In collaboration with Roxy Prague, Loudlife brings you this exclusive interview with Eli Oaks. Our Dominika had the chance to meet Ely backstage at Prague’s iconic Roxy for the second time since his debut Czech appearance at Beats for Love. Just like on stage, Eli is a bundle of positive energy off stage too, charismatic, open, and full of good vibes throughout the entire conversation. Dive in and get to know the man behind the sound.
Interview With Ely Oaks:
Hi Ely I had to mention that you recently released the “Opalite” remix of a Taylor Swift song. How did this collaboration come about?
Honestly, it happened in a very unexpected way – the label simply reached out and texted us asking if we wanted to do a remix for Taylor Swift. I was like, “I guess?” I never expected that. Out of all the remixes you could possibly make, it really doesn’t get much bigger than that. Taylor Swift is probably the biggest pop artist in the world right now. It was a huge challenge, though. I struggled at the beginning because the original song is already so perfect as it is. It’s a hit, and it’s really hard to take something like that and turn it into something new or even just different while trying to make it as good. I tried a lot of different things and it was definitely a bit of a pain, but in the end I really love how it turned out.
When you played at Beats for Love, it was your first time in the Czech Republic and you also played a remix of a Czech rap track. Can we expect any new remakes of Czech songs today?
I will definitely play the one I played at Beats for Love. That one is going to be in the set.
When are you planning to release that remake? I really need it in my playlist.
I can send it to you via Dropbox, I literally just made it for my live sets.
Which song immediately puts you in your main character energy?
I would say Desperate Youth by Santigold. You might not know it by name, but when you hear it, you’ll definitely recognise it.
What’s one song you will never skip when it comes on your playlist?
Anything by Rihanna. Literally whatever, if it’s Rihanna, I’m not skipping it.
Do you have a favourite Rihanna track?
Probably Breakin’ Dishes. It’s kind of a rage song. But it changes all the time, every month, I have a new favourite Rihanna track.
When you go to see a show yourself, what do you prefer unexpected throwbacks or something new and unreleased?
I would say new and unreleased tracks. That’s always the most interesting part for me.
And what about you personally in your playlists, throwbacks or unreleased music?
I’m more into throwbacks, which is why I like it when other DJs play new stuff.
When you hear “Czechia”, which sound comes to your mind first?
Definitely rap. I’ve always liked Czech rap, and I know some of the bigger tracks from here, so that’s the first thing that comes to mind.
So we can expect some Czech rap in your playlist?
Yeah, but not every second track – I don’t really understand the lyrics.
What’s the first song you play when you get the AUX?
Probably Rihanna again. Everyone loves Rihanna, right?
If you had to choose a club in Prague or an open-air festival anywhere in Czechia?
I opened Beats for Love and now this is my first club show here, so after tonight, I’ll be able to tell you.
If you had to choose one city in the Czech Republic where you’d love to play, which one would it be?
I’m in Prague right now, and I’m already playing here.
Are you more of a chill-at-home person or a spontaneous let’s-go-out kind of guy?
Definitely more chill at home. I’m in clubs and at festivals all the time anyway, so when I get days off, I like to stay in or do something relaxed, like going to a museum.
What would your ideal date look like?
I love açaí bowls, so probably a late brunch with an açaí bowl and then maybe a museum afterwards.
And finally, What can we expect from your set tonight at Roxy?
Everything. Classic Eli Oaks energy, I’m here to give it my all. This is my first show in Prague and it’s sold out, so I’m very excited.
ABOUT ROXY PRAGUE:
ROXY Prague is one of the most iconic and longest-running music clubs in the Czech Republic, located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town on Dlouhá Street. Originally built as an Art Deco cinema in the 1920s, the venue has been breathing culture since 1928 before transforming into the ROXY club as we know it today in 1992. Since its opening, ROXY has become one of the most important pillars of the local dance music scene, hosting countless legendary concerts, club nights, and cultural events that have helped shape Prague’s underground nightlife for more than three decades. The venue blends its historic architecture with a raw, warehouse-like atmosphere, offering an intimate connection between artists and the audience that continues to attract both rising talents and internationally established names.
