Interview: BIG MAKK

One of the hottest DJ/Producers in the game right now is Big Makk from Orlando, FL. Born-and-raised in Orlando, he began spinning records at the age of 13 and can now be found touring the country alongside the likes of Zed’s Dead and Keys N Krates. When he’s not touring, he host his weekly local party “Shake n’ Bass” – one of the wildest weekly parties in the state. He also host a monthly radio show, “MAKK SAUCE RADIO”, which has featured guests like Four Color Zack, Astronomar, and Choppa Dunks.

Big Makk’s tracks have been supported by Main Course, Mad Decent, Dim Mak, and Slow Roast, and heavy-hitters including Diplo, Bassnectar, and Mr. Carmack. We were able to catch up with Big Makk recently at EDC Orlando and talk about his career, working with Mr. Carmack, and life.

You’ve been in the game for many years, how did you get started as a DJ/Producer?
It all started around 10 years ago when I was in middle school. I used to listen to the radio guys like DJ Nasty and DJ Chino, and I was always intrigued on how they manipulated the music. I first started on Virtual DJ, then saved up to buy a Gemini turntable package.

What three words describe your style?
Random, unexpected, and crazy.

Who are your influences?
Mr. Carmack. We have a track out now “Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz” on Mad Decent. He is the homie, his music is so good and different. We are both Polynesian too.

What was it like having your track “Bandz” [Mad Decent] picked up HBO’s Silicon Valley?
That was a whole ‘nother level. I was in LA doing a show and they (Mad Decent) just hit me up that same night saying “Your track is going to be played tonight on HBO’s ‘Silicon Valley'”. IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
A bunch of artists I listen to on Soulection: Mr. Carmack, Louie Lastic, Jesse Slayter, and JSTR.

For the past few years, you’ve been hosting a very successful weekly night “Shake ‘n Bass”, can you tell us about it?
Maybe around four years ago, there used to be a night in a club (Vain) with three rooms playing different types of music in each room. In the smallest room, Dr. Khan and ma-LESS started playing Moombahton. Eventually, I would come in and spin and eventually we called our little group “Moombah Mafia”. From there, we came together and with the support from our homies at BackBooth we just started a party (Shake ‘n Bass) from there.

What can I expect on an average Sunday night at “Shake ‘n Bass”?
Craziness! Nothing you can ever experience anywhere else. It will make you leave wondering what they hell did I just see…in a good way.

What is a typical day like for you?
Chill at home, smoke a bit, watch movies, listen to vinyl records for inspiration, and make music.

What is something many people don’t know about you?
I’m Polynesian and my dad is from Fiji. I’ve never been, but I plan on going out there in the future.

Who is somebody you’ve always wanted to collab with?
I’ve already done it twice, Craze and Mr. Carmack, but I’ve always wanted to collab with Bassnectar. He plays a lot of my music and we will link up for the first time today.

How did you link up with Mr. Carmack?
He played out here in Orlando last year, came over to my house and we just started working on ideas. Our track “Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz” has been a year in the making.

What can people expect when they go to a Big Makk show?
Nothing they’ve ever seen before, my set is wild.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Making beats for top artists. My ultimate goal is work with Kanye. I think I can bring something to the table.

Any last words?
I love my fans. When people come to me and say I am their inspiration it means a lot to me.

Look for Big Makk’s latest remix “Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz” with Mr. Carmack, his monthly radio show “MAKK Sauce Radio” on soundcloud.com/bigmakk, and make sure to see him live when he comes to a city near you.

Follow Big Makk (Orlando)
Facebook: facebook.com/BIGMVKK
Twitter: @BIGMAKK_
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/bigmakk