From a childhood spent sneaking into Stockholm’s underground nightclubs to the ardent support of Swedish House Mafias’ assorted members, Otto Jettman is undoubtedly the next in a line of explosive new talent to have emerged from Sweden. Welcomed into the charts and global clubbing circuit alike, his Otto Knows moniker has come to embody the true potential of passionate creativity within the dance music industry worldwide. Interestingly, he was brought to the attention of Sebastian Ingrosso thanks to a chance meeting in their native Stockholm, following which his development as a DJ and producer came through the first hand experience of touring alongside the Refune head honcho.
We had the pleasure of interviewing the talented DJ/Producer at the recently concluded Electric Zoo festival in New York this year ahead of his upcoming Sunburn Arena India tour with Avicii. Hit past the break now as Otto Knows goes on to tell us about his worldwide smash hit, “Million Voices”, his love for India and how the Swedish House Mafia have been one of the biggest sources of inspiration for him!
TBB: Hey Otto, we’re thebanginbeats.com, thank you so much for taking out time to speak with us! That was one hell of a set you played out there. How does it feel to be back in the Big Apple?
Otto Knows: It’s always a pleasure guys. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It feels great to be back in this lovely city. The last time I played in NYC, was for “All Mixed Up” around Halloween last year and it was really special.
Otto Knows with Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso at “All Mixed Up”!
TBB: We are very curious to know about your early days while getting into the dance music scene. Who or what was your inspiration in your formative years?
Otto Knows: My first contact with house music was through Swedish House Mafia and Eric Prydz, but for inspiration I have to say that it was for sure Swedish House Mafia. I mean this may sound a bit clichéd but they changed my life with their music. I was able to get in contact with them and was lucky enough to work with them as well. As you go deeper you know more about these guys and so for me Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello & Axwell are the reason why I am here.
TBB: Its definitely been no looking back ever since! You also had your own moment, which brought you into the limelight with “Million Voices”. Could you tell us a little more about the track?
Otto Knows: The initial idea came really fast and then all I had to do was to finish up the final touches. What’s amazing about it was that I didn’t really expect it to be this big but people just took to it so well, so that was special.
TBB: Indeed a special track that’s still a festival anthem! Moving on, there is an interesting anecdote we heard. Is it true that you came up with the track while Seb (Ingrosso) and Alesso were making “Calling” in the room next to yours?
Otto Knows: Haha yes! They were doing the finishing touches on “Calling” and I got really inspired to do something on my own there in that little room. A track just popped up in my head and that was the start of the making of “Million Voices”.
TBB: Remixing an original track always has its challenges. For starters you have to bring something new to the table & at the same time you also have to make sure that the original’s charm doesn’t get lost in the process. Speaking about that, you also took up remixing duties with “Lies” by Burns. How was that experience?
Otto Knows: Well when you get a remix request then you have to listen to the actual parts first. Personally, I just fell in love with the vocals as it had an old classic feel about it. I felt like I could contribute something big to the track. I had the melody already and it fit perfectly with the acapella. Before I even knew it, the remix ended up being a big record in the UK and people over here are picking it up as well.
TBB: Do you agree with the notion that these days dance music fans find it hard to appreciate a new style of music from their favorite artist? For instance, when Avicii released “Wake Me Up” it was the subject of quite a lot of criticism. Ironically, it has now ended up as one of the most successful releases of the year.
Otto Knows: I think the track is amazing. You know sometimes it does get a little bit boring when people make the same tune over and over again. I’m just so happy for Tim. The way he made it was so great. I think we are going to see a lot more of mixing genres like that in the future. In fact, I feel like I have to do it too! Ha-ha. It might not be that drastic but will happen for sure.
TBB: You and Tim (Avicii) grew up in high school together right? Tell us about your relationship with him over the years.
Otto Knows: Yes. We have grown up together in the same neighborhood. Both of us have been great friends since we were kids and we are still in touch. Especially since we are in the same line of work, it’s really cool.
TBB: Earlier this year, you were meant to tour India in April with Avicii, but due to his ill health, the tour unfortunately was cancelled. Any plans on rescheduling the tour perhaps?
Otto Knows: Yes I was supposed to go there in April but since that didn’t happen we have rescheduled the tour for sometime in December and we will be touring a couple of cities in India. I’m coming with Avicii. We’re going to make sure that it will be a great party for everyone!
TBB: Most of your peers from the industry have toured India in the past. We’d be very intrigued to know, what’s the general word about the dance music scene in India?
Otto Knows: Everyone has mentioned so many good things about the vibe there. It’s also going to be the first time for me. So yes, looks like it going to be a lot of fun.
TBB: We’re glad to hear that! Time for a few fun questions asked by of our fans on The Bangin Beats! Which is your favorite sport and what team do you support?
Otto Knows: Nice! My favourite sport is Soccer (Football) & I’m a big fan of Arsenal!
TBB: One dish that you can’t wait to try when you’re in India?
Otto Knows: Chicken Tikka Masala! Simply love it!
TBB: If Otto Know’s gets to pick the next Swedish House Mafia then who would be part of it?
Otto Knows: Wow! Now that’s a great question. Firstly, I feel that there won’t be a new Swedish House Mafia because there can only be one Swedish House Mafia as we all know them. Even if there is going to be group like that in the future they won’t be able to compete with the original Swedish House Mafia; but you never know in the future, maybe some DJ’s will team up and create a group. We’ll see!
TBB: Fantastic! Finally, this is something that is very close to our heart and we ask all the artists we interview. Tell us your top 3 current #Bangin tracks?
Otto Knows: I must say my remix of “Starlight” coming out soon on Axtone is definitely part of that list. I think I have to say Alesso’s remix of One Republic’s “If I Lose Myself” as well. It gives me goose bumps. The last one would be Sebastian Ingrosso and Tommy Trash’s “Reload”.
TBB: Thank you Otto! It’s been a pleasure.
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Interview By Paarth Sharma | Edited by Aditya Seth
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