Interview with Mikkel Christensen
I just got off the phone with Mikkel and I have asked him a few questions:
When did you start producing, what is your current setup?
I started producing about 2001, on a hardware setup, and over the years it slowly transformed into a purely software setup. Today, I am producing on PC with Cubase 4 and a bunch of plug-ins. Favorite soft-synths, are Sylenth1, Albino3, Arturia Moog, Microtoniq.
How would you describe your success in global deejays?
The success of the Global Deejays was truly global! The first signs that the project was going to explode were evident with how quickly "San Francisco" rose to the number one spots in Austria, Germany and Poland, within weeks of release. After that it simply spread like wildfire around the globe, reaching the number one spot in over 19 countries. In Russia, the GDjs were almost considered superstars, and played at the Eska Awards for over 120,000 people.
What made you want to produce on your own?
I decided in the end of 2006 that I needed a change from the hectic work schedule and gigging, by moving to Mallorca to set up some small business and start a more relaxed lifestyle. However within months, the itch to start producing again slowly came back, so I started a new project with a friend of mine, which we called Elektrofly, with minimal success. Now I am producing on my own again, and able to make the music which represents my style perfectly.
How would you describe your music, and who are your influences?
What lessons have you learnt along the way after working so closely in Global Deejays?
I am from the old school days of hard house and melodic trance. I am still heavily influenced by some of the pioneer producers from the mid 90's, such as Underworld, Leftfield, and Orbital. Today I would say that music production has definitely stepped up a level, and some of the guys around today that I am highly impressed with are, Trentemoller, Rene Amesz, Darren Mase, and Sebastien Leger.
I have learned loads over the years with the Global Deejays. Firstly I realized that the music business is a hard business to get your way in. Once success takes over, you decisions with gigs, or music direction. Everything is dictated to you at this point, and that was one of the main reasons for leaving too. I enjoy working without pressure and making music for myself and for like-minded people.
Why did you choose D4Dirty Records as your comeback label?
I was surfing the web one night and somehow stumbled across D4Dirty's website, and had a listen to some of the tracks on it. I was immediately impressed with the artists productions. I no longer am making music in order to make a living, so for me to join the ranks of new up and coming producers is perfect, because then it is all about the music again. And honestly old heads like me can definitely learn a thing or two from the new kids on the block!
You Can hear Mikkels First two releases on D4D Records on our up and coming release, Downunder Underground (releasing on Jan 21st) :
