1Mix Radio: Best of 2013 Interview: Mike Saint-Jules

Sunday, 22 December 2013

Best of 2013 Interview: Mike Saint-Jules

Best of 2013 Interview: Mike Saint-Jules. Having come across some great opportunities when it comes to remixing artists like Perry O'Neil, Solarstone, Amba Shepherd, and the world renowned vocalist JES, Mike Saint-Jules is certainly looking to take the scene by force this year in 2013 and beyond.

The Producer

It all began in 2002 when Mike was first introduced to the EDM world via a television documentary, showcasing the sounds of DJ Tiesto. From that moment on, he spent his days learning about and producing music. In 2008, Mike earned wide praise for his work with Flashover and Blackhole Recordings with tracks like "Sunlit Clouds" and "Solarflame.” Mike has proved his talents working alongside rising stars such as Breakfast (Keyworth) and Filo & Peri while producing remixes for legends like Ferry Corsten, Super 8, Ronski Speed, and Lange to name a few.The Saint-Jules name rings synonymous with solid productions and consistency. Today, his sharpest of tunes can now be found on Black Hole Recordings and on Armada Music. It is clear that a career in music is his destiny. This well-earned respect explains why Mike's fanbase is ever-growing and can be found internationally.

The DJ

Having entertained more then 2,000 people at a time, large crowds don’t scare Mike. His skill is quickly noticed and he has taken control of the opening duties at one of the best clubs in New York City: Pacha. Mike’s talents do not lie in production alone, however, as Mike is a very seasoned and sought after DJ. With an energetic and enchanting stage presence, Mike is familiar with sharing the stage with such names as Ferry Corsten, Cosmic Gate, Giuseppe Ottaviani,Marcus Schossow, Tritonal, and DJ Eco. His skills with the decks and the ability to touch fans with the music in his live sets cause his fan base to become strong, ever growing, and widespread.

The Radio Show

When he isn't producing or DJing, Mike is running his "Universal Soundz" radio show. 6+ years strong, this one hour show is currently being aired on over 7 online radio stations such as Party 107, Sense FM, Diesel FM, SSRadio, and Pure FM, as well as being available as a podcast on iTunes and downloadable on Mixcloud and Soundcloud. It's just a taste of the devotion that Mike Saint-Jules is bringing to his audience. With the ever-growing support from the radio stations and networking sites, Universal Soundz will continue to grow and reach out to millions around the world.

The Future

2013 has been the mark of a new sound for Mike Saint-Jules. While still maintaining the space-like theme in his productions, Mike looks to enhance his sound by taking it to the next level with the big room trance sound that currently shakes venues all over the world. With new collaborations, remixes and, of course, the never-ending monstrous originals that are in the making, Mike will certainly be a name to remember and watch out for this year and into 2014.

Interview was written and conducted by Dimitri Kechagias , Music Journalist & Radio dj

Name: Mike Saint-Jules
Location: New York (United States)

Dimitri: Can you tell us about your achievements in your music career in 2013 as DJ &/or producer?

Mike Saint-Jules: The biggest achievements for me this year was being able to play alongside some legendary guys. Ferry Corsten and Markus Schulz as the “New World Punx” and M.I.K.E. Push as the Roseland Ballroom show back in November. My biggest achievement music wise has to be the Bootleg Remix I did for Armin van Buuren's “Precious” track from his first artist album back in 2003.

Dimitri: If you look back on 2013, are there any events in your music career that you wished you had done differently in order to get a better outcome?

Mike Saint-Jules: I think everything that I have done this year was positive. I always make sure each year that I do something productive. This is whether to go to the Winter Music Conference in Miami or going to an event to network. When everything happens, it happens for a reason. So I try not to think about the past too much. What's done is done!

1) Best Track:
Mike Saint-Jules: Aside from my own? :) Well this is always a tough one too choose because you have to go back over the last 11 months to see which song was your favorite. The one I could say that I enjoyed and played over and over was Arisen Flame – Gladius.

2) Best Artist (DJ & producer):
Mike Saint-Jules: Mixail. This guy will be on fire in 2014.

3) Best Remixer:
Mike Saint-Jules: Keyworth

4) Best New Talent (DJ or producer):
Mike Saint-Jules: Mixail

5) Best artwork/cover of an album or compilation:
Mike Saint-Jules: Orjan Nilsen – No Saint Out of Me

6) Best Vocalist/Singer featured on an EDM track:
Mike Saint-Jules: Stine Grove

7) Best EDM Label:
Mike Saint-Jules: Black Hole Recordings

8) Best amusing video from Youtube related to Dance Music:
Mike Saint-Jules: What does the Fox Say?

9) Best Online Social media network:
Mike Saint-Jules: Twitter

10) Best music composition software:
Mike Saint-Jules: Fruity Loops

11) Best Event or Open Air Festival:
Mike Saint-Jules: The best event I went to was an underground warehouse party in Brooklyn, NY. These are the best types of shows.

12) Best personal DJ Gig:
Mike Saint-Jules: My gig at Roseland Ballroom in New York back in November

13) Best DJ set of the year from another DJ?
Mike Saint-Jules: Ben Gold on the Cosmic Gate Yacht Party during WMC.

14) Best country in which you have performed:
Mike Saint-Jules: USA

15) Best Radio show:
Mike Saint-Jules: Universal Soundz

16) Best Radio station:
Mike Saint-Jules: Afterhours.FM

17) Best Online Record shop where you usually purchase your music:
Mike Saint-Jules: Beatport

18) Best Website that you visit regularly:
Mike Saint-Jules: Beatport

19) Best smart phone/mobile/App:
Mike Saint-Jules: Android Galaxy S3

20) Best DJ/Producer product (software or hardware):
Mike Saint-Jules: Pioneer CDJ 2000

21) Best new sound or sample which has been used in EDM this year, preferably introduced by you?

Mike Saint-Jules: That's tough to say, but I think the elements used in drops (climax) in EDM tracks have been used quite a lot this year. It has been the dominant element in most songs these days.

22) Best Twitter or Facebook message you received from a fan or friend or you have read from someone else:

Mike Saint-Jules: One message I received was complimenting me on how great my show was in terms of track selection.

23) Best piece of News you heard this year related to Electronic Dance Music:

Mike Saint-Jules: That the scene is growing out in the United States. While it may be too much too soon, people are increasingly being more aware of this genre of music.

24) Best holiday destination or best hobby or activity that you spent some time in during 2013

Mike Saint-Jules: While not working, I play videos games off and on and watch TV. Nice to relax and do those things after being in a studio all day.

25)Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career:

Mike Saint-Jules: “Keep at it.”

26) The Best Book this year, preferably related to EDM:

Mike Saint-Jules: Sadly, I don't read books too much these days!

27) Best tip that you learnt this year relating to DJ’ing or music composition

Mike Saint-Jules: Write as many original songs as you can that help identify who you are. Without them, you can easily fade in this scene quickly.

Dimitri: 2014 is ahead of us; would you like to tell us your plans for future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations or DJ gigs.

Mike Saint-Jules: There have been over 6-7 songs already completed for the new year under my name and more in the works. Some featuring collabs with vocalists such as Sandel and Stine Grove, and other known artists on the Instrumental forefront. I'm very happy with these tracks, so we will see what damage they cause in other DJ's playlists in 2014!