May 6, 2025 |
While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dancefloors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Magazine Issue 74, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
The past few years have seen OK Williams define herself as one of London’s finest selectors. The NTS resident is known to treat clubgoers to a cocktail of pulsing techno, UK bass and house, taking her eclectic selections far and wide to the US, Asia and beyond. She’s had her fair share of legendary dance floor moments too, whether it was dropping Rihanna’s 2010 banger with David Guetta, Who’s That Chick, at Adonis’s New Year’s Day 2023 knees-up or closing out Berghain’s Panorama Bar with an eight-hour marathon set in August that same year.
OK Williams wears hoodie by ACNE STUDIOS, shorts by TELFAR
Describe your approach to crafting a set.
Usually when planning a set I’ll have a look at the rest of the line-up or the vibe of the party and go from there. My selections can be quite broad, so sometimes that can help me narrow it down in terms of what genre or bpm to play. Then I’ll go through all my fresh tunes and pick out the ones I think will work well and make a playlist. Sometimes you prepare for a set and what you had planned and what’s actually right on the night do not align. So what I end up playing can sometimes be a very last-minute decision. A lot of the time I end up sussing out the vibe on the night and running with that, as I like to keep it pretty loose and be able to adapt if I need to.
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
Gimme More by Britney Spears. Sorry. Or if we’re going serious, Hex by Pangaea. Classic.
What makes a great DJ?
Loads of things. Being able to read and hold a room, building tension, good mixing, a unique and personal style, being able to make people dance, being able to take risks and play music you truly want to hear while making sure people have a good time. My favourite DJs all know how to be themselves but still keep a vibey dance floor.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
Maybe my Colour Factory residency [in Hackney] or, probably wouldn’t call them projects, but some of my longer sets and all-nighters.
What does music mean to you?
Music is freedom. A means for me to communicate with and understand myself. It helps me heal and understand my place in the world. DJing is a cathartic experience almost every time.
What shaped your musical tastes?
The world around me has definitely shaped who I am as a DJ. Growing up with Nigerian parents, in and around London, being Black, my siblings, going to raves from an early age, all kinds of stuff. My dad has always had a big music collection. I listened to a lot of really good music from a young age because of him. Shout-out to my dad.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from behind the decks?
Ha! To be honest, the craziest thing that happens in the booth is people holding up song requests. Cut that out. Also one time when a girl asked me if I could go and get her some tissue. That was mad.
What makes a great night out?
A good sound system and even better people!
Taken from 10 Magazine Issue 74 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Portrait ELLIOTT MORGAN
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
