Interview by Jeremy Kinser
Photography by John Skalicky
www.skalickyphoto.com

Christian is the muy caliente Mr. Oasis 2006. Oasis nightclub is just that—a sizzling watering hole just outside of L.A. that’s populated with hot guys and filled with an exciting, eclectic mix of music by DJ Wes, who discusses what makes the place so unique. Oasis nightclub is located at 1386 East Foothill Blvd., Upland. For more information, call (909) 920-9590, or visit www.oasis-nightclub.com.

IN Los Angeles: So Wes, when did you land at Oasis?

DJ Wes: I’ve been a partner for four years now. There have been two partners involved since the beginning. I came on board four years ago. I was a DJ and a promoter and they liked my work ethic so asked me to buy in.

I know you’ve been a fixture on the L.A. scene for a while. How did you decide to focus your attention on Oasis?

When I went to gay clubs I was always bummed out that I didn’t get to hear alot of stuff that I heard on the radio. So I had this concept when I started promoting that I would be a little more Top 40. I was doing a drag contest at Ripples and that was successful and I started working at Ozz and DJing here and there. When Oasis opened one of the owners wondered who was in the scene and put on a really good drag show so he contacted me. I did a drag show at Oasis and took a few DJ shifts. I launched an 18 and over night there and it just exploded. You just couldn’t get in if you got there later than 11 p.m. or you had to wait till after 1 a.m. That’s how it all started for me at Oasis. They hadn’t seen that type of success there.

Your decision seems to have really paid off for both you and the club.

The success has just been a reward for the hard work. I believe in working really hard and pushing and pushing. An advantage is that we have a team. I take care of marketing and promotions. We also have a great operational manager. I have a zillion ideas and we put it out there and work it. We have a dance contest on Thursdays and we have record release parties. Our drag contest on Sundays has been a staple in the community.

Are the crowds different for these or do the same people just appreciate different types of music?

They are totally different. Because of the diversity of the music, you can set yourself up for never satisfying people. There are people who love hip-hop and people who love trance or house or Spanish music or ‘80s or Le Tigre and the Killers. I have a broad range of music. I want to play a variety so everyone can hear something they like.

What’s the most popular night for you?

Wednesday night is two dollar any drink night so... (Laughs) Every night is busy and at capacity. The theme nights are really popular. We have Country Idol, a Latin one, a La Cage one, one night of all Broadway show tunes. Each month I will have one night that’s a theme night to spice it up.

Tell me about your Mr. Oasis contest. Christian is quite a looker. Is the competition open to anyone or just flawless people?

The stage is open to everybody. This may sound superficial but the qualification is just being a hot guy. Two years ago the winner was Playgirl‘s Man of the Year. The level of guys competing is really hot.