Øostil and his debut at Creamfields Argentina

Antü Coimbra, also known as Øostil, is one of the artists performing at the upcoming Creamfields Argentina, the massive electronic music festival taking place on November 16 and 17—he will be performing on Sunday—in Parque de la Ciudad, Buenos Aires. We talked with the Argentine DJ, who currently resides in Spain, about his extensive career in electronic music, his creative inspirations, his dreams, and much more.

You were born in Buenos Aires. Do you feel that your roots influenced your musical style? If so, how?

First, thank you so much for this space; it’s always nice to have the chance for people to get to know you better. Without a doubt, my mother is my great source of inspiration. When I was young, I was marked by Pink Floyd, Enigma, and other artists who are much more experimental than usual. I’ve also always loved listening to Gustavo Cerati and Soda Stereo. I believe that the music you hear as a child at home plays an important role in shaping your musical tastes throughout your life.

How did you start in electronic/house music? When did you realize, “This is my world”?

I’ve always been a fan of electronic music, but my beginnings were quite “accidental” in Punta del Este, Uruguay. I was working with a group of guys on PR for a club and started connecting with the resident DJ there. One day, he had to leave unexpectedly, and I ended up DJing that night. I had to give it my all, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. This happened in 2005. I’ve also always done theater, seeking to stay connected with art, energy, vibration, and movement. In this world of creation and music, I found a way to merge many things I love, like traveling, experiencing different cultures, exploring and discovering the world, sharing my art, and expanding my senses and perspectives in many ways.

"I found a way to merge many things I love in the world of creation and music"

Creamfields Argentina is a special festival for you…

Yes, because Creamfields was the first festival I ever attended. I saw Hernán Cattáneo and thought, “This is what I want to do.” Now, 20 years later, I’m returning to the festival that shaped my career forever, but this time as a DJ.

"Creamfields was the first festival I attended. I saw Hernán Cattáneo and thought, ‘This is what I want to do"

How would you define your musical style?

My style is progressive, though I don’t play that style today. I used to play it a lot and even signed with Sudbeat and other labels iconic in that genre. But then, since the early days of Afterlife, I became the first Argentine on the label and the first Latin American representative. Since then, my style has become more minimalist.

What are your sources of inspiration?

My strongest inspirations are nature and travel. But I think the key lies in finding inspiration in ordinary, everyday situations. Traveling so much and constantly being on the move makes it hard to connect with what most inspires you, as you're always hopping from airport to airport. However, at the same time, it sharpens everything, and creativity is maximized.

What’s it like to perform for an Argentine audience? How do we differ from other audiences around the world?

When the climax is created, the audience, the sound, the music, and I enter a kind of matrix, an experience that’s hard to put into words. Argentine audiences are special; all artists know it—you can see and feel it. Returning to Buenos Aires to perform at Creamfields with my dream materialized after 20 years of hard work is incredible! Today, I feel proud to represent our country in all the places I play, places I never imagined I’d reach. Leaving is always hard; all Argentine artists think that. And non-Argentines, too—ha ha. There’s no rock band, solo artist, or music creative worldwide who wouldn’t say that Argentinians are special and fully invested in the experience. It’s inexplicable!

"Returning to Buenos Aires to play at Creamfields, with my dream realized after 20 years of hard work, is incredible!"

What’s next for Øostil?

I played at X at Mandarine Park, Buenos Aires. It was an incredible show, alongside Adriatique. I toured the Middle East, traveled around Asia, and performed in Amsterdam at ADE—one of Europe’s most famous electronic music events—and in Mexico for the Formula 1 race. I’ll close out the year in South America with Creamfields in Buenos Aires and in Santiago, Chile. Playing in the festival where it all began 20 years ago, alongside Sasha, one of my idols, is beyond words! New releases and collaborations with artists are also on the way. I’m always looking to support national talent in some way, to give back a little of what I’ve experienced.

What dreams are left for you to achieve in your career?

More than dreams, I think of gratitude for everyone who has supported me along this journey. I’ve played with Hernán Cattáneo, who is—how can I put it? My great source of inspiration. Today, I can say we’re friends, but it still feels like a dream. I’d like to play B2B with him in Argentina. Why not?