1: How long have you been DJ’ing / Producing for? And how have you developed as an artist over that time?
I started dj’ing at 15 on a local radio station in Antwerp and started to produce at 17 where I had a mini studio at home. On a professional bases, I’ve been DJing and producing for 12 years.
2: How did you get your start in the industry?
Years ago, when I was a bedroom producer, I handed my homemade demo to USA Import Music, an Antwerp based record company. From then on, I released a few records a year back in 1994. The rest is history, joining Bonzai Music and now Armada Music.
3: Who are your sources of inspiration in the music industry?
Me, myself and I. I don’t look around me, I just do my own thing, and as long it’s a passion, I will go on and on.
4: How much do you base your set on your audience and how much is just what you want to play?
It’s a 50/50 thing. I always like to play out new stuff, but also music people expect you to play - MIKE anthems. It’s the best of both worlds.
5: What are your thoughts on digital DJ Technology? Have you experimented with any DJ software (Ableton or Traktor)? Do you use CD’s, Vinyl or EFX as part of a set?
I do laptop DJing now, but from a producer’s point of view, I use my MacBook Pro, running two controllers, Traktor, Live and Logic Pro - spot on! It’s not just beat matching and track syncing, but LIVE sync and using effect tools like delays, reverbs and more. That brings us to the next question I see.
6: Allen & Heath OR Pioneer?
Non of the listed above, I choose my M- Audio controller and my touch screen based Jazz Mutant all the way. It’s time for the digital revolution, and sooner or later we all have to embrace it.
7: Are you currently working on (or recently released) any projects / compilations / tracks that you can tell us about?
Check out my myspace and Mike.be website for all teasers and more… lol. No, seriously, it’s like going back to my roots, Plastic Boy and Push as we know it! Driven, melodic, uplifting but with a very sweet sense of taste. I’m glad I’m bringing these back, everyone was waiting for this.
And my new compilation which is out now, M.I.K.E. presents Technoclub 26 together with Talla 2xlc.
8: Favourite...
Track of all time? All Music from Depeche Mode
Track as of right now? To many to mention. There’s lot’s of good tunes out there.
Piece of DJ/Studio equipment? My Macbook Pro.
Event ever played at? Dance Valley 2005
Source of tunes? CD’s and Mp3’s
9: Besides DJ’ing / Producing are you creative in any other way?
Playing with my kid and being a parent, you have to be creative, spending family time in general, soccer, snowboarding and other crazy stuff!
10: Do you have any special celebrity requests when you play out?
Not really, I just want to be in touch with the world, so when I’m staying in hotels, wireless internet is a must, and a gym is always cool too. Otherwise, just water at the dj booth, and that’s it.
11: Amongst your peer group (or your genre) who do you rate as amonst the best acts/dj’s to see live?
Every time I see Depeche Mode LIVE, Dave Gahan, the lead singer amazes me. He’s so energetic, and the music is hypnotizing, but that’s just me, I’m a BIG fan. In the EDM scene, I like the 2 Many Djs, who are also Belgium based.
12: If you could re-score any movie / tv show with original music or the types of tunes you play, what would it be?
I think I would prefer Sci-Fi movies in general as I’ve always been a fan of the unknown, the darker side of life, and sometimes you can feel that in my music too. I like Blade Runner as an example. That movie is packed with trance sounded music and the atmosphere of that movie perfectly reflects that!
13: Maybe a tough question… but what do you see as emerging trends in the industry for 2008?
No trends please, I just hope the music keeps going the way it goes now, there are a lot of talents out there, like Klems, a guy from France I signed to my label Club Elite. I see more individual artists emerging, no trends or hypes.
14: Any final words?
Follow your heart, not a hype or bandwagon jumping. I almost made that mistake, and it won’t happen again J Peace out, M.I.K.E.