EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Ollie Lishman has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic up-and-coming names in the global electronic scene. Originally from Naarm/ Melbourne, Lishman’s unique sound is a blend of house, techno, and trance, infused with a distinct Australian energy that he has carried with him to his new home in Berlin. Known for his captivating sets at major festi- vals and clubs across Europe, Lishman’s journey from Australia to Europe has been one of artistic evolution, marked by a relentless drive to experiment and push the boundaries of his music. His recent releases, inclu- ding his debut collaborations with Bad Boombox and DJ BORING on the WATCH YO STEP EP, have garnered widespread attention, showcasing his ability to mer- ge diverse influences into a cohesive, forward-thinking sound.
Lishman’s move to Berlin has had a profound impact on both his creative process and his live performances. In a recent interview, he shared how the city’s vibrant music scene and its emphasis on collective experience have inspired him to explore new ideas and embrace more experimental elements in his productions. From his captivating set at Intercell to his electrifying per- formance in Belgrade, Lishman is becoming a fixture on the European circuit. As he continues to evolve his sound, blending the best of his Australian roots with his newfound European influences, Lishman’s “Hot House” style is shaping up to be one of the most exci- ting developments in the electronic music scene today. Lishman’s recent WATCH YO STEP EP on Hot Meal Re- cords marks a pivotal moment in his career, as his first solo release on the label and a collaboration with the likes of Bad Boombox and DJ BORING.
“WATCH YO STEP” is my second EP and a milestone as my first solo EP release with Hot Meal Records. This EP features my debut collaborations with Bad Boom- box and DJ BORING, and brings a fresh fusion of styles that hasn’t been heard since my first EP, “POSITION CRITICAL.”
With a distinct blend of house, techno, and trance, the EP showcases his growth as a producer, experimenting with new sounds while staying true to his roots.
“While curating the tracks for this project, I drew inspi- ration from my new life in Europe—especially the im- pact of moving to Berlin, which has influenced both my sound and my creative direction. I wanted to include a variety of tracks that each showcase a unique side of the genre I’m exploring. The goal was to create four distinct tracks that each evoke their own emotion, hin- ting at future projects where I’ll dive deeper into these individual themes.”
Lishman credits the move to Berlin for significantly in- fluencing his style, with the city’s vibrant music scene offering a wealth of inspiration. This EP features a va- riety of tracks, each capturing a unique emotion and sound, hinting at what’s to come from Lishman’s future projects.
This year has seen Lishman push his creative boun- daries, both in the studio and on stage. The upcoming BLUESHIFT EP on Stützpunkt, which features his track
“Body Flow,” is a testament to his evolving sound. this release reflects his shift towards groove-heavy tracks that resonate with the energy of the dance floor. “The “BLUESHIFT EP” project has been over a year in the making. After performing at several Stützpunkt events, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this VA Vinyl, mar- king my second vinyl release. This EP leans heavily
into groove, featuring tracks by Beau Didier, Isaiah, and Alec Dienaar. My track, “Body Flow,” is a carefully sampled groove record that captures the energy of my previous styles, setting the tone for what’s to come in 2025. Paired with the contributions from the other ar- tists, this EP serves as a high-energy toolbox for DJs looking to elevate the club.”
His performances across Europe have been a key part of his artistic transformation, particularly his debut live recorded set at Intercell in Amsterdam, which mar- ked a turning point in his confidence as a DJ. Lishman’s ability to adapt his sets to the energy of the crowd has made him a standout performer, whether playing to the engaged audiences in Berlin or the electric atmos- phere at his gig in Belgrade, Serbia. These experiences have not only shaped his performances but have also made him more comfortable with taking risks and ex- perimenting live.
My first Intercell recording in June was the highlight of my year and a milestone for me, as it marked my first live recorded set. It was a bit nerve-racking, but it tau- ght me a lot about my abilities and track selection. It was also an incredible opportunity to introduce Europe to my upcoming and unreleased tracks—an unbeatable feeling. The energy in Amsterdam that night was un- forgettable, with the crowd fully engaged throughout my 2-hour set from sunset to nightfall. A key moment during that set came when I had a transition that didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. I remember thinking, “Oh no, that’s going to be in the recording.” But then, loo- king around, the crowd’s reaction reassured me that it was all good. That moment was transformative; it re- minded me that mistakes are part of the journey, and since then, I’ve felt freer to get creative in my mixing. I think my performances have only improved since, and I now feel fully at ease with any crowd. I also have to mention the incredible experience in Belgrade, Serbia. Playing a sold-out hangar with Bad Boombox, I wasn’t sure what to expect walking in and how many people would rock up but walking into a crowd of what felt like 5,000 people ready to go was electrifying. It was truly unforgettable and can’t wait to go back.”
As he adapts to a new portable studio setup and con- tinues to work with other industry figures like Bad Boombox, Lishman has refined his sound and embra- ced longer breakdowns, exploring new ways to build tension and emotion within his tracks.
“This year has been my busiest yet with touring and music production, and the packed schedule has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Adapting from a traditional studio setup to a portable one took some adjustment, but I now feel much more confident in my abilities. Fo- cusing on refining my sound has brought exciting shifts in my style”.
“I feel my music quality has greatly improved, thanks to learning from friends along the way. Lately, I’m drawn to Hardhouse, which is adding fresh influences to my grooves. I’m also diving deep into longer breakdowns, experimenting with their power to create suspense and evoke emotion. Though breakdowns aren’t always sui- ted to every live setting, I’m finding creative ways to incorporate them, which has helped me expand beyond my usual approach.”
Comparing his European gigs with the Australian sce- ne, Lishman notes a stark difference in the energy and culture of the crowds.
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