Exclusive Interview with MAKJ
At only 23 years of age, Mackenzie Johnson has achieved an almost unfathomable amount of success. MAKJ’s creativity and diversity as an artist have shown through in his production work with his tracks deservingly awarding him much critical acclaim and praise. His originals, edits, bootlegs, and remixes have received immense support from renowned artists. MAKJ is now thriving as a producer; he has released a slew of hit tracks over the course of 2013, including 3 Beatport Top 10 hits.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with MAKJ, shortly before his performance at Together Festival at BITEC on 31st May.
At only 23 years of age, you have achieved an amount of success in the music industry most others can only dream about. Is it a gift or a curse to be so successful at such a young age? How do you manage to keep your feet on the ground?
Staying humble. Spending time with family, enjoying life, and eating good food mostly. I'm very fortunate.
You hold an Architecture degree and have no musical background. As a teenager you lived in China and Bahrain and raced cars professionally you even made it all the way to Formula 2.0, but then eventually got too tall and had to stop. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing and producing music?
I was living in China and a guy named Qbert was playing at a club..the rest was history. You could say I was inspired by that experience.
You play and produce a mix of Electro- and Progressive House. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Energetic, upbeat, positive.
Between June and December 2013 you released 3 tracks that made it into Beatport Top 10: Countdown, Springen and Encore. “Countdown” - collaboration with Hardwell - even went on #1 after only 3 days. What other tracks - out of all tracks you have made - would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Mad Max.. Its different and off the beaten path. That's a track I really enjoyed making. Check it out!
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
I miss my studio. I need my laptop and hand sanitizer, and Chipotle black card!
In 2013 you have played at Ultra Music Festival (Miami, USA), TomorrowWorld (Georgia, USA), toured North America with Bingo Players and Bassjackers and landed a residency at one of the most sophisticated nightclubs in the world XS Las Vegas. What's on the agenda for 2014 and what are you currently working on?
Alot of big festivals like last year and lots of new tracks coming up, including my collaboration with Bassjackers coming out in April. #Derp
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Never any bad gigs. Because of my fan base it's always a good gig no matter what! I have them to thank for that!
On 12th May you will perform live here in Bangkok at Together Festival - alongside Afrojack, DJ BL3ND, Apster and D-wayne. Have you visited Thailand before? Will it be your Bangkok debut? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Never been to Bangkok, can't wait play for an amazing Bangkok crowd! Bangkok is going to get the "Biggest Bag"! Looking forward to it!