We had the good fortune of connecting with Ollie Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ollie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always been a risk taker. I became the youngest nightclub owner in the UK at aged 25 for a reason. I’ve always been a go getter and made things work for me. From Djing in clubs when I was 17, to working full time as well at Luton airport growing up… I bought my first house at 21 years old because I was not only listening to great advice but also putting the time and effort into success through my work. Some people think it’s all just handed to you but they never see the hard work that goes into everything behind the scenes. From spinning clubs at the weekends while being a full time IT engineer for an airline means a lot of work. I was about 28 when I chose to do Music Full time. That’s my passion in life.
I’m always scheming planning, thinking, hustling and manifesting great things because I put in the work, dedication and calculated risks into what I do. This gives me the pleasure to enjoy my life, one important thing to learn from is your mistakes and projects that don’t pan out the way you expect. Life is one big learning curve but never give up on your dreams.
So talking about taking a risk in life?? How about moving across the other side of the world to Miami from the UK, not knowing one person and starting an entire new life, then building a business from the ground up. Consistently innovating, leading & hustling in all aspects of my ideas and projects. This all stems from taking risks and a lot of those risks the majority of people are not willing to take.
My mind never stops, but I have learned to de stress from my hectic schedule that I have by going fishing of all things. I took up the sport of salt water fishing during the pandemic and it’s been a great escape from all aspects of my life including business, music and the events etc. Just being out in nature and enjoying the Florida weather & wildlife is truly amazing.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I started out young, and mentioned in a recent interview that the path is different for everyone. From bombing around the clubs in the UK aged 17 to performing weekly radio shows, then all the way to becoming a resident at Miami’s elite club E11even & then starting my own Record Label. There’s usually a long path to everyones story & journey. It’s never one specific show I’ve done but the hundreds of clubs, bars and pool parties and everything in between that bring me to where I am today.
What helped me is constantly paying attention to the industry and the music. We all have our ups and down but it’s never easy trying to promote yourself or brand 24-7. It’s relentless, the best way is to just keep consistently being out there, be making music, making moves, be inspired and be professional in the same process. As I said everyone’s path and journey is different. But never give up on your hopes and dreams.
I have always been true to myself, people need to understand that money does not create happiness. If your happy doing what you love and can make a living from that then you have already won in life.
We have some exciting news coming as the year unfolds. From monthly events to a Music Festival in 2022. Nothing is easy and the work is relentless but we have the right team in place to really catapult the brand over the coming years. I’m not just building what I believe in, I’m delivering it.
What sets my company apart from most is that we’re not afraid of thinking big, and outside the box, taking the risks and ideas and implementing them in the best ways possible. I feel we have only scratched the surface of our true potential and I’m super excited for what’s down the road. I expect elite talent and production and already am gaining huge support from global radio stations and industry pioneers.
The hard work and goals are still there to be achieved, I have the knowledge and experience to put on an amazing show and give the people what they want, which is amazing experience & great memories. This is vital to us and to our supporters, but It’s never about one show or performance but the entire culture of it all.
Great things are coming to Fort Lauderdale and across the globe too as we set up new tours. So watch this space and follow our Twisted Funk Records page on social media to stay informed of what we have in store. Maybe we’re coming to a city near you!
I have to mention that nothing comes easy. If you put in the hard work you will see the benefits in the long term. My advise to any new comers into the industry is to learn new skills and put in the time and effort. If you have 8 hours a day to be on social media or playing video games etc then you have time to learn a new program or music software that will help your business & brand etc. These days you have to be a ten man team by yourself and still need help. With tools online and at everyone’s fingertips there is no excuses. Take the time to learn and progress and most of all, put the action behind your thoughts. It’s easy to talk but not easy to deliver. Fail at things, and learn from them. Never give and up you can prosper.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Miami I like to take people to the 1 Hotel rooftop, located in South Beach, it’s a nice rooftop pool, chill vibes with a great view of the beach. Downtown Miami I like to take people to Club Space if they are ready for an all nighter. Outside of Miami though Fort Lauderdale is thriving. More and more people are moving north from Miami to Fort Lauderdale as the city booms. It’s the same lifestyle but without the intensity that Miami brings.
In Fort Lauderdale the Wharf is always a great hangout spot right on Las Olas Riverfront. That team over there have done some amazing work so props to Emi Guerra, Jonny Adler and the squad.
Club Munchies is amazing hang out spot too that offers a chill day vibe to an uplifting event nights in the evening. The GM John Farino and staff have really transformed this location (formerly Tarpon Bend) and made it the new hip spot on the block. They also play host to some of our upcoming shows so definitely worth checking out, not to mention great food & entertainment.
Pompano beach offers an amazing Tikki Bar called a Lucky Fish which is located right on the beach and has a great relaxing vibe. From there it’s onto Pompano Beach House rooftop for killer views of the beach and Pier. So depending on your vibe there’s a lot to choose from in South Florida.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank the continued support over the years from many people in South Florida who continuously show support and appreciation for what I do.
The list is too long to point in any one direction but the people who believe in me and my projects mean a lot to me and I try and show my gratitude as much as possible. My biggest inspiration are record labels and event companies that I respect, again another long list from Defected to Toolroom there are many companies and brands in between. The Festivals such as Ultra, EDC, Movement Festival, Groove Cruise, or events and club nights from Ministry Of Sound, Cream, Link Miami Rebels to Elrow…. the list is long. Big and small…. it’s not just the heavyweights that give me inspiration. Some of the best visions come from smaller groups and events. Or even from day to day ideas from people around me. But the ones mentioned all supply great homage to how we operate at Twisted Funk.
I’m 25 years in the industry and still I learn things all the time from my peers and other brands. In this industry you need to adapt and innovate. I also make valuable decisions from friends & family as well. The key is to always have your ear to the ground, even when your taking a step back to assess strategies and business ideas. Learn to move forward at the right times and respect the people and other events within the industry.
Other event organizers need to understand we’re all in this for the love of dance music. Competition is healthy and it’s great seeing new and upcoming guys putting on shows. Especially after the rough year everyone’s been through. For Twisted Funk it’s great to be getting some the global recognition from where we have come so far. I’m humble to the fact there are a lot of people on board with what we are doing at Twisted Funk. The best is still yet to come.
Upcoming events are booked throughout the year. A few notables include Memorial Day Weekend – Friday May 28th with Space Terrace legend Patrick M. Then on June 11th our 2 Year Label Anniversary which is also my birthday along with a special performance from an international superstar DJ which we will reveal on June 5th. Get ready! Tickets available on eventbrite.com
See you on the dance floor!
Website: www.TwistedFunkRecords.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/TwistedFunkRecords
Twitter: Twitter.com/twistedfunk305
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TwistedFunkRecords
Other: www.instagram.com/djolliesanders www.facebook.com/djolliesanders