70 MIKE WILLIAMS
From: The Netherlands
Rising star DJ/producer of 2021: “Magnificence.”
Dutch DJ and Spinnin’ Records regular Mike Williams notches up half a decade in the Top 100 DJs poll in 2021 — not bad considering he’s only in his mid-20s. But having been playing piano since aged four, and DJing since age 12, he’s already spent half his life perfecting his craft.
This year saw him team up again with Felix Jaehn, the German producer who co-wrote his 2017 breakthrough hit ‘Feels Good’, for ‘Without You’, a poppy, radio-friendly track whose bittersweet sentiments of loss echoed some of the feelings of our pandemic times. Other notable releases included the Ronseal-like ‘Dirty’ and ‘Air’, his latest for Spinnin’, another bigroom anthem.
He emerges from lockdown, however, sounding his ‘exciting DJ news coming soon’ klaxon. Having written tonnes of new music, Mark says he’s been building a new live show which will somewhat wipe the slate clean. So expect, “a different set, different music and a brand new vibe.” Promising to deliver something he’s never done before. Watch this space.
How was your first gig back after lockdown?
“Incredible! Actually, I played quite a few shows during the pandemic time, even did two Asia tours! It felt amazing to see big crowds and cheering people again.”
How have the last 18 months changed how you view your work/life balance?
“I started processing what happened in the last few years, thinking about who I am and what I actually stand for. It’s really important to have a break sometimes. It opened my mind up a lot.”
What further steps should the industry take to combat climate change?
“I think our industry, mainly the promoters and festival organisers, are really trying their best, but there’s still a lot to do. Also, as a DJ you’re travelling by aeroplane pretty much the whole year, so it’s a difficult matter but definitely something we can improve.”
What’s the best bit of tech you’ve added to your studio or DJ setup this year?
“We’re building a more complete show, so besides bringing a VJ we’re also gonna bring someone who controls all the lights and lasers during the show. That requires some extra equipment.”
What’s the best album you’ve heard this year?
“Justin Bieber’s ‘Justice’.”