Da Mike: “Music production followed as a natural extension of my creativity”

From humble beginnings as a passionate clubber, Da Mike’s two-decade journey in electronic music embodies the transformative power of unwavering dedication.

Photo credit: Da Mike – Official

Drawing from jazz, funk, soul, trip-hop, and afrobeat, his diverse musical palette creates a signature sound that has earned him releases on labels like Saved, Connected, and Sol Selectas.

Having shared stages with Black Coffee, Keinemusik, and the Martinez Brothers during his ten-year tenure with Global Fantasy, Da Mike continues to push boundaries with his productions while maintaining a busy touring schedule across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Fresh off successful shows in Greece, Dubai, and Marrakech to kick off 2025, he sits down with EG to discuss his latest remix of ‘Broke in Pieces,’ upcoming projects, and his perspective on the evolving electronic music landscape.

EG: Hi, Mike! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now? How did you kickstart the year?

Da Mike: Hi, EG! What a pleasure to be here with you; a big admirer of your work and your impact on the electronic music scene over the years.

The new year kicked off in full force with a double gig in Greece for NYE, and an intense marathon of shows in Dubai and Marrakech, definitely a proper way to start 2025! Over the last weeks, I am back in Athens, having locked myself in the studio to deep dive into music production.

EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your remix of Yamil’s ‘Broke in Pieces’! You must be excited to have this one out and about! What has the initial reception been like so far?

Da Mike: Yes, ‘Broke in Pieces’ is a track I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m beyond happy to see it finally out, making waves on dancefloors and streaming platforms. The feedback so far has been amazing, it has been well supported by some of the biggest names in the scene, including Black Coffee, WhoMadeWho, Laurent Garnier, Jamie Jones, and Yulia Niko. Seeing people connect with it on such a deep level is truly rewarding.

EG: So, how did this opportunity come about? Did you have a prior relationship with Yamil or the Pieces of Life label?

Da Mike: Yamil and I first crossed paths on the island of Mykonos a few summers back, and from the start, we shared a mutual respect for each other’s sound. That connection naturally led to this collaboration.

EG: So, what can fans of Da Mike expect to find on this one? What do you look for in a track before committing to a remix?

Da Mike: In this track, you will dive into a fusion of fresh ideas and signature sounds, driven by irresistible drums, an emotional vocal hook, and a bassline that keeps you grooving non-stop. When I’m considering a track for a remix, it all comes down to the feeling. I don’t overthink it, if I’m digging it, I’m ready to dive in and bring my own energy to it.

“‘Broke in Pieces’ is a track I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m beyond happy to see it finally out, making waves on dancefloors and streaming platforms”

EG: And what was your approach to it like? Did you have a clear horizon before you got started? Is there a certain workflow that you tend to respect by now?

Da Mike: From the moment I first heard it, I knew exactly what to do, I wanted to infuse it with that undeniable club vibe. The track already had the perfect energy, and I could instantly hear how my touch could elevate it for the dancefloor. It was all about adding that extra layer of groove while preserving its original essence. Most of the time, the process is simple; I pitch and stretch my favorite parts of the track within the project, and from there, the journey begins. Sometimes, the ideas flow naturally, and this was one of those moments, making the entire experience both exciting and effortless.

EG: Since we’re talking about releases… is there anything on that front that you can anticipate? What should we be on the lookout for?

Da Mike: 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year! After ‘Broke in Pieces’, Yamil and I have crafted a 3-track EP set to drop in March on Magnifik. There’s also an exciting collab with Cape Town-based artist Deep Aztec on vocals, releasing on Stereo MC’s label, Connected. It’ll be remixed by an artist I’ve admired since day one (which I’m keeping a secret for now), and let’s just say it’ll be a milestone in my career.

EG: Now, let’s go back to your origins… what were your first interactions with electronic dance music like? What was it that drove you to music production and DJing?

Da Mike: I remember immersing myself into music from a very young age, attracted specifically by genres like disco, funk, soul, hip hop, and trip-hop, with house holding a special place at the core of my passion. As a clubber, I would visit local clubs just to hear my favorite jams, and I have strong memories of unforgettable parties that lasted until the morning light. Back then, it wasn’t easy to listen to your favorite music—you either had the CD or vinyl, or you were lucky enough to catch it on the radio or in the club. Nothing like it is today.

DJing came to me almost instinctively, driven by my deep passion for music combined with the curiosity around all these knobs in the console. In the beginning, mixing different genres and opening for guest DJs gave me the chance to perfect the art of the warm-up, which I believe is the heartbeat of a great night. Setting the vibe and connecting with the crowd is crucial, and this experience taught me invaluable lessons that prepared me for headline shows. It gave me the ability to read the crowd and not just deliver another DJ set, but to curate a musical journey with a clear start, middle, and end. Music production followed as a natural extension of my creativity, a way to experiment and bring my ideas to life. It also became an essential part of solidifying my presence in the scene.

EG: On to the state of the scene… what do you see as the biggest challenge for the music industry in the next few years, and how do you think artists can adapt?

Da Mike: For me, it’s all about balance. The biggest challenge is finding the right balance between making music and managing social media, especially for DJs and producers. As the digital world takes over and competition gets tougher, it’s no longer just about creating great music—it’s also about getting noticed. To stay relevant, artists need to embrace social media while keeping their love for music at the center. Those who can adapt, connect genuinely with their audience, and stay true to their art will be the ones who make a lasting impact.

“DJing came to me almost instinctively, driven by my deep passion for music combined with the curiosity around all these knobs in the console”

EG: Finally, what’s next for Da Mike? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2025? Where can your fans catch you next?

Da Mike: Right now, we’re putting together an exciting summer schedule, with strong collaborations and performances at venues I’ve always aimed for. There’s also a lot of new music coming out this year, I can’t wait to share with my fans.

EG: Thank you so much for your time, Mike! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!

Da Mike: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story and connecting with such a great community. Really appreciate the opportunity, and I’m wishing you all the best in everything you do

Yamil’s ‘Broke in Pieces (Da Mike Remix)’ is now available on Pieces Of Life. Stream and download here.

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