We caught up with MK ahead of his headline set at Area 10 in Dublin to talk music, fashion and what’s in store for 2017.
How did you first get into the house scene?
Being from Detroit, I was surrounded by the greatest techno and the masters who made it; combine that with the fact that I also lived in Chicago for a few years (home of American House) house music became second nature to me. As for the scene, truly the only scene was in my studio, I hardly ever went out. There was a long time where I didn’t even know people we playing my records. I had my phone number on the vinyl I was putting out and it was not until the phone starting ringing off the hook did I realize that people liked my records.
You took some time off the house scene to work with artists such as Will Smith, Pitbull & Snoop Dog. How was it working with some of the biggest names in the game?
It was very exciting at first but overall, I still look at it as a huge learning experience. These guys are all such pros, Will and Pitbull run business like an expensive timepiece. It’s perfect. Now Snoop is another story. He is super professional but he comes with a lot of people… it was super fun and the stories are amazing.
Who was most fun to work with?
Now that depends on your definition of fun.
If you could collaborate with one other artist in the world, past or present, who would it be?
That’s a hard question. I can’t pick one, just can’t. I will give you a few names… Beyonce, Skepta,, Diplo, Chance the Rapper, and Depeche Mode and there is more.
You’re hosting the famous Area 10 in Dublin on the 1st of July. Can you tell us a bit more about the event?
Happy to, we are doing a day into night party and we have invited our friends like Route 94, KC Lights, Will Clarke, Sam Divine and Klangrussell to join us. I love doing these sort of shows and parties, it gives us a chance to get together and also gives us an opportunity to bring through newer artists who are up and coming. We are hoping for Sunshine, but bringing our Wellies just in case. There are also some amazing after parties too.
How do you prepare for your set?
I like to get to shows early and walk around the crowd. It gives me a good sense of the mood of the night and that helps me if I decide I want to tweak the set.
Describe your sound?
Hmm I don’t think I have ever been asked that. I don’t even know what to say. How about you describe my sound. What do you hear? I have never asked anyone that either. : )
Who influences you musically?
So many people, Depeche Mode, Lee Foss, Diplo, Larry Heard, eats everything, maw. There’s too many to mention.
When did you first realise you could make a career as a DJ?
When I realized I didn’t have to match beats on vinyl and I could mix live with my computer or usb stck. I like to make music and the vinyl thing just was not for me. I admire the guys who can do that, but for me… I am a total tech geek.
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve ever played?
That would have to be in an Igloo in Austria at Snowbombing.
What is the most memorable event you’ve ever seen?
The do lab stage smack in the middle of Coachella, rivalled with the mainstage at EDC and Tommorworld. It’s too hard to pick one.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
London Grammar: Oh Man Oh Woman (I really like my remix)
Are you going to any music festivals/events this year? Playing or attending?
I’m playing and attending Creamfields, SW4, Melt, and a few nights in Ibiza.
Are you off on a lad’s holiday this year?
Holiday – oh I thought this was holiday haha
What does a typical day in the life of MK look like when you’re not creating music?
Typical day… I can’t even remember those now….seems like a distant memory. I like to sleep in, but inevitably someone wakes me up—could be human or dog and eventually I always find myself in the studio.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Whatever I can find, hopefully there is lots of water around to chase it down.
Favourite film?
STAR WARS
Describe yourself in three words?
Kind, funny and tired.
Who’s your biggest style & fashion inspiration?
I could give you the list of my favourites; from Gucci, to Louie and Christian L. I could easily become a fashion hoe.
Give us your best chat up line?
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before… haha
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to make a career in music?
Go for it, but have a back-up plan.
Thanks MK!
Make sure you head over to our Instagram account this weekend as MK will be taking us behind the scenes at Area 10.
