IN THE MIX: MICK BOOGIE

“The driving force, to me, is always… the beat.”

Today we take a break from the relentless Pete Tong and venture down an unbeaten path in “In The Mix” history. With summer musings riding shot gun and EDM at home with the babysitter, it’s time to get buck wild with hiphop based, A-list DJ and producer, Mick Boogie. As an artist who spins high profile parties all over the world, Mick has placed his water mark on the current music scene specifically with his expertly crafted mixtapes. This June he is set to release the third in his Summertime Mixtape series alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff through Boston’s own streetwear company, PLNDR (younger sister to Karmaloop) and San Jose-based streetwear brand, Breezy Excursion. This week Mick was kind enough to entertain my naive curiosities:

Have you always been musically inclined or did you just stumble into DJ’ing?
I grew up loving all types of music… and played drums and piano as a kid. This has absolutely led me down the path of DJ’ing.

How do you feel the music scene has evolved since you’ve been apart of it?
It’s changed so much. Today’s audience is much wiser… and much more diverse. There are no boundaries in music anymore.

To that effect, how has your sound evolved?
I’m able to play much more freely. From classic hiphop to indie rock to dubstep… all for the same audience.

What’s been the driving force?
The driving force, to me, is always… the beat.

What’s your personal preference for when you play: big, sweaty Ibiza style clubs or a smaller more intimate setting?
Both! Nothing is better than making thousands of people rock and sweat… but at the same time… playing some jazz sample that A Tribe Called Quest used in 1993 in a room for 200 people who LOVE music is just as rewarding.

What about while you’re in the audience?
I’d have to say intimate. I want to see how deep someone’s musical craters go.

What’s life like outside the studio?
My job is 24/7/365. More like 25/8. But I love it. I’ve always been self-managed which makes life even more interesting, but I come from a business background, so I rather enjoy it. Thanks to technology, I can be at the beach with my wife but still booking gigs while she reads a book. So it’s awesome.

Anything going on in your lab these days?
Lots! I travel 2-3 times a week around the country and world to DJ fun events. I just did the Men In Black premiere in NYC last night. Last week, I DJ’ed the Fall Upfronts for ABC and Entertainment Weekly. In June, Jazzy Jeff and I are releasing the third installment of our Summertime Mix series with PLNDR and Karmaloop. It’s going to be the best one yet!

What do you envision as the perfect setting for Summertime Mixtape III?
A boat, a patio, a BBQ, a sunny walk with headphones, or a nice jog. Something warm and outdoors!

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future?
This is going to sound weird… but the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

What are you favorite tunes right now?
I love all the new Nas songs. I think Gotye has great stuff on his album. I love The Knocks. I’ve been listening to a lot of old De La Soul and Al Green, too.

Who are some producers that are really exciting you right now?
6th Sense, nVMe, Young RJ from Slum Village, and Chi Duly.

Vinyl, CD or MP3?
Serato vinyl controlling MP3s.

Do you think the Mayans are right about 2012?
I hope not… lol.

If they are, what will you be doing during your final 5 hours?
Praying.

In the event that the Mayans are right, time is quickly running out so please heed my two recommendations for today. The first is listen to Summertime Mixtape II (download here and stream here) and keep it rolling at every BBQ you attend this weekend. The second is look sharp and head to the Goodlife tonight for a full on dance floor work out with the man himself, hosted by our friends at PLNDR and get this three day weekend going PROPER.

PLNDR.COM PRESENTS: MICK BOOGIE
WITH MILK AND HONEY AND LEAH V

FRI 5.25.12
GOODLIFE
28 KINGSTON ST
BOSTON
617.451.2622
10PM/21+/$5/$7 AFTER 11PM
@GOODLIFEBAR
GOODLIFEBAR.COM