London-based DJ/producer/musician Omid Nourizadeh – a.k.a. Omid 16b, a.k.a. 16B, a.k.a. $16 Million Dollar Man – has been championing a bespoke dance floor sound since the ’90s. When the world was a slightly saner place, he contributed greatly to the genre that came to be known as tech-house.
All these years later, Omid continues to push the creative envelope, and the proof is in a discography full of brilliant productions, remixes, mix CDs and albums.
His decades of experience in the studio and DJ booth have taught him well, and he remains as busy as ever.
In April, he contributed “No” to Freq Traxx Vol. 3, a four-track compilation released on Superfreq. Three months later, he unveiled the majestic, multi-genre full-length Silenciety. The meticulously produced album is a vivid, cinematic affair full of lush orchestral arrangements, ambient textures and dreamy downtempo. Omid carefully peppers the tracks with dollops of proper electro and deep house.
We connected with the Alola Records boss and asked him to share how he got here from there.
How he got his artist name
Partly my parents: Omid means ‘hope’ in Persian, and 16B was added for good measure.
Earliest clubbing experience
Eight years of age and accidentally walking into some strange sex club party/cinema in Frankfurt!
Most surprising success
To have a family and still be able to dip in and out of the music world without being owned!
Most surprising failure
To have strong political views but lack the urge to make them public!
DJ set he’ll never forget
Going to see Laurent Garnier with Martin Watson (RIP) at the Gardening club in 1995. Chain-smoking one after the other, rushing and dancing all night!
Why DJing is important in his life
Because I still love it after all these years!
His most memorable song
ORN’s “Snow’ produced in 1996. That period in electronic music was unmissable!
His most memorable remix
The Cure “Wrong Number” recorded with my first Neve desk experience at Matrix studios. Plus, I got to travel to Rome to meet The Cure at one of their shows.
What it’s like running a label in 2019
Like a robot that has human tendencies! The world is one big online store unfortunately!
Song it took the longest amount of time to finish
“Hope” (Silenciety LP)
Song it took the shortest amount of time to finish
“Hiding” (Silenciety LP)
Moment when he wanted to quit the most
Waking up next to a full ashtray or straight after swimming.
Artist he wants to collaborate with
Trentemøller & Russell Brand at the same time.
The secret of his success?
Go with your instincts; they rarely fail!