RB Exclusive Interview: MAKJ

Discovering a passion for mixing and DJing by the age of 15, MAKJ has earned his title as an acclaimed producer, continuously exposing creativity and diversity throughout his music. At 17, he was able to hone and perfect his craft under the tutelage of legendary turntablist DJ AM. His originals, including his collaboration with Lil Jon, have landed him multiple iTunes Dance Top 10s and a spot two years in a row on DJ Mag’s Top 100 list. His recent remixes have included Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” and Future’s “Mask Off”. MAKJ’s prominence has continually led him to new heights, performing at festivals such as Coachella, EDC, Tomorrowland and Ultra. This weekend though, he brings the heat to Scottsdale!

We had a chance to ask MAKJ a few questions before his poolside performance this weekend. Check out the interview below:

Tell us a little about your most recent single, “Knock Me Down.” I really dig the future bass sound. What was the inspiration behind that, how’d you land on that sound?

I kept going back and forth working on this track for a while and just couldn’t find the right sound for it, so I enlisted the help of Max Styler to give it a bit of a different take. 

I’m also loving your recent remixes of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape Of You’ and Future’s ‘Mask Off.’ What about these tracks stood out to you and what other artists do you have your sights on lately?

For “Mask Off” I found a pretty funny meme online of a kid playing a flute with this song in the background and I thought yeah I definitely want to do a remix to this one. It’s really when I have a good idea for a track I’ll just do it and figure out how to get it released later.

I saw that you had mentioned wanting to do ‘more MAKJ events that cater to my style’ in 2017.  What’s the perfect MAKJ style event to you?

I’m doing a couple of Strictly Hip Hop MAKJ sets this year in different markets. I started djing hip-hop and I want to get back to my roots a bit.

What do you love about performing at pool parties as opposed to club shows?

Pool parties typically mean it’s summer which means the weather is nice, getting to do my job outside by a pool? All day.

You’ve accomplished so much in the last four years, where do you see the next four going?

I think you’re going to start seeing a lot of the “new MAKJ,” (if you will) come to fruition this year. I’m really trying to work with different songwriters and producers to put out music that people aren’t accustomed to hearing from MAKJ. It’s music I’m personally very proud of that’s a bit outside the box. I’ve been sitting on so much music for so long and I think I’ve finally figured out what makes me happy and what I’m excited about, so you’re finally going to get to hear what I’ve been sitting on here in the next few months. I hope everyone else is excited about it as I am.

Last words from MAKJ:

I cannot wait to come back to Scottsdale this weekend, looking forward to getting rowdy poolside.

Make the most of your Sunday Funday and catch some daytime vibes with MAKJ. Get tickets here.

Connect with MAKJ: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud