Exclusive Interview with Mix Master Mike

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Mix Master Mike, shortly before his performance at KU DÉ TA Bangkok on 16th January.

You have won the DMC World DJ Championships three times in a row: as part of the Rock Steady crew in 1992 and in 1993 & 1994 as a duo with Q-Bert. Your name is one out of 25 listed the in the prestigious DMC Hall of Fame. How did you get into DJing and Turntablism in the first place?

got into Djaying in 1985. I grew up listening to Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Robert Johnson, James Brown, Muddy Waters , ACDC… then I saw grandmixer DST performing with Herbie Hancock. Then I was fully inspired.

You are a Founding member of the renowned "Invisibl Skratch Piklz" DJ crew, the Official DJ of the legendary Hip Hop act BEASTIE BOYS and without doubt one of the greatest DJs in history. How did you meet them in the first place and how did you become part of the group?

I became part of the Beastie Boys through my bandmate Adam Yauch.(RIP). I used to send him DJ battle videos of myself winning the world titles and used to leave scratch messages on his answering machine.

Your sound is a mix of Hip Hop, Rock and of course lots of Turntablism. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?

I would describe my music as a multidimensional sonic ride. Unpredictable and super charged.

What tracks, remixes or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

I recommend people check out my brand new singles called “Voltron" also “Semi Auto Siren”. And my project called “The Bolt 117".

What’s on your agenda for 2015? What are you currently working and focusing on?

I have a brand-new EP called "Plazma Ryfle” that's gonna drop this month for free download.

What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

One of the most memorable gigs would probably be last year performing at the Kennedy Center Honors for the president of the United States also my shows at Madison Square Garden..

You live in Los Angeles – the second-most populous city in the USA, after New York City. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife there? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?

There’s many facets to Los Angeles as far as nightlife. I recommended checking out BoomBox jazz club in chinatown and also Lowend Theory.

On 16th January you will live perform live here in Bangkok at KU DÉ TA Bangkok. Have you visited Thailand before? Will it be your Bangkok debut? What can we expect of your upcoming performance?

This is my second time in Thailand. I look foward to entertaining everyone. Expect an all-out audio assault.