Montreal artist Mitch Oliver has crafted a stellar reputation both behind the decks and in the studio over recent years. The rising producer and DJ has graced the likes of Kindisch, XYZ, and Akbal with inimitable, lush groovers while showcasing his skills on stage around the world with performances at the likes of SXM Festival, Public Works in San Francisco, Do Not Sit in Miami and back home at the revered Piknic Electronik in Montreal.
Fresh off from his participation in our EG Spotlight Series, we catch up with Mitch Oliver for a Q&A session to learn how his year is going and what’s in store for the future.
EG: Hello Mitch, thanks for taking the time to speak with us! How are you?
Mitch Oliver: It’s a pleasure. Really grateful for the invitation. I have the utmost respect for EG, so it is an honor to have the opportunity to prepare a set for you guys.
EG: What has been your highlight of 2022 so far?
Mitch Oliver: It has been a very nice start to the year. I released my first ever remix on Dialtone. It was really great to see the positive reaction. It was a blast getting back to Miami too, playing Do Not Sit At The Furniture. I always have such a brilliant time there.
Also, my ‘Exil’ EP released on When We Dip’ XYZ last year just got remixed by 3 fantastic artists that I really admire. It came out on March 11th, with remixes from Facundo Mohrr, Raw Main, and Maxi Degrassi. I really like each of their takes on my music and am pumped by the support it received thus far.
EG: Summer in Montreal is just around the corner. What are you most looking forward to?
Mitch Oliver: It’s been 2 summers where my city has been under severe restrictions, nearly killing our beloved underground music scene. It will be a relief to finally have a “normal” one. Montreal is such a rich cultural and vibrant city, especially during that season, so I’m looking forward to being able to embrace it to the fullest. Going out to watch concerts, attending music festivals, and obviously playing some gigs for my home crowd are all things I’m very excited about this coming summer.
EG: What were the standout moments from your most recent shows in New York and Miami?
Mitch Oliver: Both shows were super fun and fuelled my creative flame to return to the studio and work on some more music. The show in Miami was surreal. I’ve played at Do Not Sit a bunch of times and it’s always a blast, but I could feel that this would be one for the books. The crowd was so energetic and responsive, danced all the way to the end and it truly was a magical moment. Having the opportunity to play for more than 3 hours also allows me to really take my time to develop a trusting relationship with the crowd and write a musical story with them. I can take more risks, play more of the unexpected and it’s what I enjoy the most.
“I’ve really been enjoying older deep house from the 2011 to 2015 era. There is something mature and timeless to the music that was released around that time that really suits my vibe lately”
EG: You have a budding relationship with Do Not Sit On The Furniture and the Miami community. What can you tell us about that?
Mitch Oliver: Megan and Behrouz have welcomed me to their club over 2 years ago and I’ve become a regular fixture there, headlining Saturday shows a few times a year. I’m very grateful for their trust in my music and my ability to honor their beautiful venue with the proper music and vibes. Do Not Sit has such a cozy, warm, and sexy feeling, with just the right size to enable a true connection between the Dj and the audience. Its clientele is only composed of true music connoisseurs who appreciate high-quality, deep, and organic music. I always have the best time when I play in that room and I’m already looking forward to my next show there.
EG: Your new remix of Yow dropped recently on Dialtone, what was the creative process like?
Mitch Oliver: Believe it or not, as I mentioned this was my first remix ever and I really enjoyed the creative process. I like to think that my strengths in music production are making groovy drums and baselines. My goal with the remix was to respect the original song and especially leave the beautiful guitar and vocal mostly untouched and flip the groove to make it more of a dancefloor-oriented track. I’m really happy with how it turned out. When I first sent it to the label owner and to Yow, they instantly loved it and that was a very satisfying and touching moment. Once it came out, the feedback I received was super positive so it really encouraged me to work on some more remixes for the coming months.
EG: Who or what are your biggest influences right now?
Mitch Oliver: This is always such a difficult one as I take inspiration from so many artists found in multiple genres. If we stick to underground artists, I’ve really been digging everything Zone+ releases. He has his own minimal, dreamy and dubby sound that really hits the ground for me. His recent album released on ADID’s sister label In Waves is magnificent.
When I’m doing music research for gigs and podcasts, I’ve really been enjoying older deep house from the 2011 to 2015 era. There is something mature and timeless to the music that was released around that time that really suits my vibe lately. I also find it’s the best music to keep a dancefloor sweaty and in a good mood, which is what I’m aiming at when I’m djing.
EG: Can you share one goal you’ve set for 2022?
Mitch Oliver: It’s been difficult to set goals and plan ahead of time over the last 2 years so I’m trying to refrain from having big expectations or set precise goals for the coming year, even if I’m someone who usually needs that kind of structure to navigate through life. However, one goal I’ve set is to play a maximum of shows in the USA. My passion is sharing moments through music and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to do so on a more regular basis. I’m confident that it will be happening this year and I’m ready to trust the process and accept where it leads me.
“Having the opportunity to play for more than 3 hours also allows me to really take my time to develop a trusting relationship with the crowd and write a musical story with them.”
EG: Are there any other exciting projects on the radar that we should know about?
Mitch Oliver: I got a lot of new music set to release this year. I have a new two-track EP on one of my favorite labels later in May for which I can’t wait to share some more details about this one.
I’ll also be releasing a second EP on When We Dip’s XYZ later in the Summer, and many more to announce later this Spring.
EG: Thank you for your time, Mitch! We wish you all the best for the future!
Mitch Oliver: Thank you! Take care, everyone!
‘Mitch Oliver – Exil (The Remixes)’ is out now via XYZ. Purchase your copy here.
Follow Mitch Oliver: SoundCloud | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify
