[GrooveCartel] Let’s Talk About Oliver Marshak

In Los Angeles’s electronic music scene, Oliver Marshak has become a powerful figure who bridges the gap between true underground music and mainstream appeal.

The ‘FACE / NASTY‘ EP on CamelPhat‘s When Stars Align label shows off this dynamic range with two unique tracks that demonstrate how versatile he is as a producer. Marshak is still making waves in the world of electronic music, so we sat down with him to talk about his background, how he came up with ideas, and the stories behind his most recent works.

Marshak was born and raised in Los Angeles, and his knowledge of the city’s varied nightlife has had a big impact on the way he makes music. From basement raves to parties in the Hollywood Hills, his experience with different types of music has created a sound that is hard to put into a single category while always focusing on moving dance floors.

How did growing up in Los Angeles shape your sound and career?

LA has always been a huge part of my journey. The city’s nightlife is a mix of everything—underground raves, high-end clubs, epic parties in Hollywood Hills, and everything in between. That variety shaped the way I approach music. I’ve always loved blending different influences and creating something that feels both energetic and unpredictable. It’s all about making people dance. Throwing my own events also gave me a deep understanding of what makes people move, and that’s something I carry into my sets and productions.

Congrats on your debut on CamelPhat’s When Stars Align! What’s the story behind the FACE / NASTY EP?

Thanks! This EP is all about energy, but in two very different ways. FACE has this fun, punchy groove while still carrying a dark, seductive vibe—it’s a track that works in both intimate clubs and big festival settings. NASTY, on the other hand, is heavier, more aggressive, and built for those peak-time moments when you need something to hit hard. They both bring intensity but in their own unique way.

How do FACE and NASTY differ in production and audience?

FACE is a track that keeps you dancing from the start. It’s got this cool, punchy energy. It’s fun, sexy ,and a little dark at the same time, making it super versatile—it works just as well in a packed club as it does on a massive stage.

NASTY is just a beast. It’s bold, aggressive, and has this relentless drive that takes over a big room. It’s meant for those wild, high-energy moments when the crowd is fully in it, hands in the air dancing to the music.

What was it like working with Gozlan on FACE?

It was such an effortless collaboration. He sent me an amazing idea and I immediately saw the roadmap for the rest of the track. From the start, we wanted something that was massive, but still had that fun, sexy, punchy energy. It came together naturally and seeing Solomun, CamelPhat and many others play it at massive shows was exciting.

How did the collaboration with Kimonos on NASTY happen?

Omri and Gabriel are my good friends. They came over to my studio and we just started cooking. When we started working on NASTY, we wanted something with attitude, something that wasn’t just another club track. The idea came together pretty quick and it turned into a monster.

Do you plan your sound in advance, or let it evolve in the studio?

I try not to overthink things—if something feels right in the moment, I go with it. If I have an idea ahead of time, I make sure to record myself humming it in my voice memos so I don’t forget it.

How do you balance indie dance and house influences?

I just focus on groove and energy. I don’t want to be stuck in one genre, and I think that’s what keeps my sound fresh. Whether it’s something more groovy/punchy like FACE or more aggressive like NASTY, I always make sure the track makes you move.

What sets your sound apart?

I think it’s the mix of exciting grooves, vocals, and raw energy. I want my tracks to create moments—whether it’s a deep, rolling vibe or a big, explosive drop, everything I make is about taking the listener somewhere.

Who are your dream collaborators?

Honestly, anyone who brings a fresh vibe and isn’t afraid to push boundaries. I love working with people who have a unique sound or a different way of approaching music—whether it’s vocals, melodies, or just a crazy groove. If it clicks and feels right, that’s all that matters.

How does live performance shape your music?

Playing live is where everything comes together. It’s the best way to test out new music and see how people respond. Every crowd is different, so I’m constantly adjusting and feeding off that energy. Some of my best ideas come from moments in a set where I realize, “Okay, this is what’s missing,” and then I take that back into the studio.

What’s next for you?

A lot of new music, more collaborations (including 2 massive tracks with Vintage Culture), and some really exciting shows. This year is just getting started and I can’t wait to share everything that’s coming!

Oliver Marshak is part of a new breed of producers who don’t want to be limited by genre. His work with Gozlan on “FACE” and Kimonos on “NASTY” shows not only how technically skilled he is, but also how he can change and adapt while keeping his signature sound of high energy.

Marshak’s career keeps going up as he plans more projects with other artists, like a track with Vintage Culture that everyone is looking forward to. He is an artist to watch in the world of electronic music because of the way he makes music—balancing raw energy with complex sound design. Marshak is always working to make unforgettable moments on the dance floor, whether he’s making festival songs or underground club weapons.

The “FACE / NASTY” EP shows how versatile and creative he is, and big names in the business like Solomun and CamelPhat praised it. As the scene in Los Angeles changes, Marshak’s impact grows, making him a key player in shaping the future of electronic music. More songs and shows are on the way, so it’s clear that this is just the start of an exciting period in his artistic life.

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