Skip to main content
DJ Mag Top100 DJs
54
Mike Williams
12

There’s a sense of the driving to everything flying Dutchman Mike Williams touches. Channeling sounds as melodic as they are biting, witnesses will attest to forward propulsion being the founding principle behind his sonics. That goes for both on-stage delivery and approach to production.

It’s no surprise to find him in the Top 100 DJs poll for a third consecutive year, then — achievements between now and when we last revealed results have come thick and fast. The pumping, sun-soaked Hardwell collaboration, ‘I’m Not Sorry’, is just one example of what’s come out of his studio. Solo outings ‘I Got You’, ‘Wait For You’ and ‘Day Or Night’ have added to the success, leaving no illusions as to how talented this star-in-ascent is. Ultimately, though, it’s in the live arena that the Spinnin’ Records regular’s momentum really makes sense — whether that show is to a sweaty crowd inside iconic clubs like Boothaus and Ministry Of Sound, or on the main stage at mammoth sessions like Tomorrowland.

Do you submit your DJ setlists to the relevant royalties collecting society?

“Yes, as much as possible.”

What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene?

“We should make this subject more discussable. For most artists it’s difficult to talk about because a lot of people don’t understand this music industry, or they don’t take it seriously.”

Are you personally doing anything to improve the gender balance of line-ups?

“I think for the DJs themselves it’s difficult, but promoters and bookers should definitely do something about this. There are some amazing female DJs and producers in this scene and we should support them 100%.”

What changes have you made this year to be more environmentally friendly?

“Travel is the number one issue for DJs. It’s difficult to make big changes, but small things also help. For example, artist shuttle cars should be fuel efficient, we try to buy food with little or no packaging and avoid non-recyclable packaging."

What was your favourite toy when you were a kid?

“A miniature train.”

What’s your guilty pleasure?

“Performing on stage without shoes.”