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Exclusive Interview with M.I.K.E.

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Hello Mike, nice to have you on MaxMuzik! As this is your first interview with us, let’s start off with a little background. How did you get into music? Please tell us about the beginning of your career as a DJ.
Hi thanks for having me. Music was everything to me. I used to watch 80’s synth pop bands on Tv how they’d make people come together and I wanted to do that too! I would lock myself up in my room making tapes, listening to music and playing on my first synth. I had big plans. 🙂

For our readers who’ve never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words.
Passionate, Emotional, Euphoric, Melodic, Trance.

Can you offer insight into some of your musical inspirations? And who is your favorite artist from EDM outside your own specific genre?
I think the secret is out when I mention Depeche Mode. They were for me my musical heroes. From the first time seeing their video ‘Just Cant Get Enough’, I knew music would be my following. EDM has a lot of musical inspiration. I always appreciated a lot of the newer EDM talent. I always have an ear out for them.

You have just released your new album “World Citizen”, how was the experience working on this album like for you?
It took me one year to make. My first tracks almost ready to complete the album never made it. I ended it up scratching the whole thing and starting over. I took some time. I came back to it and BAM I was inspired and one track led to the other. It’s filled with emotions and passion, experiences, and a story about all my traveling in my DJ career put together.

World Citizen Showcase on Global DJ Broadcast / Markus Schulz (14.02.2013)

What was the most challenging part of the production process of the album?
Well, the moments when I got stuck. Like an author, producers also get writers block. Those are the most difficult times for me. But as quick as it can hit you, inspiration is right around the corner and living in NYC can only mean work inspired!

You started your radio show/podcast “Club Elite Sessions” back in 2007, and you cover interesting track selection. How’s your experience so far and how do you pick your tracks for the show?
I actually started my radio show in 2004, back then it was on monthly basis till 2009 when we decided to go weekly on DI.FM. My show has been going on now for some 8 yrs. I really enjoy making it because I can share my taste in music with my fans and all listeners around the world. The show is broadcasted all over the world on numerous local radio stations. The biggest broadcasting comes out of Digitally Imported Radio after Armin van Buuren’s ‘A State of Trance’show on Thursdays. We try to please our listeners of Club Elite Sessions by also offering guest mixes once a month and we’ve had quite a decent list of names. We are also looking into launching a night for our big 300th episode anniversary coming up. But details will have to wait until the official announcement.

M.I.K.E. latest radio show: Club Elite Sessions 294

Could you tell us about your music production process? Also your equipment and the setup you use in your live shows.
It’s quite easy, I go in the studio, turn on my gear, I have no idea where to start or where it will end! It’s all about writing melodies and bringing the groove all together. That’s basically how I write my music 🙂 My Push Live shows bring a lot of work, for a M.I.K.E. DJ set I got my weapons of choice on my USB sticks and CD’s!

Speaking of shows, what are your touring plans for the rest of 2013? Are you coming to Canada as well? 🙂
There’s talks of coming back to Canada for sure! I love Canada. I’ve played at numerous places in the past. Ultimately, it’s up to my Canadian fans to speak up to their local promoters to get me there! 😉

What artists would fans be surprised to find on your iPod?
Believe it or not, I currently listen to a lot of Jazz and Classical music of all sorts… it makes me feel tranquil.

Any final thoughts or parting words?
Thanks again for having me. And thanks for supporting my music all these years. I definitely have much more planned and much more music to make! So check back on my website www.mike.be for full updates and links of my new album World Citizen.

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