Interviews
Interview with Cowboy Mike
1. First of all I want to Thank You for doing this interview for the United States Trance Movement. How is everything in the life of Cowboy Mike?
No problem! Thank you for thinking of me. Everything is great at the moment! Working on a new original track, and just finished a U2 remix that I worked on with my friend / fellow DJ/Producer – J-Break. Also, summer is here and there are some really good shows coming up that I’m happy to be a part of.
2. Please tell me what made you begin playing Trance?
I used to be strictly a rock/alternative guy in high school.. then I heard Paul Oakenfold’s “Tranceport.” That mix really clicked with me… I started to check out raves/clubs in my hometown of Detroit and I was hooked. I moved to San Diego a few years later, and bought a pair of 1200′s. Bought a lot of trance vinyl and kept at it until I could figure out what I was doing. Once that moment happened where it mentally “clicked” I never looked back. So, I really learned on 138-140 bpm trance… which I still like to go back to at times, but I’ve slowly shifted into a more Progressive/breaky style of trance.
3. What does it mean to you to be a Trance Deejay in San Diego, California, USA?
I’ve found that San Diego for the most part is a “house” town. So, it’s been cool to be one of the few trance guys around. My good friend Victor Dinaire lives here in San Diego again, so it’s been cool being able to do shows with him on a more consistent basis and any other trance/progressive guys that come to town.
4. What do you think needs to be done to increase the number of Trance Music Events in the San Diego Area?
Support the trance shows that are currently here. If the promoters see the numbers, they’ll bring trance acts back. If they don’t see the numbers, they’ll go another route… simple as that. Also, please feel free to email me @ djcowboymike@gmail.com. If you do so, with your permission, I’ll add you to my email list where I send out exclusive mixes and links to guest lists for upcoming shows. The more people I bring to shows, the more I’m booked, and the more we get this genre out there!
5. I have to ask, what’s with the cowboy hat? Are you actually a country boy at heart?
haha… no… I can’t say that I am. I grew up in Michigan (right outside of Detroit). So, I’m not much of a “Cowboy.” It was more of a fluke on how it all began. I had this very basic cowboy hat that I somewhat bent or formed that arc with.. I started wearing it often to L5 (an electronic music club that used to be where the Hard Rock Hotel is now). One of the bartenders just started calling me “Cowboy Mike” and it stuck… Then, once I started DJing, I’d wear it when I would spin at any afterhours or house parties that had a turntable setup. Once I started playing at clubs, it was already my thing, so I kept it.
6. This year you had the pleasure of producing a track with Donald Glaude. How was that experience?
Donald is a good friend of mine and I wanted to do a vocal on the track I was working on. Generally, I’m not that into female vocals… they really have to be done well for me to play them. So, I wanted to do a male vocal, and he popped into my mind. I was pretty sure that he had never done a vocal in the past, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask him! He actually said, “it would be an honor.” Which was unbelievably cool of him! He’s a massive force in electronic music on a global level and is still one of the most humble DJ/Producer’s that I know. He also did a great remix called “Break it off (Donald Glaude’s Proggy Jack Remix).” The track is available at all of the major sites (including beatport/itunes/audiojelly/amazon) on EV Music. Here’s the link to all of my released tracks on beatport.com including “Break it off” which features Donald:
7. Are you planning on doing any collaborations with other artists in the near future?
I’ll be working on a new original track with J-Break (myspace.com/jbreak) in the future. I think we have a good thing going, and I’m looking forward to working with him again.
8. Which artists, both in the EDM genre and out, have influenced you over the years?
My biggest electronic influences are Paul van Dyk and BT. They are the two that really made me fall in love with the genre. I’d also include Paul Oakenfold, Ferry Corsten, Sasha & Digweed, and George Acosta (his “Awake” mix was fantastic).
Outside of EDM my biggest influence is U2 (the guitar player, Edge, to be specific). He’s my all time favorite guitar player and I often find that the tracks I choose have elements of his style laced throughout them.
9. How does it feel to have artists like Above and Beyond, Filo and Peri, Sander Van Doorn and Ferry Corsten, play your productions?
It’s Awesome! I really look up to these guys, and when they play one of my tracks, it’s the best feeling in the world. Luckily, Victor Dinaire has done some great trance remixes for me, and these were the ones that caught fire. It’s a huge help on getting my name/music out to other parts of the world. So, whenever I see them, I’m always sure to thank them for their support.
10. Outside of DJing and Producing, what are some other things you like to do for fun?
I like to stay active. It really keeps my mind in check… So, I goto the gym quite a bit. Other than that, I work a lot! I wish I had a better answer for you! haha…
11. Are there any events coming up that you would like to share with us?
July 24th @ Circus with Victor Dinaire & Bissen (Hollywood, CA)
August 1st @ Intervention (Hard Rock Hotel) with Victor Dinaire (San Diego, CA)
August 6th @ Galaxy Theatre (Santa Ana, CA)
Also, please check the social networking sites often and add me as a friend. I’m always sure to get the word out on shows that I’m playing.
12. Is there anything else you would like to share with the USTM and the local San Diego Trance Movement Chapter?
Keep a lookout on the web for the U2 remix that J-Break and I worked on!
U2 – The Fly (Cowboy Mike & J-Break Remix)
Please add me on Facebook / Myspace! Also, please check out eventvibe.com! I work very closely with them and they throw the best events in town! Finally, I host almost all of my mixes there, so feel free to check them out @ eventvibe.com/cowboymike.
Here are all of my links:
http://djcowboymike.com
http://myspace.com/djcowboymike
http://facebook.com/djcowboymikemusic
http://twitter.com/djcowboy_mike
http://eventvibe.com/cowboymike
Thanks again! I hope to see you soon!
Mike
Interview made by Juliet Star