Q&A: Adam Sellouk & OMRI. unite on tszr for ‘Activate’, feat. Nevve
They dive into the collaboration, support and upcoming plans.
Q: ‘Activate’ see’s the first time you guys are collaborating on a release. How did the two of you first connect, and what made you decide to work together on this track?
(OMRI.) Our friendship started through Instagram, Adam sent me a DM and we started chatting.
(ADAM) We’re both from Israel and I’ve always been a fan of Omri’s sound. When I first started the track I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to collab.
Q: Walk us through how the track came to life - who brought what to the table, and how did your individual styles end up shaping the final sound?
(OMRI.) Once we started talking Adam sent me some vocals and directed me to listen to the first one which has now become the Activate vocal. I opened the project and started sending out some bass ideas on voice notes and then sent it to him to add his flavor.
(ADAM) I built the structure out from there, and gave it the festival big stage character and we really combined both of our sounds here which is super cool because we came up in pretty different sonic worlds.
Q: It’s being played by some of the coolest DJs in the world on the biggest stages - Max Styler & A-trak at Coachella, Mau P, Gorgon City etc. What's it like to have your music supported by these industry heavyweights?
(ADAM) It’s always an awesome feeling to see friends supporting my tracks and other acts that I’m not connected with finding the music and including it in their sets.
(OMRI.) Its always nice to see other people feeling it! Especially from good friends that are also incredible at their craft. It’s very flattering.
Q: You have both released records on iconic labels, and OMRI. even starting your own ‘Collecting Dots’ label. What does it mean to release on tszr?
(OMRI.) I have a personal relationship with tszr and have always wanted to work with them. Me and my manager Dorothy and Nick Dearmun have tried to find the right song to put out for a while now. When Nick heard this song, he wanted to be the one to release it, i knew that tszr was on Adam’s label list as well so he was excited to know they liked it.
(ADAM) It’s really nice! I’ve wanted to work with tszr for a while I think they’re a great label and I’m excited for our first release together.
Q: What's been the standout gig for each of you so far this year - the one that still has you buzzing?
(ADAM) My recent gig in Santiago Chile with Around was definitely a stand out moment.
(OMRI.) My gigs in Brazil! Such as Boma,Green Valley and the Carnival experience in general. The energy and culture is amazing. Showing me a new country and whole new musical world.
Q: Is there a city or crowd that just gets your sound in a way that surprises you every time?
(ADAM) South America has been an awesome part of my career and I’m always amazed at the support and how open the fans are as I continue to expand my sound, and try new things.
(OMRI.) Cape Town, South Africa. They respect and appreciate my craft and at the same time they are open minded to the next thing I am going to bring, they trust me as an artist. Even when I feel like In not at my best they always make me feel so appreciated and it helps me continue developing the artistic side of me.
Q: With Summer right around the corner, how are the next few months shaping up with shows / tours etc?
(ADAM) Really great, I have a lot of exciting shows coming up, and looking forward to showcasing new tunes.
(OMRI.) A lot of back and forth ahead between Ibiza, North & South America , looking forward to another groove summer!
Q: What else can your fans expect from you this year? Any future releases / announcements coming up?
(ADAM) Lots of music on new labels, with a fresh sonic direction. Some exciting shows that I’ll be curating along with a possible imprint.
(OMRI.) I'm programmed to keep things in motion, I am constantly creating and there’s always exciting things on the horizon. Consistency is key.
Q: Is there a dream festival or venue on the bucket list that you're yet to play?
(ADAM) Mayan warrior would be really cool.
(OMRI.) Yes,I think that boom festival has been that one for me since my early psytrance days
Q: What tracks are you reaching for in your sets right now? Which tunes have paired up best with Activate in the mix?
(ADAM) A lot of indie stuff from new acts like Buka, Millero, Dodi etc. My “Mind Dimension” remix and “Shine” from Buka & Dodi work really well.
(OMRI.) I try to keep things very diverse from set to set but off the top of my head I can say “Hype the Funk” one of my upcoming unreleased track is working great together, keeps the energy going.
Q: You’ve played across some incredible lineups this year already what have been some standout moments you’re glad to have caught amongst the events you played on?
(ADAM) The snow storm while I was playing at Experts Only in Whistler was a really unique and fun experience.
(OMRI.) Opening Hi Ibiza was a standout moment for sure! It’s been real honor to be invited to play such an event. The opening slot of the opening night of the best club in the world. Unbelievable.
