Job: Producer, mixmaster, disc jockey and record-label owner.
Background: The Highland, Ind., native started work as a disc jockey and mixer while attending Indiana University. He joined the now defunct WBMX-FM in 1981 and formed Hot Mix 5 with Ralphi Rosario, Kenny Jason, Farley
”Jackmaster” Funk and Steve Hurley (who was later replaced by Edward Crosby). ”That was the first time any serious mixes were on the radio,”
Oliver says.
In 1986, the Hot Mix 5 crew left WBMX for WGCI-AM 1390, where they remained until February, when the station eliminated its mixes. Oliver says he was ready to move on. ”I really don`t want to be known as a deejay anymore. I want to be known as a writer and producer.”
Record executive: In 1986 Oliver co-founded the Hot Mix 5 label, which spawned his own M Records. ”Hot Mix tends to be a little more house music-a street, club sound,” he says. ”M is a little broader. The music can have a little more radio appeal.”
Influences: Oliver cites the mid-1980s ”import sound” from Italy as an early influence but otherwise considers himself a pioneer. ”The house sound we created is really our own sound,” he says.
Sound: ”Music that`s driven by the drums and the bass-both instruments tend to be heavier in the mix, and the mix tends to be hollow,” he says. ”It would have very few keyboards.”
In the works: Oliver says he and EMI Records are negotiating the final details on a distribution deal for M Records.
Mixing: Oliver remixes popular songs for Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Powerhouse Records, which issues a monthy subscription service for disc jockeys. He says he also has mixed songs for Kool and the Gang, Prince and the Chi-Lites.
Side projects: Oliver has written and mixed music for ”General Hospital” (”when Luke and Laura were together”), Sportschannel, the Luv-A- Bulls, the movie ”Red Heat” and the next Michael Jordan Foundation video. He says he also deejays about 20 weddings a year.
Memorable experiences: Disc jockeying at indoor and outdoor clubs in Spain for as many as 6,000 people and working a London show for 10,000 people on a field-”a sea of heads bouncing.”
Personal recordings: Oliver has released two albums under his own name on M Records: ”Intensity” (January 1989), which features Inner City vocalist Paris Grey, and ”Sweet House Chicago” (summer 1989), a collection featuring various house artists. He says he has no plans to record more albums himself. ”I`m going to probably just stick to writing and producing for the other artists,” he says. ”I`m going to be the main behind-the-scenes guy. I have my hands full running a company.”
Other recordings: ”Rock With Taste,” a 12-inch single by Johnny Wildboy featuring M.C. Taste, was just released on M. Mario Diaz, Edward Crosby and Ralphi Rosario are working on Hot Mix 5 and M Records projects at Oliver`s studio, Hot Mix Recording, which opened in Orland Park in March.
Philosophy: ”You have to keep pushing-otherwise, you`ll never get ahead.”
Goals: ”To make M Records a major label and to be known as a good songwriter and producer.”
Next appearance: Oliver deejays every Thursday night at the club Oliver`s (no connection) in Downers Grove.
