DJ LIFE touched base with Mau P, the famed creator of “Drugs From Amsterdam” to discuss his new single, “Your Mind Is Dirty.”
It’s been hit after hit for the multi-talent, Mau P. “Your Mind Is Dirty” follows “Gimme That Bounce,” which followed “Drugs From Amsterdam.” The anticipated single, “Your Mind Is Dirty” is finally available as of Friday, May 19, through John Summit’s Off The Grid Records.
First hearing this tune myself during a live stream of Mau P’s set at the DJ Mag pool party which was broadcasting from The Sycamore, it was clear from the start that this one [“Your Mind Is Dirty”] was going to gain some attention. Mau P’s “Drugs From Amsterdam” was undeniably one of the biggest tracks of 2022; even steamrolling its success into this year.
While Maurice may not be new to the industry by any means, he’s been seeing massive breakout success and buzz around his Mau P moniker. From top DJ gigs across the globe to an official remix for Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding’s “Miracle,” Mau P has been on a rising trajectory straight to the top.
DJ LIFE caught up with Mau P to discuss “Your Mind Is Dirty,” his DJ sets, biggest influences in music, and more.
DJ LIFE Mag: How and when did you first begin exploring electronic music?
Mau P: I think I got into electronic music at a really young age. My sister and I found these CD’s somewhere with the biggest euro dance hits of the moment, like Scooter and such. We used to play that all the time and bounce around and dance to it as little kids. Then later on I got into GarageBand on the computer and started messing around with all the dance loops it had. Eventually I found out about the Swedish House Mafia and Skrillex, and then little Mau knew what he wanted to do in life I guess.
DJ LIFE Mag: Which sound would you say you initially gravitated towards? What styles of dance music do you prefer to listen to on your own time?
Mau P: I feel like I was into everything back then. I was into electro, dubstep, progressive house, moombahton, drum n bass you name it! Right now if I listen to dance music on my own time I listen to a lot of old soulful house.
DJ LIFE Mag: How about when you aren’t listening to dance music. Who are some of your favorite non-electronic artists? Who would be your dream collaborator(s)?
Mau P: I listen to a lot of older jazz, R&B and soul music. Like Sade, Bobby Caldwell, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, etc. I’d actually love to hear what Sade sounds like on a house song!
DJ LIFE Mag: Did you expect “Drugs From Amsterdam” to become as big of a global hit and be as well-received as it has? How did the song first come to be and how long did it take for you to create (from start to finish)?
Mau P: No, not at all. I was hoping it could get me in the right direction and connect me to some cool names in the industry but I never expected it to turn my whole life upside down the way it did. The song actually started out as a really simple idea I had for the vocal hook and the main melody. I just went from there and then the song sort of produced itself. I mean don’t get me wrong I worked on a lot of details and made very difficult choices for the arrangement but it did all go really smooth. I think I worked on the demo for 2 weeks before getting MC Stretch in to replace my vocals so I could finish it.
DJ LIFE Mag: Your new single “Your Mind Is Dirty” drops on May 19 through John Summit’s Off The Grid. What can you tell us about the new record? How has it been received thus far in your live sets if you’ve had the opportunity to play it out?
Mau P: This record is actually so funny. It’s awkward, it’s banging, it makes people shy and it also makes them wild out. The reaction has been AMAZING from the first time I ever played it and it’s now a big moment in every set for sure!
“One day I woke up and I had this idea of using the sound of people having sex as a buildup for a song, so I started to experiment with it in the studio. I combined a bit heavier Mau P techno sound with a girl moaning louder and louder until she reaches orgasm. I love how people get triggered by it. At first it was a little awkward on the dancefloor when I played it but after a few times we have all given in and it feels like the song has broken another boundary.” Mau P said about the creative process behind “Your Mind Is Dirty”
DJ LIFE Mag: You recently wrapped up another successful Miami Music Week, which included sets at DJ Mag’s pool party and the Sirius XM studios, among others. What’s it like for you to attend MMW these days and did you have any standout moments from this year?
Mau P: This year was so much fun because it was my first time as Mau P and the first time since “Drugs From Amsterdam.” I love the energy and the passion for dance music that you can feel during the week. Probably the biggest moment was playing Elrow at Factory Town and also a meteor shower flying over the crowd at Afterlife while Tale Of Us played one of my unreleased songs!
DJ LIFE Mag: What does your typical DJ setup consist of? We’d love to know more about some of your favorite gear.
Mau P: I have fully converted to a V10 mixer now and almost can’t play on a DJM900 anymore. I think my style of DJ’ing changed a bit too when I got familiar with the V10. I also always play with a RMX which just gives you so much more room to get creative and freestyle during the set. Then finally of course there’s at least 2 of the latest CDJ’s but I prefer 4 so that I can mix a capella’s in as well.
DJ LIFE Mag: Describe your current studio setup or the “perfect” studio setup? Do you tend to have any pre-show or studio routines or rituals?
Mau P: My current studio setup is pretty much just my laptop. I can create tracks start to finish entirely on the road but whenever I’m in Amsterdam I do like to go to my studio to check out my mix. I personally strongly believe it’s not so much about the setup but more about the ideas. I like to restrict myself and not have the best sound or the best gear at my disposal sometimes cause it boosts creativity. I don’t really have a pre-studio routine but I do get very superstitious before every show. It can literally be with anything, like if I don’t wear the right socks I feel like the show might not be as good as I want it to be. It’s sort of stupid but also keeps me on edge haha.
DJ LIFE Mag: For those just getting started in the scene, what are some pros and cons you can share with the aspiring DJ/producer who thinks they’ve got what it takes to pursue a career in music?
Mau P: The biggest pro about a career in music is that it will never feel like work. You make money doing something that you really love and are really passionate about. The biggest con is that you have to make a really really big time investment. A lot of people want the insane lifestyle they see DJ’s have on instagram, but not everybody wants to work for it. I mean I’ve been broke, lost in my career, creatively exhausted, you name it… but I never gave up and that’s how I ended up where I am now. Took me like 10 years though.
DJ LIFE Mag: Given the evolution you’ve experienced over the last five years, where do you see yourself five years from now?
Mau P: I want to be able to do bigger solo shows, set up a brand surrounding those events, start a clothing line, release boundary pushing songs, shake things up, start a label, help other upcoming producers, enjoy life and get some sleep every now and then.