and so many more.
I shout a special thanks to festival specialists Groove Cruise, who believe in me and my label, along with my skill set and performances, which include a lot of hard work.
The Groove Cruise festivals are always amazing. I really enjoy working with the whole travel staff and look forward to the next cruise coming in January, where Twisted Funk will feature an exclusive stage once again alongside our Vixens family for another amazing event. If you haven’t yet been to this floating festival, go check out GrooveCruise.com for more details!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I’m a house music dj and producer, and you can find my work on all musical platforms, from SoundCloud to Spotify. I’m very proud to keep the music flowing for all house music fans across the globe.
I’ve got many releases on my label, Twisted Funk Records, and I also have music releases on Unlearn Records and Zulu. But I’m most proud of the track I produced in memory of the late Erick Morillo, called ‘Subliminal Love,’ which was picked up by Black Hole Recordings and played by Paul Van Dyk on his VONYC radio broadcast.
You can view all the music releases on my label at TwistedFunkRecords.com!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Sometimes, you have to create your own luck in this industry.
Being at shows and in people’s minds is sometimes all it takes. Rubbing shoulders with industry people always helps. Even on the nights where you’re not performing, showing support to other clubs and artists shows is vital.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twistedfunkrecords.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/djolliesanders
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/djolliesanders
- SoundCloud: www.SoundCloud.com/djolliesanders
