DJ LIFE sat down with breakout DJ/producer MIRAMAR to discuss his latest releases, recent gigs, what’s to come, and more.
Rising from California’s surf breaks to some of the world’s most iconic dance floors, MIRAMAR is carving out his lane in the new wave of disco house. With roots in underground hip hop, a deep connection to the ocean, and a sound that blends groove, soul, and analog warmth, he’s already left his mark at Elsewhere Brooklyn, the Carl Cox stage at Burning Man, and alongside Goldroom and Viceroy on tour.
Now, with his second EP for Sweat It Out on the way, plus VOL. 3 of his iconic edits about to drop, MIRAMAR is ready to bring his laid-back energy and sharp productions to an even bigger audience. DJ LIFE sat down with the breakthrough DJ/producer to discuss his early days as a DJ, time spent in the studio, his DJ sets, and much more.
DJ LIFE: How and when did you first begin exploring dance music? Why the name MIRAMAR?
MIRAMAR: I’ve been collecting music across all kinds of genres since I was a kid, but dance music really grabbed me in the early-to-mid 2000s with that indie-electronica crossover era. Growing up between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, the ocean’s always been part of me — surfing, traveling, constantly moving. Mira Mar translates to “look at the sea,” and it just felt right. I also lived in Spain for a while and saw the name everywhere. It felt global, cultural, and connected to who I am.
DJ LIFE: Who were some of your early DJ and producer influences and who inspires you most now?
MIRAMAR: Early on I was deep into underground hip-hop — Pete Rock, RZA, DJ Premier. These days, I’m locked into disco-house. I’ve got a lot of love for LF System, Folamour, Barry Can’t Swim, CASSIMM, Shapeshifters, Todd Terry, David Penn, Lovebirds, Soul Avengerz, Ferreck Dawn. Honestly I’m discovering new favorites weekly — the disco-house tide is definitely rising.
DJ LIFE: What’s your preferred DJ setup? Is this the same setup you initially learned on?
MIRAMAR: These days I’m pretty much always on CDJ 3000s and a V10. But if I’m honest, I still think the NXS2s and DJM-900 were the best ever made. The new toys are fun, but that setup was perfection.
DJ LIFE: And when it comes to producing – what can you tell us about your DAW and gear?
MIRAMAR: I’m in Logic Pro. It’s the sweet spot between Pro Tools and Ableton — creative but with enough routing power to plug into my engineer’s analog setup. I live on Kontakt — most of my sound is sample libraries that make it feel like you’ve got a live session band playing, but it’s all in the box. Then everything gets mixed down through an SSL hybrid console with gear like the Manley Massive Passive, SSL Iron, Fatso, Elysia — and I’ve got a mastering guy in Berlin who always nails it.
DJ LIFE: What can you share about your recent single “La Playa”?
MIRAMAR: It’s just a straight-up party track. I’d been hearing the original a lot in those fun late-night moments, and right around the same time Spooki came to me with the idea of a replay. Took me about three seconds to say yes.
DJ LIFE: You recently played at Elsewhere in Brooklyn. How was that?
MIRAMAR: Elsewhere Rooftop is one of my favorite venues in New York. People come to have a good time, sunset vibes are always on point, and the energy is unmatched. Can’t wait to be back.
DJ LIFE: You’re joining Goldroom and Viceroy for tour dates. How did that come about and what can fans expect?
MIRAMAR: We’re a natural fit sonically, so it made sense. My sets are always groovy, funky, soulful — and when we go B2B, it definitely ramps up.
DJ LIFE: Share your experience playing the Carl Cox stage at Burning Man this year.
MIRAMAR: Honestly, a dream come true. To play that stage was a huge honor and something I’ll never forget.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about upcoming shows, releases, or collabs?
MIRAMAR: I’m wrapping up my next EP with Sweat It Out. It’s my second one with them and I’ve really taken my time to dial it in. It’s coming together beautifully — excited for people to hear it soon.
DJ LIFE: What are some short-term goals for MIRAMAR?
MIRAMAR: More production. DJing is fun, but at the end of the day, it’s always been about the music for me.
DJ LIFE: And looking five years ahead?
MIRAMAR: Keep building, keep creating, and let it take me where it takes me. I want to stay present, keep growing the sound, and share it with as many people as possible. I love what I do, and I’m grateful to be part of pushing this wave forward.