Ollie Lishman

Ollie Lishman has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic up-and-coming names in the global electronic scene. Originally from Naarm/Melbourne, Lishman’s unique sound is a blend of house, techno, and trance, infused with a distinct Australian energy that he has carried with him to his new home in Berlin. Known for his captivating sets at major festivals and clubs across Europe, Lishman’s journey from Australia to Europe has been one of artistic evolution, marked by a relentless drive to experiment and push the boundaries of his music. His recent releases, including his debut collaborations with Bad Boombox and DJ BORING on the WATCH YO STEP EP, have garnered widespread attention, showcasing his ability to merge diverse influences into a cohesive, forward-thinking sound.

Lishman’s move to Berlin has had a profound impact on both his creative process and his live performances. In a recent interview, he shared how the city’s vibrant music scene and its emphasis on collective experience have inspired him to explore new ideas and embrace more experimental elements in his productions. From his captivating set at Intercell to his electrifying performance in Belgrade, Lishman is becoming a fixture on the European circuit. As he continues to evolve his sound, blending the best of his Australian roots with his newfound European influences, Lishman’s “Hot House” style is shaping up to be one of the most exciting developments in the electronic music scene today.

Lishman’s recent WATCH YO STEP EP on Hot Meal Records marks a pivotal moment in his career, as his first solo release on the label and a collaboration with the likes of Bad Boombox and DJ BORING.

“WATCH YO STEP” is my second EP and a milestone as my first solo EP release with Hot Meal Records. This EP features my debut collaborations with Bad Boombox and DJ BORING, and brings a fresh fusion of styles that hasn’t been heard since my first EP, “POSITION CRITICAL.”

With a distinct blend of house, techno, and trance, the EP showcases his growth as a producer, experimenting with new sounds while staying true to his roots.

While curating the tracks for this project, I drew inspiration from my new life in Europe—especially the impact of moving to Berlin, which has influenced both my sound and my creative direction. I wanted to include a variety of tracks that each showcase a unique side of the genre I’m exploring. The goal was to create four distinct tracks that each evoke their own emotion, hinting at future projects where I’ll dive deeper into these individual themes.”

Lishman credits the move to Berlin for significantly influencing his style, with the city’s vibrant music scene offering a wealth of inspiration. This EP features a variety of tracks, each capturing a unique emotion and sound, hinting at what’s to come from Lishman’s future projects.

This year has seen Lishman push his creative boundaries, both in the studio and on stage. The upcoming BLUESHIFT EP on Stützpunkt, which features his track “Body Flow,” is a testament to his evolving sound. this release reflects his shift towards groove-heavy tracks that resonate with the energy of the dance floor.“The “BLUESHIFT EP” project has been over a year in the making. After performing at several Stützpunkt events, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this VA Vinyl, marking my second vinyl release. This EP leans heavily into groove, featuring tracks by Beau Didier, Isaiah, and Alec Dienaar. My track, “Body Flow,” is a carefully sampled groove record that captures the energy of my previous styles, setting the tone for what’s to come in 2025. Paired with the contributions from the other artists, this EP serves as a high-energy toolbox for DJs looking to elevate the club.”

His performances across Europe have been a key part of his artistic transformation, particularly his debut live recorded set at Intercell in Amsterdam, which marked a turning point in his confidence as a DJ. Lishman’s ability to adapt his sets to the energy of the crowd has made him a standout performer, whether playing to the engaged audiences in Berlin or the electric atmosphere at his gig in Belgrade, Serbia. These experiences have not only shaped his performances but have also made him more comfortable with taking risks and experimenting live.

My first Intercell recording in June was the highlight of my year and a milestone for me, as it marked my first live recorded set. It was a bit nerve-racking, but it taught me a lot about my abilities and track selection. It was also an incredible opportunity to introduce Europe to my upcoming and unreleased tracks—an unbeatable feeling. The energy in Amsterdam that night was unforgettable, with the crowd fully engaged throughout my 2-hour set from sunset to nightfall. A key moment during that set came when I had a transition that didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. I remember thinking, “Oh no, that’s going to be in the recording.” But then, looking around, the crowd’s reaction reassured me that it was all good. That moment was transformative; it reminded me that mistakes are part of the journey, and since then, I’ve felt freer to get creative in my mixing. I think my performances have only improved since, and I now feel fully at ease with any crowd. I also have to mention the incredible experience in Belgrade, Serbia. Playing a sold-out hangar with Bad Boombox, I wasn’t sure what to expect walking in and how many people would rock up but walking into a crowd of what felt like 5,000 people ready to go was electrifying. It was truly unforgettable and can’t wait to go back.”

As he adapts to a new portable studio setup and continues to work with other industry figures like Bad Boombox, Lishman has refined his sound and embraced longer breakdowns, exploring new ways to build tension and emotion within his tracks.

“This year has been my busiest yet with touring and music production, and the packed schedule has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Adapting from a traditional studio setup to a portable one took some adjustment, but I now feel much more confident in my abilities. Focusing on refining my sound has brought exciting shifts in my style”.

“I feel my music quality has greatly improved, thanks to learning from friends along the way. Lately, I’m drawn to Hardhouse, which is adding fresh influences to my grooves. I’m also diving deep into longer breakdowns, experimenting with their power to create suspense and evoke emotion. Though breakdowns aren’t always suited to every live setting, I’m finding creative ways to incorporate them, which has helped me expand beyond my usual approach.”

Comparing his European gigs with the Australian scene, Lishman notes a stark difference in the energy and culture of the crowds. European festivals and venues, with their focus on fully immersing in the music, provide an environment that encourages experimentation and a deeper connection with the sound.

Each city has its unique energy and vibe, and I’ve found myself adapting to that. For instance, crowds in Amsterdam and Berlin have a distinct intensity—they’re responsive to changes in the set, which has encouraged me to take more risks with my transitions and track choices. The energy here lets me explore new ways of building suspense and a sense of journey throughout the night/day. Creatively, I’m finding more freedom to showcase unreleased material and test out tracks that feel right in these environments. I think performing to these diverse and receptive crowds has made me more confident and open to experimenting—each set becomes a little journey, shaped by the energy of the room and location.”

The “no phone” policies common at European venues, for instance, contribute to this, fostering a more authentic experience for both the artist and the audience. In contrast, he acknowledges that Australian festivals, while equally vibrant, often come with a more social media-driven atmosphere. Lishman’s unique blend of Australian influences and European experiences has resulted in the creation of what he calls “Hot House” — a fusion of groove, house, techno, and trance that captures the essence of both worlds. As he brings this sound to Europe and takes new European influences back to Australia, Lishman is helping to shape a fresh narrative within the global electronic music scene.

In Europe, I feel there’s a strong emphasis on being fully present in the moment. Crowds are incredibly focused and immersed in the experience, which makes them more open to diverse, experimental sounds. This openness lets me explore a range of styles and go deeper with each set. One major difference, as many know, is the “no phone” policy at many European venues—this impacts the overall vibe, allowing everyone to connect more directly with the music and each other. In Australia, the love for electronic music is very strong, and we have a fantastic community of artists and parties. However, there’s sometimes I do feel more of a social media-driven atmosphere. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it can occasionally feel like people are more focused on capturing the moment for later than fully living in it. I sometimes think there’s missed potential for more genuine socializing and connection, especially when phones become the focus. That being said sometimes those moments are worth capturing so I do get it at the same time and I do love seeing peoples' stories the next day on Instagram of them having a fun time.”

Lishman’s success is also a reflection of the wider Australian electronic scene, which has seen a surge of talent emerging onto the global stage. With artists like CRUSH3d, WOLTERS, Ned Bennett, and Lucas Boston gaining international recognition, Lishman is proud to represent a scene that continues to evolve and inspire.

I'm not sure if I'm biased as I'm from Naarm, but I think we have some of the best-emerging artists right now in the scene. Being surrounded by so many established and upcoming artists gets things going. Key influences would be growing up and attending my first festivals in Australia, this is where I shifted my focus to my current project and where everything began back in 2018. When I'm producing or stuck for ideas I reminisce on the moments I have attended these festivals, intending to capture a moment I remember with my friends to replicate it. We have “bush doofs” which I can't compare that well to any European festival I've been to, which might be a factor in my sound and how it differs from Europe, which could be why Australian artists right now I feel are in the spotlight.”

His ability to blend the energy and influences from his hometown of Naarm with his new life in Berlin allows him to create a sound that’s both forward-thinking and rooted in a strong sense of place.

“That’s exactly the vision we’re bringing to life at Hot Meal Records—coining it as Hot House. Despite the physical distance between Australia and Europe, streaming has made music instantly accessible, and we’re all influencing each other in real-time. I’m bringing that unique piece of Australia to the table, but I also feel like I’m bringing a bit of Europe back to Australia at the same time when I go back. It’s about blending those vibes to create something fresh and dynamic - Hot House.”

As he continues to refine his craft, Lishman’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and the importance of embracing change, both personally and artistically.

“My style and creative process is shaped by the experiences I gather at each event I play at over the weekend, which I then draw from throughout the following week when I'm producing. I’ve always done this in Australia, and now that I’m based in Europe, I’m blending those past experiences with my new surroundings. With access to new production setups, new people, and new sounds, I’m constantly learning and refining my sound. Berlin’s energy has pushed me to make tracks with more emphasis on groove and layering, and I feel like I’m only just starting to tap into the potential of this new environment.”

Whether in the studio or on the stage, Ollie Lishman is an artist who is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential, and his journey is one that fans across the globe are eagerly watching.

“I’m extremely excited about the future, especially as I prepare for the release of my next EP with Stützpunkt Records in November 2024. This will be a more polished, groove-heavy EP, taking my sound to the next level. I’m also excited about upcoming performances, as I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of my potential life. Over the next year, I want to refine my sets even further and connect with crowds across Europe and beyond. At the same time, I want to continue collaborating with friends and mentors to continue learning and pushing boundaries. We’re going to see more evolution and fresh sounds from me in the months to come, and I can’t wait to share it all with my audience.”