Why Héctor Oaks Calls Bassiani His Second Home

When people talk about legendary residencies, few are as deeply rooted and meaningful as Héctor Oaks’ connection to Bassiani. For those who don’t know, Bassiani is not just a club — it’s a vital cultural space in Tbilisi, Georgia, that has become a symbol of freedom and self-expression in a country where those things aren’t always guaranteed.

Oaks’ story with Bassiani began in Berlin. The club’s founders were regulars at Berghain, where Héctor found himself every Sunday during his early Berlin days. With few gigs at that time, he immersed himself in the scene, becoming a familiar face on the dance floor. One night, the Bassiani team approached him and shared their plan: they were going to start throwing parties in Tbilisi and wanted Héctor to be part of it. He became their first international booking, even before the club officially opened its doors.

When Bassiani finally launched in 2016, Héctor was there, and he’s been a resident ever since. But what keeps him going back? For him, Bassiani is more than just a venue. In his words, it’s a place where Georgians can truly be free — a space untouched by the strict social norms and religious pressures that shape daily life in the country. Inside Bassiani, there’s no judgment, no rigid dress code, and no boundaries on age or identity. You might find people aged 18 to 55 sharing the dance floor, parents alongside young ravers, all united by music.

The sense of community and mutual respect is strong, and for Héctor, this spirit resonates deeply. He sees Bassiani as a unique environment that feels more like a family than just a crowd.

Beyond the atmosphere, Bassiani has also become a place where Oaks is pushed creatively and physically. Georgia’s techno fans are notoriously tireless, often refusing to let him finish his set even after ten or twelve hours behind the decks. Instead of winding down, he prepares for marathons, bringing stacks of vinyl and the flexibility to keep surprising the floor. He knows that with records, you can always flip to another track, dig for something unexpected, and keep the energy alive for hours on end.

Playing only vinyl in such intense conditions speaks to his commitment to the craft and to the club. It’s not about convenience — it’s about creating a real, tangible connection between the DJ and the dancers, something Oaks treasures and defends at every gig.

For Héctor Oaks, Bassiani isn’t just another stop on the tour circuit. It’s a second home, a place where he and the crowd share long nights of music and freedom, creating something unforgettable each time the needle drops.