Few DJs have lived and breathed house music like Oliver Lang. From shaping dancefloors at Space Ibiza and Sankeys to crafting groove-driven productions, his career has been defined by a deep understanding of what makes people move. His latest collaboration with Mark Knight, Got A Man, lands on Toolroom with a low-slung, rolling energy that feels both fresh and timeless.

In the wake of the release of Got A Man and to celebrate his Magnetic Mix, we caught up with Lang to talk about the creative process behind the track, Ibiza’s evolving scene, the role of AI in music production, and why keeping house music’s essence alive has never been more important.


Your collaboration with Mark Knight on Got A Man marks an exciting start to 2025. How was the workflow on this one? Did you get in the studio together, or was it a remote collab?

Mark and I worked remotely between Ibiza and the UK for around six months. That’s one of the great things about collaborating these days, although it’s always best to sit in the studio together, sometimes, the distance and time away from the track give you a more pragmatic approach, so it can really work. Getting the groove right is always key, and we spent a lot of time going back and forth, but that’s how great records are made, perseverance and perfection pays off in the end.

There’s a comparison to Mark’s track with Green Velvet and James Hurr did you take any inspiration from that record, or was your approach entirely different?

Green Velvet’s sound has been a staple in my musical toolbox for 20 years, so I naturally lean towards a sleazy groove when starting something. I usually spend an eternity creating a half-bar groove, and then the track writes itself. Mark gave life to the project to make it more dancefloor-relevant, and the reshaping of Got A Man during our collaboration really gave it an edge.

Having been a resident at Bora Bora Ibiza, how does the island’s vibrant music scene continue to shape your sound and approach to production?

Without sounding too esoteric, I think the most important factor in making house music is experiencing the emotions different frequencies evoke in a club and understanding why certain things work well. I have a favourite track from most genres of house, and the Balearic sound was inherently about variation, so I think that’s rubbed off on me. I hope it translates well into my music.

Reflecting on your early days in Manchester’s club scene, how have those experiences informed your current work, especially in collaborations like Got A Man?

Manchester’s club scene taught me everything how to read a crowd, push boundaries, and keep the energy right. That instinct carries into everything I do, including Got A Man blending that raw underground vibe with fresh influences to create something that resonates today.

With the industry’s shift towards digital platforms, how do you balance maintaining an authentic house sound while adapting to modern production techniques?

It’s all about keeping the groove alive. The tools change, but the essence of house stays the same raw energy, proper swing, and soul. I use modern production to enhance, not replace. Whether it’s hardware or plugins, as long as it feels right on a big system, it works.

Your sound has evolved over the years—where does Got A Man sit within your broader artistic journey?

Got A Man is a reflection of where I’m at bringing the focus back to what house music is really about: energy, groove, connection, and above all, a theme. The goal is to re-emphasize the importance of house in all its forms and get everyone back on the same page no ego, no posing (dare I say, no phones either). Just great house music. We’ll never wind back time, but we can up the ante on quality in the scene as a whole.

Got A Man is a low-slung house track, but that’s how it felt best. In my early days, I think I would have possibly sacrificed the vibe of the track to fit a specific genre. That’s the great thing about Mark and everyone at Toolroom they listen to a track with an open mind, which is something you can’t teach. As I’m fairly seasoned in terms of experience, I’m trying to make records that stand the test of time tracks I can be proud of in another 20 years.

Can you share any memorable moments from your time playing at Sankeys Ibiza for Duke Dumont’s Blasé Boys Club nights? How have these residencies impacted your musical journey?

Sankey’s Ibiza had this unbeatable energy proper underground vibes with a real family feel. The whole crowd would come straight from Bora Bora, already fired up, and we’d take the party to the next level. After the sets, we’d all carry on together, which made it more than just a club night, it felt like home. That’s what a true residency is about.

Tell us about the mix you’ve put together for us—any specific tracks you’d like to highlight?

I’ve kept this mix as varied as possible while showcasing how I like to maintain high energy, no matter the genre or track. It features artists I’ve worked with for years alongside fresh talent I’ve been following artists I truly believe will do big things in the scene.

There are the seminal artists on there like Mark Knight, Darius Syrossian, and Blond:ish, and I think the likes of Mark Armitage and Dave K have really honed their sound. I’m excited to see what’s next from them.

Looking ahead, are there any emerging artists or genres that you’re particularly excited about or considering exploring in your future projects?

After seven years of refining my sound, I’m excited to finally share it. I’m drawn to artists who bring fresh energy while staying true to house music’s roots. With three big collabs on the way and a roster of talent I’m producing with, my goal is to deliver something authentic, fresh, and built for real music lovers and clubbers alike.

Got A Man is out now on Toolroom

Mix tracklist

Mark Armitage – Step Into It (Dave K (UK) Remix)
Mark Knight & Oliver Lang – Got A Man
Eliza Rose, Sally C – Hips Yo Thighs
Dangerous Dan, Nicky Night Time, Rhonda INTL – A History Feat. Julian Mitchell
Johannes Albert – More Action Pleeease!
BLONDISH, Black Circle – Higher
David Penn, KPD – Disc-Jockey
Darius Syrossian & George Smeddles – Back In The Dance
Groove Box – Casio’s Theme
NRVS LVRS – City Lights (Sleight Of Hands Remix)
ROKAR – Renegade
David Penn, Qubiko – Ocean Drive (Open Your Mind) (Qubiko Extended Remix)
Alonso & Lessandro (PE)
Steve Tosi – I Want Your Love
Aaron Hibell, Alex Wann – set me free
Alex Lo Faro – Can’t Get Your Love
Sleight of Hands – Give Youurrself Tooo Meee

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