Since opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2007, Woei has left its mark on the international sneaker and streetwear community with several collaborations including Asics, Patta, and Stüssy along the way.
But the interests and passions of the Woei crew reach far beyond just shoes and apparel; Besides providing the streets with the latest from Nike, Adidas, and Co., music has always been at the heart of the store. Considering the highly curated playlists and mixes that can be heard in the store and hosting some of Rotterdam's most notorious parties, the belief that music unites is deeply ingrained in the Woei DNA.
Based on this deep connection, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite local musicians to talk about what sparked their passion for music and hear their take on common dilemmas in the music industry.
For episode #38 of WOEI FM, we met with HUGO OUT to explore some nature, discuss his deep love for house music, and hear how he started out as a DJ.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Hugo Out. I'm 29 years old and I'm originally from Alkmaar but have been living in Rotterdam for the last 7 years. I work as a Retail Designer at Nike.
How did you decide on your DJ name?
I used to spin under the name 'Stedelijk Gedoe' because my start was in Hip-Hop. I found the name fitting for the time being, it sparked questions and rolled off the tongue nicely. I changed it when I noticed lots of people asking if Hugo Out was my actual name or not, and decided I would just stick with my given name.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I work in Hilversum, so it takes about an hour to get there and an hour to get back. After work in the evening, I'll be working on music or events and I also enjoy cooking. Sometimes I like to take the time to browse through my record collection.
We were at the Euromast park today, what does this spot mean to you?
This place forces me to take a moment for myself. Turn everything off for a bit. I'll hang out with friends, go on a date, or chill on my own, enjoying the environment.
"This place forces me to take a moment for myself. Turn everything off for a bit."
What does Rotterdam, as a city, mean to you?
It's a city full of developments, which grants it its authenticity, I believe. The city has so much to offer, yet there's so much room for improvement. The bubble is smaller, but there's a greater potential because it's less saturated, and the city offers many opportunities.
They say Amsterdam has the throne but Rotterdam has the realness.
Do you have any favorite spots in Rotterdam?
· Clone Records
· Restaurant OX
· Café Bakeliet
When did you realize that music would have such a big impact on your life?
I've been around music from a young age, mainly because my father was very involved with music. It started in the form of different musical instruments, like the violin, harp, piano, and recorder. Those turned into classical guitar, and I ended it with the electric guitar. After that, I switched it up and started making beats.
What do you spin, genre-wise?
Definitely house. I like the deeper house, with a slight rhythm. House that leaves room for some experiments. I've discovered this is the sound that comes from my heart.
What was your first performance, and how did it go?
It was at Bkbeats when Chris Stussy was also playing there. I managed to talk my way in and played a hip-hop set with some funk in between. It was received very well and received a lot of applause that night. I haven't been able to top the feeling of that night just yet!
Vinyl or Digital?
Vinyl, 100%.
Has anything ever happened while you were playing that made you go: WTF?!
There was a woman who lunged herself over the DJ booth and fully kissed me on the lips. I was still in the rush of being in the middle of my set, so that definitely threw me off a bit haha.
Where do you find inspiration, music-wise?
From a lot of DJ and radio sets. London radio hosts, in particular, are great to listen to. They introduce different genres in a very natural manner.
How do you select your music for upcoming gigs/mixes/events?
I always start off digging in my own vinyl collection. I've made it a principle of mine to have my sets built around vinyl.
"It started in the form of different musical instruments, like the violin, harp, piano, and recorder. Those turned into classical guitar, and I ended it with the electric guitar. After that, I switched it up and started making beats."
Club nights or Festivals?
Club nights.
Is there a certain club/venue you’d still like to perform at?
DJOON in Paris.
Heb je bepaalde routines voordat je op gaat?
I generally like to be left alone for about half an hour before a set. Full focus on myself.
Do you have a tune you’d like to share with the readers?
Opening or Closing set?
Closing set.
Top parties of all time?
· All Dekmantel closing festivals: top-notch!
· Esa Williams in de School Amsterdam
Is there something on the agenda that you’re able to share with us?
OASE at De Kade.
Second edition this year, June 8th.
What can we expect from your Operator set?
The union of hip-hop and house.
Any last words for the readers?
SO to Mowgli. Thanks for the invite!
