Next week Chicago’s Oktave is celebrating 7 years at the forefront of the ever-changing landscape of techno. In an industry that sees clubs open and shut down in the span of a few short years, only a few venues and parties stand the test of time to remain open past the 5 year mark and beyond.Ā The fact that Oktave has done so in a city with heavy focus on house music is but a testament to how well it has been curated over the years.
Oktave originally began in New York City, the child of producer, DJ and eventĀ organizer Jeff Derringer. After a year in the Big Apple Jeff moved the party to Chicago, ultimately finding his home at the iconicĀ Smartbar.
Since then, Oktave has been featuring top-tier names in the world of techno, including DVS1, drumcell, Truncate, Perc, Regis, Function, Sigha, Chris Liebing, Slam and many, many more.Ā As a DJ Jeff has allowed his music to speak for him, receiving invitations to play in the Netherlands, England, Georgia, Canada, France, at Movement Detroit, throughout the United States and perhaps most notably at the one and only Berghain in Berlin.
In fact, just a couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to witness him playĀ a peak time Sunday morning set at the infamous German club āĀ one of the most unbelievableĀ techno experiences of my life.
Jeff was kind enough to provide us with a one hour exclusive mix for Global Vibe Radio, following which we caught up to discuss Oktave’s milestone 7 Year Anniversary Party and his plans for the coming future.
Q: Seeing you play in Berghain a couple of weeks ago was something else. The energy, the crowd and the music altogether were unreal. Tell us a little about how it feels to be behind the decks there.
A: Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you could be there and experience it with me. Playing at Berghain is a privilege and a huge thrill. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Every time I play there it gets better. I’d say that this last time around was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had behind the DJ booth, period. The audience at Berghain is so educated and they’re willing to go on a ride with you, wherever you want to take them – in fact, that’s the reason they come. You really are free to do what you want, and the staff and techs there are top rate. The Ostgut staff are the most professional and pleasant people I’ve ever worked with in the music industry – they work really hard to make you feel comfortable and welcome in the club and in Berlin. Everything people say is true – as an artist working in techno, there is nothing else like it.
Q: Would you say you play differently there than elsewhere?
A: I’m not sure I’d say I play differently, but definitely more adventurous. Believe it or not, I’m less worried about mistakes at Berghain. The audience there is tolerant and, as I said, educated about techno. I feel free to take risks there, and play tracks I wouldn’t necessarily play elsewhere. The Berghain audience is ready for challenges, and they appreciate it. They don’t really want to hear the set you play at other clubs. They want your Berghain set.
Q: Next week you are celebrating 7 years of Oktave. What does this milestone mean for you as both a party-curator and DJ?
I definitely did not think Oktave would go for 7 years, that’s for sure. When I started it in New York, I had been playing gigs and working in the music business already for a long time, but not in the techno milieu. As far as techno and DJ events went, I really knew very little. So to see that it’s come as far as it has is pretty surreal.
Oktave is the place where I developed as a DJ and as a techno artist. No question, without it I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now. It has also allowed me to meet so many great artists I admire. Many of the opportunities I’ve had are a result of the relationships I made and nurtured through this project. It really did put me on the map.
I’ve been very fortunate to work with a lot of great people and clubs through the last 7 years. From National Undergr