From his Austrian roots to the thriving electronic music scene of Berlin, Ely Oaks has been steadily building a reputation as one of dance music’s exciting emerging talents. Known for blending infectious commercial dance sounds with underground influences, the DJ and producer has developed a style that connects with audiences across different corners of the electronic music world. With millions of streams, high-profile collaborations, and an increasingly busy international touring schedule, Ely Oaks is finding his place in an industry that continues to evolve at a remarkable pace.
During this year’s Nexus Lounge Amsterdam, held alongside Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Ely Oaks joined Farius in the Auto-Tune Interview Space for a conversation about his musical journey, creative influences, production techniques, and the growing popularity of faster, more energetic dance music. The discussion offered a glimpse into the personality behind the productions, revealing an artist who approaches his career with a combination of ambition, humor, and genuine appreciation for the opportunities coming his way.
For Ely Oaks, this year’s ADE represented another significant milestone. The producer had announced his first headline show during the annual gathering, and tickets had already sold out ahead of the performance. It was an exciting moment for an artist whose career has increasingly taken him beyond the studio and onto stages around the world. Performing in Amsterdam, one of electronic music’s most influential cities, carried particular significance as he continued to establish himself with an international audience.
Although now based in Berlin, Ely Oaks grew up in Austria and has Italian heritage, giving him a multicultural background that has helped shape his perspective. Living in Germany’s capital places him at the center of one of the world’s most established electronic music communities, where underground techno culture and experimental sounds remain deeply embedded in the city’s identity. That environment has provided a natural backdrop for his own musical evolution, particularly as he explores the space between accessible dance records and harder, club-oriented productions.
His growing international presence has also introduced him to audiences far beyond Europe. From appearances in Chicago to performances at major events such as Beyond Wonderland, Ely Oaks has experienced firsthand how electronic music connects people across different countries and cultures. Rather than taking those opportunities for granted, he views traveling and performing as some of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
Inside the studio, Ely Oaks approaches production with the same curiosity that defines his musical identity. Having worked on productions and remixes associated with artists including Marshmello and Nate Dogg, he understands the importance of balancing technical precision with creative instincts. During the conversation, he discussed his experience using Auto-Tune and the amount of work that can go into achieving the right vocal sound. While modern production tools have made it easier to experiment with vocals, he emphasized that creating a polished final result still requires patience, attention to detail, and plenty of adjustments.
That creative freedom extends beyond his music. Ely Oaks has also developed a recognizable personal style, particularly through the graphic T-shirts that have become part of his image. When Farius asked about the inspiration behind his designs, the producer explained that many of his ideas simply come from whatever happens to be on his mind. It’s an approach that reflects his broader creative personality: spontaneous, playful, and unwilling to be confined by unnecessary rules.
One of the more interesting moments in the conversation came when Ely Oaks discussed how his collaboration with Brazilian superstar Alok first came together. Rather than describing an elaborate industry introduction, he revealed that the connection began with a straightforward email to management. The story highlighted how persistence, timing, and a willingness to reach out can sometimes open unexpected doors, even in an industry where relationships and established networks often play a major role.
Social media has also become an important part of that changing landscape. Platforms such as TikTok have created new opportunities for emerging artists to introduce their music to listeners around the world, sometimes allowing a single track to gain momentum far beyond its original audience. For Ely Oaks, navigating those opportunities while continuing to develop his own musical identity remains an important part of building a sustainable career.
As the interview moved into Farius’ rapid-fire Take Five segment, the conversation took a more lighthearted turn. From joking about the importance of getting enough sleep after late nights to comparing the sometimes questionable staircases found in Amsterdam with Germany’s more regulated approach to construction, Ely Oaks showed a relaxed sense of humor that contrasted with the intensity of his music.
The conversation also revealed what gives him the greatest sense of satisfaction as a performer. Despite the pressure that can come with stepping behind the decks in front of a large crowd, Ely Oaks described the moment when everything begins to click.
"When you're three songs into a set and realize the people like it."
That feeling of connection is something many DJs spend their careers chasing. For Ely Oaks, knowing that the audience is responding to his selections allows him to settle into the performance and enjoy the experience. It’s a reminder that beyond streaming numbers, social media attention, and industry recognition, the relationship between an artist and the crowd remains one of dance music’s most powerful elements.
Musically, Ely Oaks has become particularly drawn to the faster tempos and high-energy productions currently making waves across the electronic music landscape. During the interview, he discussed his interest in working around 150 BPM, a tempo that lends itself naturally to the bouncy, trance-influenced sounds that have gained considerable momentum in clubs and festivals.
His enthusiasm for the direction of techno reflects a broader shift toward harder, faster, and more energetic electronic productions. While dance music trends have always moved in cycles, Ely Oaks believes the current appetite for these sounds represents an exciting opportunity for artists willing to experiment with different influences. His own productions frequently draw from that energy while maintaining the melodic hooks and accessibility that have helped introduce his music to a wider audience.
That balance has already produced impressive results. His track “K.O.” has surpassed 30 million streams, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners on a significant scale. Yet rather than allowing individual milestones to define his career, Ely Oaks appears focused on continuing to release music, develop his sound, and reach new audiences through live performances.
What makes his journey particularly interesting is the way he moves between different sides of electronic music without treating them as competing worlds. His productions can carry the immediate appeal of commercial dance music while incorporating the driving rhythms and underground influences associated with Berlin’s club culture. It’s a combination that reflects both his personal background and the increasingly fluid boundaries between electronic music genres.
As his international profile continues to grow, Ely Oaks remains enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead. Whether collaborating with established artists, experimenting with new production techniques, or stepping onto the stage for another headline performance, his approach is rooted in enjoying the process and making the most of each opportunity.
His conversation with Farius at Nexus Lounge Amsterdam offered more than a look at his recent accomplishments. It revealed an artist who understands the importance of staying curious, embracing unexpected opportunities, and remembering why he started making music in the first place.
With an expanding catalog, a growing global audience, and a clear passion for the faster sounds shaping today’s dancefloors, Ely Oaks is positioning himself for an exciting next chapter. And if his journey so far is any indication, he’s only beginning to explore where his music can take him.
Listen to the full Nexus Radio interview with Ely Oaks below from Nexus Lounge Amsterdam to hear more about his creative process, collaboration with Alok, life in Berlin, and his thoughts on the future of techno and electronic dance music.
