Since opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2007, Woei has left its mark on the international sneaker and streetwear community with several collaborations including Asics, Patta, and Stüssy along the way.
But the interests and passions of the Woei crew reach far beyond just shoes and apparel. Besides providing the streets with the latest from Nike, Adidas, and Co., music has always been at the heart of the store. Considering the highly curated playlists and mixes that can be heard in the store and hosting some of Rotterdam's most notorious parties, the belief that music unites is deeply ingrained in the Woei DNA.
Based on this deep connection, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite local musicians to talk about what sparked their passion for music and hear their take on common dilemmas in the music industry.
For WOEI FM episode #29, we caught up with SUN O.C., to talk about his deep-rooted love for music, the sudden discovery of his artist name, and performance routines.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Olaff, also known as Sun O.C., and I’m 39 years old. I live in Overschie now, after having lived in the city for a while. I started out with spinning Grime, but nowadays I’m into styles like Garage, Jungle, Breakbeats, and Dubstep. And lately also Gqom. I like to make a story out of it.
How did you come up with your DJ name?
I’ve basically been carrying this name since my middle school times. There was a talent show at my school where we wrote verses to the Instrumental of ‘Ladies Night’ by Lil’ Kim, and I needed a stage name. I happened to be listening to the radio while thinking of a name, and they were talking about solar energy. So, I took the ‘Sun’ and added it to my initials, OC. Sun OC.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day for me… I have a family so I drop the kids off at school, I work three days a week, do some kickboxing, and in the evenings, aside from music, work on my own sunglasses brand.
We were walking around the Lombard Kade just now, what does this area mean to you?
I started living here in 2012, and that was an era of big changes for me. It’s brought me inspiration, more insights, and a beautiful wife;)
"I happened to be listening to the radio while thinking of a name, and they were talking about solar energy. So, I took the ‘Sun’ and added it to my initials, O.C. Sun O.C."
What does Rotterdam, as a city, mean to you?
I’ve lived outside of Rotterdam for a while and only then I truly realized that this place is really my home. It means a lot to me.
What are your favorite (food) spots in Rotterdam?
1. COCO, which sadly doesn’t exist anymore…
2. King Foeng.
3. Warung Melati.
When did you realize that music had such a big impact on your life?
That pretty much started in middle school as well. Together with my brother and two sisters we used to listen to a lot of artists like Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, etc., but also music that my dad would play like Otis Redding, as well as a lot of Surinamese music.
There was a moment when I was 8 when the music video of Salt ’n Peppa’s ‘Push It’ was playing on the TV and I saw that there was a DJ in the clip. I said that it would be cool to be able to do that, and look at me now!
What was your first performance?
Skank in Roodkapje. They had built the entire basement into a club, it had a real grimy vibe.
Vinyl or Digital?
Digital.
Has there ever happened anything crazy at one of your gigs that has stuck with you?
Once when I was nearing the end of my set, I was really hyped to play this one tune to end off with. There was no MC present, so I just grabbed a mic and announced it myself. Then, as I was about to play it, some random guy suddenly dropped his drink all over the CDJ. Ruined the whole moment…
Where do you find inspiration, music-wise?
In so many places. But last year’s Boiler Room in Amsterdam, with many great artists, like de Schuurman, is one of the most recent events/projects that have stuck with me.
How do you select your music for upcoming events/gigs?
Depends on the gig. In general, I like to look at what's been playing lately compared to tunes from a while back. Preferably unreleased tunes.
Do you have certain routines you do before performing?
I have this thing where I’m always unnecessarily nervous every time I leave the door on my way to a gig. So, once I arrive I fully calm down, check out the music that’s playing, and have a drink. I always like to arrive a little early, to test out if the decks are fully operative and check the settings.
Club nights or Festivals?
Club nights.
"In general, I like to look at what's been playing lately compared to tunes from a while back. Preferably unreleased tunes."
Is there a certain club/venue where you’d still like to spin?
I want to play in bigger clubs, like Maassilo or anything even bigger.
Are there any DJs you look up to?
I have many favorites, but DJ EZ and Sir Spyro have got to be on top.
Is there a tune you’d like to share with the readers?
Not so much a tune, but I recommend the album Sharc Wave by Sharc & Pi’erre Bourne.
What are your Top 3 parties of all time?
1. SpeedFreax
2. Oi!
3. Progres Bar
Is there something on your agenda that you’re able to share with us?
I’ve been producing a lot, so keep your eyes (and ears!) open for an upcoming EP.
I also have a Monthly Operator Radio show: ’SUN OC’, which is every first Saturday of the month.
What can we expect from your Operator set?
Expect some Grime and Jungle.
Any last words for the readers?
Everything changes, and nothing stays the same. It’s better to go with the flow and accept changes in life. That makes it easier for yourself, and it saves you energy.
