Michael Calfan

Michael Calfan

‘Mozaik’ – another massive dancefloor bomb

Welcome to DMCWORLD Michael. The world certainly sat up and took notice with your No. 1 hit ‘Resurrection’, you are now part of the Stealth stable with your debut track ‘Mozaik’. Talk us through the Stealth deal and this incredible new tune – a definite big room sound…

“First, thanks for having me! I’m really happy to follow up ‘Resurrection’ with this new track. I’ve tried to make a catchy fragile hook synth bringing something to the big room. ‘Mozaik’ is in the Top 100 Beatport so I’m really happy about that!”

What was the main reason for signing to the mighty Stealth – what is it about their set up that you like?

“I made the track last spring and I wanted to sign on a cool and class label, Stealth Records was perfect for that.”

If we went back to your house when you were 12 years old, what sort of artists would you have been listening to back then?

“I know it’s not very original but I must say Daft Punk for sure, Master at Work and also Moby.”

When did you decide you wanted to become a producer?

“I stared DJing when I was 15 and started to produce when I was 17, it was just a natural progression really Dan.”

How would you describe your sound at the moment, who have been your influences?

“It’s a mix between classic house, progressive and electro. I try to have two really important things for me in a track who which is a catchy melody and phat sound. My influences are more based out of an emotion I felt when I discovered this music like the Fuzzy Hair remix of ‘Dancin’ from Erick Morillo, Harry Choo Choo and Jose Nunez, the 2020 Vision Mix of ‘Diamonds For Her’ from Superman Lovers and for sure all the Daft Punk work and other stuff more pop like Phoenix – ‘If I Ever Feel Better’.”

Can you remember your first DJ gig?

“For sure! It was in a club in Paris called ‘Vogues’ in 2005.”

“We love the story concerning how Bob Sinclar coached you along and then turned up on your doorstep one lunchtime, tell DMCWORLD this fabulous tale…

“Yeah It’s a really weird and amazing story! I met Bob through a friend that got along with him during one of his gigs. He put us in contact and I started to send him my productions. I sent him a song every two days for a little while and he would always reply with a constructive answer and a lot of encouragements. Six months later he invited me to lunch and wanted to come see how I work. I admit that when I first saw him on my doorstep that’s when I actually realized that Bob Sinlcar was at my house! It was incredible and unreal to have one of the biggest DJ in my teenager’s room! At a later time, he signed my first track ‘Twisted Bitch’ on his label Yellow Productions and made me a little studio next to his so I could really improve without disturbing my neighbours! It has been a little over two years that we’ve been working together now and him helping me develop as an artist. It’s really great to be able to work with him because I learn enormously on a daily basis.”

What is the best piece of advice you have received from Mr Sinclar?

“The best advice I’ve received is that if you really think your track is irresistible and you feel something special about it, don’t go to too much trouble changing it, it will be irresistible for people too!”

Did your neighbours ever thank him for moving your studio?

“Ahaha ! A lot! But unfortunately for them I’m continuing to produce a lot in my room.”

What is the current top 10 you are spinning?

“For sure my new track ‘Mozaik’, ‘Resurrection’, my remix of David Guetta & Nicki Minaj – ‘Turn Me On’ and an old original track from me called ‘The Bomb. And for the rest, I would say the amazing remix of  M83 – Midnight City from Eric Prydz, Nari & Milani – Atom, John Dahlback – Life, Michael Brun – Rise (Dirty South Edit), Gotye & Kimbra – Somebody That I Used To Know (Dberrie Remix) and Martin Solveig – The Night Out (Madeon Remix).”

You have just returned from Miami – what was the reception you received when you played ‘Mosaik’ and also, what were some of highlights from this crazy week in the Florida sunshine?

“Miami was very interesting for me this year, I had the chance to play in some really cool parties like the Axtone Pool Party, Amnesia and for sure the Stealth Party ! It’s really nice to meet other DJs and to share music with theme, I was really happy by how Mozaik was received.”

What artists outside of EDM do you like listening to?

“My favourite artist at the moment is Calvin Harris, he always does fresh and emotional stuff.”

Have you any big touring plans for the summer?

“Yeah ! I’m excited about this summer, I’ll play in many countries such as Brazil, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Mexico and lots of other cool places!”

What is the finest record you have ever played to a dancefloor (and don’t say one of your own!)

“I still love to play a bootleg of Daft Punk’s ‘Around The World’, a classic that never fails!”

What have you got planned for us next studio wise?

“I have a lot of new project to finish, a really cool collab and some remixes for sure!”

 

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