During Miami Music Week, the city becomes a whirlwind of back-to-back sets, packed venues, and nonstop conversations about music. In the middle of the chaos, I had the chance to sit down with Ookay for an in-person conversation that felt refreshingly grounded.

Despite more than a decade in the industry, Ookay greeted the moment with the same laid-back energy fans have come to know. As we talked about his latest project type:era—released via Dim Mak—and his set during the Dim Mak takeover at Ultra Music Festival, it quickly became clear that this release represents more than just another EP. For him, it marks a new chapter creatively and personally.

“It kind of felt like the stars aligned with where my music has been heading,” Ookay tells EDMTunes. “Dim Mak has been really supportive, giving me a platform to showcase this new direction.”

The EP blends melodic bass, R&B influences, and trap elements—sounds that have shaped his career since his breakout hit ‘Thief’ Over the past few months, he and his team focused on crafting something that felt cohesive while still staying true to the sound fans know him for.

“My team and I worked really hard over the past few months putting everything together,” he explains. “We collaborated with some amazing vocalists and really refined the sound. I wanted it to lean into melodic bass, mix in some R&B elements and some trap stuff—basically all the sounds I love—but still make it feel fresh and new.”

Releasing the EP during Miami Music Week only added to the moment.

“So getting to celebrate the release during Miami Music Week is really special,” he says.

Reconnecting With What Matters

At one point in the conversation, the topic shifted to where he’s currently living. When he mentioned San Diego, I couldn’t help but laugh and tell him it sounded like a dream compared to Dallas dry weather. But for Ookay, the relocation was about more than just the weather—it was about reconnecting with the people and experiences that shaped him.

“For me, it was really important to reconnect with my friends from my hometown and my family and remember what made me fall in love with music in the first place,” he says. “I felt like I was starting to get really disconnected living in LA and being away from so many people I started this journey with..”

Moving back helped him rediscover a sense of balance.

“It helped me reconnect with who I am as a person outside of just ‘Ookay,’” he explains. “That’s really helped me on my musical journey.”

Growth in the Studio

More than a decade into his career, Ookay has seen firsthand how much his production process has evolved.

“When I first started making music, I struggled with getting sounds exactly the way I wanted them,” he says. “But over time I learned my DAW really well. I use FL Studio, so I know how to work around every part of making music now.”

With that experience has come confidence and speed in the studio.

“I don’t really have those roadblocks anymore,” he explains. “I’ve trained and honed my craft enough that I can get ideas out quickly and reach the finish line faster. Then I can sift through everything and find the songs that are perfect for the album.”

Staying True to the Original Ookay

Whiletype:era introduces new sonic directions, Ookay is quick to emphasize that the foundation of his sound hasn’t disappeared.

“I hope fans understand that I’m still very tied into the Ookay that started around 2013 and 2014 leading into 2016,” he says. “I’m not sacrificing anything for a new sound.”

Instead, the goal is evolution.

“I still want to give fans something fresh and new—something heavy and driving—but with real substance under those records,” he explains. “I’m not focused on making something that’s just easily streamable. I want it to feel like a perfectly put together song.”

Collaboration played a major role in shaping the EP.

“Working with songwriters like Rillo, Casey Cook, and Veronica Bravo has been amazing,” he says. “It’s been really cool bringing in new writers and vocalists and hearing their take on my music.”

Looking Ahead to the Album Era

The EP also sets the stage for his upcoming album case sensitive, which will feature more of his own vocals and songwriting.

“For the album there’s going to be more of me singing and doing songwriting again,” he says.

When I asked whether performing vocals ever made him nervous, he laughed.

“No, not really,” he said. “I’ve already played Ultra with the live show a couple times, so singing and all that is something I’m used to now.”

Collaborations and Community

Another topic that excited him was collaboration. Rather than chasing specific names, Ookay focuses on building relationships first.

“I feel like I’m already starting to hit some of the collaborations I’ve always wanted,” he says. “Working with San Holo, working with Beastboi, working with Sabai… even someone like Timmy Trumpet. You wouldn’t necessarily connect our music styles, but we have such a great friendship.”

For him, the creative process is strongest when it starts with genuine connections.

“A lot of those collaborations start as friendships first,” he explains. “Then we make music and find ways to blend our styles together.”

Lessons From a Decade in the Industry

After more than ten years in electronic music, Ookay has also learned a few lessons along the way—lessons he’s eager to pass on to younger artists.

“One thing I’ve always believed in is being friendly to everybody,” he says.

For a touring artist, that philosophy extends far beyond the stage.

“I always try to make sure that when I leave a venue, everyone is happy—the staff, the promoters, the fans,” he explains. “I want to be the easiest person to work with.”

That mindset, he believes, has helped him stay grounded in an industry that constantly changes.

“I feel like I’m starting to reap what I’ve sown in kindness,” he says.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring producers, his answer came quickly.

“Be kind. Be humble. Be a sponge,” he says.

He also encourages artists to look beyond electronic music for inspiration.

“Take inspiration from everywhere,” he explains. “Film, paintings, art—there are so many different creative mediums that can inspire music.”

He also stresses the importance of staying open to the next wave of artists.

“There are kids making incredible music at 15 or 16 years old purely from imagination,” he says.

The Reality of Building a Career Today

With social media now playing such a major role in the music industry, Ookay believes the biggest misconception is that success follows a straight path.

“Success isn’t linear,” he says. “Everyone’s journey is different.”

He also believes artists should be willing to show more of themselves online.

“Fans want to connect with artists on a personal level now,” he explains. “They want to see a day in the life and feel like they’re following your journey.”

In the end, authenticity matters most.

“Show people who you are,” he says. “Let them feel like they’re part of the journey.”

With type:eranow released and the next album era on the horizon, Ookay’s evolution as an artist feels both exciting and deeply personal. And after spending time talking with him, one thing is clear: even after more than a decade in the scene, the passion that started it all is still very much alive.