Combining progressive house, electro house, tech house and house with deep melodies, Mykris has a magical way of making EDM lovers freak out. He is musically talented, well spoken and traveled, and, as many giddy fans can attest, he isn’t hard on the eyes either.
Over the past decade, he has gone from a student at Miami’s Scratch DJ Academy to a resident DJ at one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world – Ultra.
It is with great pleasure we announce DJ Mykris will be visiting the PRD this month, with shows announced in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Macau. In anticipation of this visit, which is part of his DJ Mykris Greater China Invasion: Phase 1 tour, we chatted with Mykris about his career, musical preferences and favorite Chinese dishes.
To start off, tell us a bit about your DJ residency with Ultra Music Festival.
It is truly a big honor for me to have the opportunity to play at so many Ultras around the world and to be part of such a high profile event, which unites thousands of people from different countries, religions and political circles. Miami was my first Ultra Festival in 2011, on a small stage, and then in 2013 I made it to the main stage. Now I am also playing at Ultra Japan, Brazil, Croatia, Ibiza and hopefully more to come. I’m so thankful for the support Ultra has given me since day one.
Correct us if we’re wrong, but you began your DJ journey in your early teens, so what artists inspired you to get behind the decks?
You’re right, I started to DJ when I was 15 years old at a local club in my hometown in Spain. The funny thing is, no one inspired me to get behind the decks when I started. Of course I loved house music, trance and 90s dance music, and after that Fedde Le Grand, Laidback Luke, Tiesto and Armin Van Buuren have been a big inspiration for me, but the real story is that the DJ who was supposed to play one night had gotten sick, so he taught me the basics so I could play instead of him. After that great night, I started to read books about DJing, I was so curious. Then I started to collect tons of music and improve my skills every day. I guess I was destined to follow this path [laughs].
For our readers that are unfamiliar with your work, briefly describe your sound?
Hard to say, but could be aggressive, emotional, groovy or melodic, depending of the occasion. But I like fun and energetic sets.
You have shared the stage with some pretty big names, Hardwell, Tiesto, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Deadmau5, Carl Cox and the list goes on, which one(s) left the biggest impression on you?
I don’t want to make any enemies here [laughs], I’m kidding. Sincerely, I can’t tell you a name. All are legends with differences and all are the best in their style. What can we tell about the fabulous and always successful songwriting of Calvin Harris? What can we tell about the good vibes displayed by Carl Cox’s sets? What can we tell about the awesome energy Hardwell displays on his sets? I always like to see the best in people, haters should do the same, especially if they like music, music is unity.
You have established residences in both Miami and Ibiza, which place do you prefer to play in?
Both places are different and similar at the same time. The love for music and the way they enjoy the music is pretty much the same, so passionate and energetic. Musically they are perhaps different, with Ibiza liking the groovy, melodic, housey and sometimes darker elements, while Miami is more into the commercial EDM and hip hop part of the music. Without doubt both are recommended to any electronic music lover.
Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, is arguably one of the greatest DJs of all time. Rumor has it you're a fan, what do you think makes his music so powerful and timeless?
Everything which is different and successful will be timeless, the proof is that lot of DJs are still remixing Fatboy Slim or using a capellas of his tracks. His live shows are also a must see.
Outside of electronic music, which genres do you enjoy listening to?
I like to listen to any good track of any music genre, you can always find something good. I really enjoy listening to hip-hop, pop and, even if people think you are the weird guy when you say you listen to classical music, I sometimes do.
Is this your first time in China? If so, what do you expect from Macau and the mainland?
Yes, this will be my first time in China and I expect nothing but great energy. I was surprised on my first visit to India and Japan, people felt the music, enjoyed it and gave it their all on the dance floor. Some of my best memories come from Asia, so I really expect more of the same from China.
Favorite Chinese dish?
Spring rolls, dim sum, gong bao chicken and Yangzhou fried rice.
If you had to choose between fighting a grizzly bear in hand-to-paw combat or becoming Donald Trump’s personal DJ, which would you pick?
Difficult decision but I would probably go for the grizzly bear while wearing good armor [laughs].
Anything else?
A very special thanks to the Xin Wang Group and MusicFestAsia for organizing my Asia tour!
Shenzhen: Feb 16, 10pm-late; RMB100 and up. Evening Show Club. See event listing.
Guangzhou: Feb 17, 10pm-late; RMB100 with one free drinking, free for the first 100 ladies before 11pm. W Guangzhou. See event listing.
Macau: Feb 18, 10pm-late. Pacha Macau, Studio City, Macao.
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