Despite more than a decade in the industry, Ookay greeted the moment with the same laid-back energy fans have come to know. As we talked about his latest project type:era—released via Dim Mak—and his set during the Dim Mak takeover at Ultra Music Festival, it quickly became clear that this release represents more than just another EP. For him, it marks a new chapter creatively and personally.

“It kind of felt like the stars aligned with where my music has been heading,” Ookay tells EDMTunes. “Dim Mak has been really supportive, giving me a platform to showcase this new direction.”

The EP blends melodic bass, R&B influences, and trap elements—sounds that have shaped his career since his breakout hit ‘Thief’ Over the past few months, he and his team focused on crafting something that felt cohesive while still staying true to the sound fans know him for.

“My team and I worked really hard over the past few months putting everything together,” he explains. “We collaborated with some amazing vocalists and really refined the sound. I wanted it to lean into melodic bass, mix in some R&B elements and some trap stuff—basically all the sounds I love—but still make it feel fresh and new.”

Releasing the EP during Miami Music Week only added to the moment.

“So getting to celebrate the release during Miami Music Week is really special,” he says.

Reconnecting With What Matters

At one point in the conversation, the topic shifted to where he’s currently living. When he mentioned San Diego, I couldn’t help but laugh and tell him it sounded like a dream compared to Dallas dry weather. But for Ookay, the relocation was about more than just the weather—it was about reconnecting with the people and experiences that shaped him.

“For me, it was really important to reconnect with my friends from my hometown and my family and remember what made me fall in love with music in the first place,” he says. “I felt like I was starting to get really disconnected living in LA and being away from so many people I started this journey with..”

Moving back helped him rediscover a sense of balance.

“It helped me reconnect with who I am as a person outside of just ‘Ookay,’” he explains. “That’s really helped me on my musical journey.”

Growth in the Studio

More than a decade into his career, Ookay has seen firsthand how much his production process has evolved.

“When I first started making music, I struggled with getting sounds exactly the way I wanted them,” he says. “But over time I learned my DAW really well. I use FL Studio, so I know how to work around every part of making music now.”

With that experience has come confidence and speed in the studio.

“I don’t really have those roadblocks anymore,” he explains. “I’ve trained and honed my craft enough that I can get ideas out quickly and reach the finish line faster. Then I can sift through everything and find the songs that are perfect for the album.”

Staying True to the Original Ookay

While type:era introduces new sonic directions, Ookay is quick to emphasize that the foundation of his sound hasn’t disappeared.

“I hope fans understand that I’m still very tied into the Ookay that started around 2013 and 2014 leading into 2016,” he says. “I’m not sacrificing anything for a new sound.”

Instead, the goal is evolution.

“I still want to give fans something fresh and new—something heavy and driving—but with real substance under those records,” he explains. “I’m not focused on making something that’s just easily streamable. I want it to feel like a perfectly put together song.”

Collaboration played a major role in shaping the EP.

“Working with songwriters like Rillo, Casey Cook, and Veronica Bravo has been amazing,” he says. “It’s been really cool bringing in new writers and vocalists and hearing their take on my music.”

Looking Ahead to the Album Era

The EP also sets the stage for his upcoming album case sensitive, which will feature more of his own vocals and songwriting.

“For the album there’s going to be more of me singing and doing songwriting again,” he says.

When I asked whether performing vocals ever made him nervous, he laughed.

“No, not really,” he said. “I’ve already played Ultra with the live show a couple times, so singing and all that is something I’m used to now.”

Collaborations and Community

Another topic that excited him was collaboration. Rather than chasing specific names, Ookay focuses on building relationships first.

“I feel like I’m already starting to hit some of the collaborations I’ve always wanted,” he says. “Working with San Holo, working with Beastboi, working with Sabai… even someone like Timmy Trumpet. You wouldn’t necessarily connect our music styles, but we have such a great friendship.”

For him, the creative process is strongest when it starts with genuine connections.

“A lot of those collaborations start as friendships first,” he explains. “Then we make music and find ways to blend our styles together.”

Lessons From a Decade in the Industry

After more than ten years in electronic music, Ookay has also learned a few lessons along the way—lessons he’s eager to pass on to younger artists.

“One thing I’ve always believed in is being friendly to everybody,” he says.

For a touring artist, that philosophy extends far beyond the stage.

“I always try to make sure that when I leave a venue, everyone is happy—the staff, the promoters, the fans,” he explains. “I want to be the easiest person to work with.”

That mindset, he believes, has helped him stay grounded in an industry that constantly changes.

“I feel like I’m starting to reap what I’ve sown in kindness,” he says.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring producers, his answer came quickly.

“Be kind. Be humble. Be a sponge,” he says.

He also encourages artists to look beyond electronic music for inspiration.

“Take inspiration from everywhere,” he explains. “Film, paintings, art—there are so many different creative mediums that can inspire music.”

He also stresses the importance of staying open to the next wave of artists.

“There are kids making incredible music at 15 or 16 years old purely from imagination,” he says.

The Reality of Building a Career Today

With social media now playing such a major role in the music industry, Ookay believes the biggest misconception is that success follows a straight path.

“Success isn’t linear,” he says. “Everyone’s journey is different.”

He also believes artists should be willing to show more of themselves online.

“Fans want to connect with artists on a personal level now,” he explains. “They want to see a day in the life and feel like they’re following your journey.”

In the end, authenticity matters most.

“Show people who you are,” he says. “Let them feel like they’re part of the journey.”

With type:era now released and the next album era on the horizon, Ookay’s evolution as an artist feels both exciting and deeply personal. And after spending time talking with him, one thing is clear: even after more than a decade in the scene, the passion that started it all is still very much alive.

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‘youshouldknow‘ (feat. Casey Cook) has a warm, bittersweet feel. Casey Cook’s light, airy vocals float over a steady mid-tempo groove. Her anthemic delivery pairs well with Ookay’s crisp production that builds into a big drop without pushing for a big euphoric moment.

‘getmehigh‘ (feat. Rillø) shifts darker and more intense. Rillø’s rawer delivery cuts through brooding bass and rolling drums, building an addictive late night drive energy. It has strong bass, catchy hooks and has a sense of elevation that lives up to the title.

‘dontwakemeup‘ (feat. Veronica Bravo) closes things out on a slightly more atmospheric note. Veronica Bravo’s performance feels intimate yet powerful, floating over glitchy textures and heavy low-end. It’s got a hazy, don’t-want-this-night-to-end quality—solid for winding down a set or just vibing solo.

Ookay just embarked on his latest tour with select stops in big cities Denver, Boston, Calgary, and making a return to Ultra Music Festival next week.

“type:era is me stepping into a new space creatively. It still has pieces of the energy people know me for, but I’ve been pulling more from melodic, R&B, and pop influences lately, and this EP is the first real look at that side of me. It feels emotional, late-night, and really honest — like the beginning of the next chapter.” — Ookay

You can catch his new EP live set down below:

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The remix competition is open now and runs with submissions due by March 1 (giving producers plenty of time to craft their entries over the holidays and into the new year). To make things more personalized and transparent, Ookay will be going live on Twitch throughout March to stream himself listening to remixes and announcing the winners in real-time. Expect raw reactions, feedback, and that signature Ookay energy as he sifts through the entries.

So if you’re down to put your spin on the sax-driven trap anthem that blew up the scene years ago, this is your shot. Head over to Audius to grab the stems and submit—let’s see what the next generation cooks up.

Additionally, Ookay dropped his full-length interview on the Peaking Podcast, diving deep into the story behind ‘Thief,’ his production process, career highlights, and more. It’s a must-listen for any fan—check it out here for the complete episode packed with insights and behind-the-scenes vibes.

Brand Partnership

To supercharge the contest, Ookay is teaming up with FL Studio and other major brands for promotion, exclusive prizes, and even a special “Thief” merch line. The standout collab? A partnership with FL Studio where Ookay is releasing an official demo project pack. When users boot up the DAW, the full stems for “Thief” will auto-load right on the screen—letting producers dissect exactly how the track was built, explore the layers, and jump straight into remixing.

Prizes

On the prizes front, it’s all about community: While there will be top placements, Ookay is expanding distributing rewards to a wider pool, including honorable mentions for standout remixes that deserve recognition. This inclusive approach ensures more creators get shoutouts, merch, software goodies, and other perks to foster that real family feel in the scene. For prize details click here.

Confirmed Prizes Below:

• $1K Cash Prizes
• 4 winners will win an official release on Thief (10 Year Anniversary Remixes)‍
• 1 winner will win an official collab w/ Ookay for Thief (10 Year Anniversary Remixes)‍
• FL Studio Licenses: All Plugins Edition, FL Studio Signature Bundle, FL Studio Producer Edition‍
• 1-Year FL Cloud Pro Access
• W. A. Production: Everything Bundle V3, Must Have Tools Bundle 3, Must Have Tools Bundle 2‍
• UnitedPlugins: All Black Bundle 25, United Urban Bundle, United Vocal Bundle‍
• MeldaProduction: MCompleteBundle, MCreativeFXBundle, MEssentialsFXBundle‍
• ‍‍Novation: FLkey 49, FLkey 37, FLkey mini‍
• Focusrite: Focusrite scarlett 2i2, Focusrite scarlett solo‍
• Noiselab courses
• Social + platform promotion from both Ookay and Audius
• Jewelry from Jaxxon: 8mm Cuban Link Chain, 5mm Cuban Link Chain, 3mm Cuban Link Chain ‍
• Special merch and jewelry release for “Thief” remix to the winner (Hoodie + Bandana + Jewelry) from Aragami and Sinner Seeking

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“It is difficult to feel ok while navigating this vast world. Being surrounded by friends and community is something that helps me get through challenging times. The experience of making this song with Ookay and Flux was exactly that and I hope the feeling of listening to the song will do the same for others.”

Elohim

At one point, we get Ookay’s rhythms and groove, the next Flux comes through with melodies and sound design, and that all happens while Elohim’s voice elevates ‘BE OK’ to another level. Nonetheless, each of them clearly had their respective sounds implemented in a homogenous manner, highlighting them at their best. As a result, a bubbly and hopeful track playfully expresses a much-needed notion of disconnecting and believing that things are going to ‘BE OK’.

Listen to the result of harmonious creative mesh through what Ookay, Flux Pavilion, and Elohim form on ‘BE OK’.

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This new virtual festival proves that the NFT trend is not over yet. The Ethereum festival’s name is ‘To The Moon’ and will take place on July 11, starting at 6:00 PM UTC. If we take a look at the technology that will make this festival happen, we can find that it will be powered by the Ethereum blockchain and even use in-game currency MANA. Virtual festival-goers will be able to experience a browser-based and crypto-powered online game with Minecraft-style and Second Life style-socializing.

Although unfortunately, it will not be the last virtual festival of the season, the lineup is quite interesting. It features artists like Ookay, SNBRN, Win & Woo, and Autograf. In addition, according to the event page, Dr. Fresch will be coming through as Fred Thrust with a special lo-fi set.

NFT marketplace KnownOrigin will host To The Moon at its virtual headquarters. But they will not be doing it solo as cutting-edge NFT collectives Illumino and BEAR NFT will also be part of this adventure. Besides, virtual attendees will receive a virtual POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol) token. Great news for those willing to purchase in-game items, as they will be able to buy multiple items, and any one of 90,000 plots of in-game land as NFTs. You can discover more details about the event here.

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As the third single to be revealed from his forthcoming sophomore LP, Ookay’s latest release is a significant one that shines light on his growth and fearless creativity. “I hope this song can resonate with people,” he states, “Not wanting to go through a poor situation more than once is something I’m sure many can relate to. Jam it in your car or headphone. Dance away from the problem!”

The post Ookay – Not Again appeared first on EDMTunes.

The remix opens with a short rhythmic intro before settling down to allow the original vocals to come to the forefront. The tension rises, the pace builds, and the drum fills add a unique element to the drop’s anticipation. Super punchy kicks and sound design reminiscent of early Knife Party records really get this going. The track closes similar to how it began, perfect for YouTubers to make 10-hour versions of it.

Saint Punk pumps out three unique drops – the third being a combination of components from the first and second. Stellar production quality and a new grunge house vibe make him a must-watch as we edge closer to 2021. For a promising up-and-comer pushing a fresh, unexplored style, this remix is a big step in the right direction.

The post Ookay & Cesqueaux – The Pit (Saint Punk Remix) appeared first on EDMTunes.

What A Time To Be Alive is already shaping up to be one of the best projects of the year due to its solid features on nearly all of its tracks. In particular, the relentless beats and bass-laden synths take centerpiece of the EP. With that, the bass certainly dominates in ‘Takin’ Over‘ which features Shaq. Another album highlight is the lead title track which features rumbling basslines and frenetic synths that screech from the subs as the track rolls along. Its destiny is to be a surefire headbanging anthem. Nitti Gritti will definitely bring dance floors to life with this one and he’s set the bar pretty high for bass music in this new decade. Overall, the entire collection provides a stellar listening experience and demands a listen from start to finish.

Listen to What A Time To Be Alive below. Additionally, you can stay up to date with any news related to Nitti Gritti via his official website.

The post Nitti Gritti Releases New EP ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ appeared first on EDMTunes.

Brace yourselves, headbangers. Nitti Gritti and Ookay have teamed up for the first time ever to release a monster track titled ‘Loko’. This one will surely bring out your crazy side and have your neck dangling in all different directions.

Nitti Gritti has been known to produce brain tingling beats and this one is no different. Ookay only amplifies the magnitude of the track, taking us to another dimension once the drop hits. The beginning of the song starts with some vocals telling us how “loko” to get. It eventually builds up to a drop so massive, it’s hard to put into words. Ultimately, it just hypes you up to the point where the pit will surely open up! Furthermore, the producers give a twist to the second drop using deeper and darker synths that complement the high pitched beats.

If you want to catch this new release live, Nitti Gritti will be on his Roshambo tour with Wuki starting January. You can also check out what venues Ookay will be playing at here.

Hopefully these two can collaborate on more tracks in the future. For now, make sure to check out ‘Loko’ below!

The post Nitti Gritti & Ookay – Loko appeared first on EDMTunes.

Getting his start on Soundcloud, Ookay is giving back to his fans there through the early release of ‘Martial Law‘. Not only can you hear the track which was meant to debut on October 18, it’s also available as a free download. The track’s WAV file can also be found in a shared dropbox in the link here.

Focusing on the release itself, it’s a percussive, metallic and hard-hitting trap track. It’s not always focused on the heavy side as bridges and sections center around plucks and break-beats. Otherwise, the drop accentuates a sound we knew Ookay is rather comfortable working around.

If you’re keen on hearing the track played out in one his shows, you can find his tour schedule on his website here. Moreover, the page showcases more releases, merchandise, and his Bad Habits Tour Diary videos.

On a last note, don’t forget to hear the track for yourself and download it for free. You can listen to Ookay’s ‘Martial Law’ below.

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