A musician, a member in two bands, a DJ, and a Mechanical Engineer. All of those are just a few elements that make DJ OAC the creative persona he is. A multi-talented musician, and a highly noted perspective on the DJing community that is based in Kuwait.
30-year-old Mohammad Alowaisi is a Mechanical Engineer at The Ministry of Finance by day, but he is a musician every day. Mohammad’s passion for music grew ever since he was in elementary school, where he joined the school band to play Kuwait’s national anthem every morning. Till high school came around, Mohammad and his friends formed a rock band, taking turns in practicing their music in each and every member’s house till they were kicked out for the noise they were making, but managed to continue practicing what they love.
University struck, and that’s when his persona as DJ OAC ignited the spark that started it all. “While I was doing my studies in University,” he says, “instead of me just sitting around and working on a graduation project, you know how the last year of engineering is full of stress and all of that. Instead, I sat, saved up some money, and bought a small set-up to create electronic music, and experiment with everything. That’s the thing that basically made me live and feel alive.”
DJ OAC never really decided on becoming a DJ instantly, but rather his love for music is what led him towards that path naturally. “I go to festivals, concerts, on weekends I just wanna sit, listen and enjoy music. So, the idea began when I just decided to create music on my own, alone at home, for myself. Got my own equipment, played my music, and sat between me and myself, and I was at the peak of my happiness, it was something that never happened before, with my own music and lights,” says Mohammad.
The passion grew slowly, and gradually. From suggesting to play music at a friend’s birthday, or BBQ gatherings, towards playing on radio stations and events. Everything happened suddenly yet naturally. As well as being a member of Galaxy Juice Band, which put them all on the map, and the band were in demand just after releasing one album. This offered Mohammad the opportunity to meet other artists, musicians, and creative minds alike to work together and become more diverse in his music.
His love for old Arabic and Kuwaiti songs paved his way to also becoming a member on Samai Band. To Mohammad, creating different kinds of music, and appreciating sound in varying forms is essential and beautiful at the same time. “To me this is a healthy thing to do, it creates a balance between Galaxy Juice and Samai, using different instruments in both bands, or using a more organic instrument in Samai Band than Galaxy Juice,” he says.
Everything evolves when it comes to music, and as a musician and a thriving DJ, the audience also helps with the next step. The DJing scene in Kuwait to begin with, as Mohammed himself says is “a small community, we don’t have plenty of venues or places where a person can perform on a weekly basis, for example. I personally don’t see there’s a stable destination.”
Kuwait, on radio, during events, the people’s presence is as important as having a stable location to perform at. The experience of listening and interacting with a DJ at the same place and moment is different than listening to the setlist in the car or on the radio. “I see the difference than when there’s an audience in front of me, the audience is always the one that directs me to the next direction with my set, so that’s the beauty of playing for people and having them around,” explains Mohammad.
If you’re interested in taking up DJing, here’s a final tip for all of you out there from DJ OAC himself. “Just be yourself, because in the end, the initial job for a DJ, to me personally, is the love of music, and the music you’re playing. It’s the love in what you do and give back that is important.” So, play on, music lovers, there’s always going to be one or more supporters out there!
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Messy.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Unconditional love.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
What are we gonna eat?
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Acting for a TV commercial.
What is your theme song?
Mazinger Z theme song.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
The word “Chi/ چي†= Chethy, چذي†” translated to ‘Like that!”
Where would you like to live?
Barcelona.
What is your dream retirement location?
A beach house.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
’Be like water”- Bruce Lee
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
A Parrot.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
My wild and spontaneous imagination.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
النمر المقنع [The Masked Tiger].
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Inclusive.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Not asking for what I want.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Albert Einstein.
What in the world do you least desire?
More wars.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Electric cars.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
Being nice.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Doing what you love with who you love.
Check out @galaxyjuiceband‘s new released album on iTunes.
For more information, follow @lewalid on instagram, and for the latest updates on DJ OAC music, check out his channel on Mixcloud OAC.
Feature image courtesy of Abdulaziz safar @abdulazizteddy.
