We caught up with DJ Maurice West to chat about festivals, summer holidays, new music, fashion and much more.
When did you first realise you could make a career in music?
That must have been when I was still in high school. I used to trick my friends into listening to my music without them knowing that I made the song that was on. Their reactions kept getting better with every new song that I made. That’s when I knew this thing could actually work out.
Name three artists you had on your playlist when you were younger?
2 Brothers On The 4th Floor
Swedish House Mafia
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Where and when was your first ever live performance?
At my cousin’s birthday party. He organised a party in a club in Amsterdam and was still looking for a DJ that could do an 8 hour set. I lied to him about being able to DJ (I had only been watching sets from other DJ’s on YouTube forever haha) and told him I was up for it. I did some research about how everything on the CDJ’s and the mixer worked and collected a lot of music before I had to play. In those 8 hours that I had to play I actually taught myself how to do it and it all went surprisingly smooth haha!
What’s the best part of being a DJ?
Female attention. No haha just kidding. The best part is that every single day I get to do the thing that I love and that I’m super passionate about.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
That’s a really tough one but I would love to combine my style with the sound from groups like Earth, Wind & Fire, CHIC, Sister Sledge, KC & The Sunshine Band and so on.
Have you got any new music out right now which you can tell us about?
My latest release was a remix for “Selfish” by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Era Istrefi. I really loved putting my own twist on that song because they sampled the melody from Africa by Toto, which of course is a classic. I was also honoured to do it because Dimitri and Mike are killing it! There’s also a new single from me coming out really soon that I’m super excited about, so be sure to keep an eye on my social media.
What song have you got on repeat at the moment?
Energy by BURNS, A$AP Rocky and Sabrina Claudio
What has been your career highlight?
I don’t really have one highlight that stands out for me. I’m just really happy that I get to play in front of a lot of amazing crowds all around the world, that was always my dream.
Where and when was your most memorable performance and why?
I think my most memorable performance was this month when I played Together Festival in Myanmar. Right before I started a huge thunderstorm happened and there was so much rain it was like taking a shower. A lot of the LED screens behind me and the stuff like pyro and fireworks had stopped working. The insane thing was that no one in the crowd left and everyone just kept on jumping and dancing the whole set. Most chaotic show ever but also my most fun show ever!
Funniest thing that’s happened to you whilst playing a set?
Earlier in my DJ career in a club in China the stage manager once accidentally closed a giant red curtain in front of me while I still had to play 5 minutes. He couldn’t get the curtain to open anymore so the last 5 minutes of my set it was just music and a red curtain…
How do you spend your down time?
I hang out with my friends in Amsterdam. We just do a lot of dumb stuff and we go out to clubs or bars sometimes.
Where can we see you playing next?
In Czech Republic at Different Festival.
Are you playing or attending any festivals this year?
YES. I can’t wait for all the festivals that I’m playing in the summer. I’m playing stuff like Sziget, Creamfields, World Club Dome so it’s gonna be insane!
Are you going on a lad’s holiday?
Not really. I think I might have some time off in January but honestly I don’t really need a holiday right now.
If I wasn’t a DJ I’d be…
Someone who wanted to become a DJ.
Favourite film & TV series?
I love old-timers like Forest Gump and The Truman Show. Favourite TV series is probably Rick & Morty or Stranger Things.
Drink of choice on a night out?
I can always go with beer.
If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi.
Dream girl?
Ana de Armas
Describe your style/fashion?
Most important thing is that it has to be comfy. I love wearing special edition or collabs of Converse. I recently got my first pair of Yeezy’s, which have also not disappointed me. Then you need a great pair of jeans on top of that (I mostly wear black ones) and some cool T-shirt. That’s basically all there is to it.
Who’s your biggest style inspiration?
I love A$AP Rocky for the new, weird stuff and I like G-Eazy for the classy, throwback looks.
What would you wear on a night out?
Well definitely not the pieces of clothing that are important to me because I’ll mess them up haha. Whenever I’m gonna be on stage I put in more effort though. Most of the time it’s something like I described earlier. Also, most of the time you can only wear jeans and a t-shirt because it can be super hot in a club or at a festival while performing.
What are you looking forward to most in 2019?
Making more people happy with my music!
