Interview: Mix Master Mike

Mix Master Mike is one of the most decorated and accomplished DJs in the world. He was named “the world’s greatest DJ” by USA Today, a three-time DMC World Champion, won a few Grammys, inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beastie Boys, a member of the popular turntablist group Invisibl Skratch Piklz, and toured all over the world. He is currently on tour with Metallica and is also trailblazing the VR world with his Virtual Reality projects. Mike took some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions.

Thanks for talking to us today…you’ve toured with Guns N’ Roses and now Metallica, what can fans expect to see from you on tour with Metallica?
Fans can expect all out Metal assault sets. Hand picked stadium bangers to get the fans pumped and ready for Metallica.

You were one of the early pioneers blending different genres before it became more mainstream, what type of reaction were you getting when you were doing it in the early years?
Back in the day the earlier reactions to what I was doing on the turntables were great. I was excited to show everyone that the turntables can be played like a musical instrument. I’ve always been about composing/decomposing music to inspire others.

What is your fondest memory during your Beastie Boys’ days?
There are so many. We’ve toured the world together twice over. I guess being able to share experiences on the road and in the studio we’re the best times of my life being with them.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career?
The biggest challenge in my career I like to keep to myself. But I will tell you, life “period”, is a challenge. You have to be able to navigate through all of this without a manual. Learn as you go. I’ve learned so much on this journey traveling the world and learning how to conduct myself throughout the process.

Tomorrow, you have to start a DJ Tour with 3 other current DJs, who’s on tour with you?
I would have to take my crew with me, Invisibl Skratch Piklz..Qbert, D-Styles, and Shortkut.

What is your favorite part of touring? What’s the worst part?
My favorite part of touring is getting to the destination. My least favorite part of touring is traveling to get there. Waiting patiently for this new teleportation invention to be complete.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I don’t have one, what I like is what I like, “guilt free”.

What is something many people don’t know about you?
I’m involved in six different charities. Look into these, all amazing organizations. You’ll love what’s going down.

• MusiCares MAP Fund
• Operation Smile
• Michael J Fox Parkinson’s Research
• Vogel Alcove (for homeless children)
• Starfish foundation
• Skate and destroy Cancer at The Clairmont

What is in your DJ bag?
Most likely a can of green tea matcha, battery operated frother, G-19, MMM Skullcandy headphones, IPod 80GB classic, G drive, Oakley Thump MP3 sunglasses, and a Pioneer S-9 mixer.

You have accomplished so much in your career already, what keeps you grinding and pushing boundaries everyday?
What keeps me grinding and pushing boundaries everyday is my addiction to the creative process. I love creating. It’s my purpose here on this planet. I always feel the need to explore what’s on the other side…”the next”. As a teen, I was always infatuated with getting the high score. Turning the video game over to see how the machine would react. In a way, I’m still trying to achieve that.

You have a virtuality album, how did the concept come about?
Virtual reality has become a match made in heaven for my creative process. My VR projects, “Magma Chamber” and “Moon Base Invasion” are out now on Mettle.com and Little star VR. So far, we have won 5 international awards and been accepted to the Cannes Film Festival. I’m really excited about creating the first ever VR album. I aim to provoke your thought process with this project.

Can you tell us about your new album?
My new album is complete. Its been done a long time ago. Its called “Rodan Wingspan” no radio friendly cuts. Unlike anything you’ve heard before. Its art. It’s hip-hop in futuristic form. Hard beats, loops, cut. It’s a great time. One of my greatest achievements in recording.

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
I would like to thank the fans for sticking with me. Three decades strong. I feel like I’m just getting started. One love.

Look for Mix Master Mike coming to city near you as he tours with Metallica and his album “Rodan Wingspan”.

Follow Mix Master Mike
Website: mixmastermike.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mixmastermikeofficial
Twitter: @mixmastermike
Instagram: @mixmastermike