Ornella has been a fixture in Oslo’s clubbing scene since before she was a DJ. A regular presence on the dance floors of Villa and Jaeger, Ornella eventually made the leap to the other side of the booth, encouraged by peers that had seen a nascent talent.
Her presence on dance floors are still consistent, but in recent years she’s been orchestrating it, rather than participating in it. Known for sets that cultivate mood and atmosphere, Ornella has been a favourite in DJ booths around Oslo and further afield. When she’s not in the booth she’s facilitating the scene with her work as the booker for Gehor, adding to the rich sonic landscape of the city.
Ornella makes her debut on Jaeger Mix with a 2 hour sonic journey through House music’s extended reach in an atmospheric and airy progression.
What’s your earliest memory of a piece of music and what did it instil in you that you still carry with you today?
My earliest memory is hearing Whitney Houston and Celine Dion songs that my mom used to play around the house. Growing up in the 90s and into the new millennium, I now see it as a time when women were rising in the music industry. I’m still drawn to female artists and how they express themselves.
Most of us grow up on our parents’ music until there’s a track, artist or genre which marks the shift in cultivating our own tastes. What was that moment for you?
Watching a lot of MTV had a huge influence on me and many others my age. I can’t name one specific track or artist because there was so much different music coming out at the time, but hip-hop and R&B have stayed with me ever since.
How did electronic music and club music come into your life?
When I moved to Oslo at 19, I started working at The Villa Dancing by chance, and that experience sparked an ongoing interest.
We recall that you were a presence on Jaeger’s dance floor before we started seeing your name on club listings. What first encouraged you to start Djing and who were some of your influences and guides in that process?
It’s funny because I was hanging out in the hip-hop scene before the club scene, where I had friends who were DJs. I was curious when I saw them DJing at parties, but I never thought I’d become one myself. When I started working at The Villa, I was exposed to great music and had access to equipment for practice. A colleague named Peter Phan taught me the technical side of DJing, and we would spend hours in the basement at The Villa.
How has your taste in music evolved since you started DJing?
Previously, I thought there was a rule that I had to follow, which stated that there could only be one genre per set, making me feel uncomfortable. Ever since I started playing, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different genres and sounds when mixing. However, as I’ve become more secure, I find myself incorporating various sounds into my sets, which makes DJing more stimulating and fun.
What kind of sound, mood or genre do you find yourself being drawn to as a DJ today and is it prevalent in this Jaeger mix?
Whenever I’ve made a mix in the past, I try to create a story that makes the listener feel like they’re on a journey. It might be a random story for someone, but hopefully one they can enjoy. I think my mixes have some element of sadness, hope, and happiness in them. It might sound a bit corny, but that’s how I see life, and I hope that comes through in this mix too.
The Jaeger mix features a lot of melodies and airy atmospheres. What attracted you to the tracks in this mix initially, and is it something that you prepared before the recording?
I initially planned to play only new music that I had bought for the Jaeger Mix, but when I recorded it, I included some old tracks mixed with the new ones, which helped create the vibe I was aiming for.
Is there a track in this mix from whichthe whole set was built up around?
Stoned (Manali Cream Mix) by Rockers Hi Fi
You’ve been playing much more over the course of the last year. Is there something encouraging to play out more now?
Becoming a mom has been a huge encouragement for me to continue DJing. I’ve always wanted to work with music in some form, and after being part of the club scene in Oslo, I can see how many doors it has opened for me. The path to where I want to be feels much clearer now, especially with the support of friends and family <3
How do you think it has affected your approach to DJing?
DJing requires a lot of preparation, energy, and long nights outside of the typical “normal” work life. Among DJs, there is a strong sense of passion and dedication. It’s not a given that everyone has a passion for their job. However, when you see DJs like G-ha, Olle Abstract, and many others still going strong after many years in the game, it gives a sense of reassurance that what you are doing has meaning.
What else is on the horizon for you after this mix?
I used to feel awkward about putting myself out there and approaching venues. Over time, I realized that I need to take a new approach since I want to travel and play in other cities. I guess it’s up to whoever finds this mix appealing, and hopefully, that includes someone outside of Oslo. I’m grateful to have a place like Gehør, where I can play and evolve as a DJ and booker.