Mike Zaloxx is a Swiss DJ & Producer, he mainly represents the Uplifting Trance genre, his tracks are released on Suanda, Interplay, 2Rock Recordings (Abora), Trancesylvania, Synchronized Musik, Molekular Sounds and more…"Lately" in collaboration with Roman Messer and Jennifer Rene hit the N°1 on Beatport Trance chart and N°1 on Tracklists1001 most played track, with “Saving Night" he reached more than 800.000 streams on Spotify, his tracks are supported by Armin Van Buuren, Ruben De Ronde, Andrew Rayel, Alexander Popov, Roman Messer, Bobina + more and with all his tracks he hit the Beatport Trance Main and Hype chart!
The latest collaboration between DJ T.H. and Mike Zaloxx with Tara Louise on vocals called Absolution is out now on Subculture. We think is the perfect occassion to have an interview with Mike and talk about this track, his career so far and his future prospects in the electronic dance music scene.
1-Dimitris: It would be nice to start by telling us your 3 most important achievements or goals fulfilled in your career so far that you very are proud of.
Mike Zaloxx: To be honest, I'm proud of everything I've done so far. But my biggest highlight was that Roman Messer and Jennifer Rene's collab "Lately" was No.1 in the Trance Charts on Beatport, No.1 in the 1001 Tracklists Trance Charts and that we cracked the 1 million mark on Spotify. But on the whole, I'm grateful for everything.
2-Dimitris: Why and under which circumstances did you took the decision to start DJing or producing electronic dance music?
Mike Zaloxx: When I was twelve years old, I saw a video on TV of a guy standing on stage in front of a big audience. I was fascinated and it sparked my interest. It all started that day.
3-Dimitris: Can you note down the top 3 producers that have influenced your decision to get involved in the electronic dance music scene and you admire and respect them very much?
Mike Zaloxx: Difficult question... But I think Armin van Buuren, Tiesto and David Guetta. They all made history and that's why I have a lot of respect for them.
4-Dimitris: Can you tell us the top 3 tracks from the past that have influenced your sound the most and why?
Mike Zaloxx: There are many tracks that have inspired me. Ramsterdam is one of them. The melody and the emotions are breathtaking.
5-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your track Absolution with DJ T.H. & Tara Louise on Subculture. Please tell us how Absolution came about and what was the idea behind it.
Mike Zaloxx: The idea behind it was to make an emotional and festival relevant track. I think we succeeded.
6-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce it and can u describe the production process in simple steps?
Mike Zaloxx: Some time ago I asked Tara if she would write and record vocals for me. And I got talking to DJ T.H last summer after I did a remix for him and Sharon Valerona's track "Only Now I See". That's how it all started. Half a year later, after working intensively together, we made it. I think we did a very good job.
7-Dimitris: Did you had any particular difficulties accomplishing that particular track or any specific technical challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome during its production.
Mike Zaloxx: The only thing that sends back and forth, because we didn't work in the same room.
8-Dimitris: If you would have the opportunity to change something in your track and maybe to do a new remix what elements are you unhappy with and you are going to change? Is there any artist that you feel would be fantastic to remix this track and why?
Mike Zaloxx: I wouldn't change anything. I avoid these thoughts. But there are many producers who would be perfect for it.
9- Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware you prefer and why? What is your opinion of the latest movement to produce music with more analogue equipment and with less or without any digital software?
Mike Zaloxx: FL Studio and Logic X
10-Dimitris: Do you prefer vocal or instrumental tracks? If there are vocals on the track we discuss about tell us about the singer you work with?
Mike Zaloxx: I prefer Tracks with vocals
11-Dimitris: Are there any vocalists/singers on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?
Mike Zaloxx: I'm open to everything
12-Dimitris: Please choose the most powerful lyrics ever included in a dance track and why these lyrics have touched you so deeply and have a special meaning for you?
Mike Zaloxx: There are many, I can't decide.
13-Dimitris: Do you believe that artwork on your latest track is good and do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers? Can you mention the best artwork of a track ever released?
Mike Zaloxx: Yes, it's special
14-Dimitris: Can you pick your favorite top 3 record labels including the one released the track that we discuss in this interview and give us a short comment about why these labels are important to you and the music scene too?
Mike Zaloxx: Yes, I can choose it. And Suanda Musik is also part of it. They do good work.
15-Dimitris: Do you have your own record label?
Mike Zaloxx: No, I haven't yet. But I could imagine it.
16-Dimitris: Are you planning to complete an album or mix compilation soon? if yes please give us all the details about regarding tracks and how will look and sound like?
Mike Zaloxx: Let me surprise you. I have big plans for the next few years.
17-Dimitris: Can you pick up your all time favorite album or compilation and tell us why you adore it so much?
Mike Zaloxx: Every year the ASOT Yearmix. All the highlights of the year in one album. It doesn't get any better than that.
18-Dimitris:How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media and you see this as essential tool for self promotion and getting bookings too? Which social media is the one that seems to work better for you?
Mike Zaloxx: I'm most active on Instagram. I neglect everything else. But it's a good tool for promotions.
19-Dimitris: Do you have your own radio show/podcast/twitch stream or Vlog(video blog)? If yes please give us a comment about it and how long it take you to prepare for it and if you are always excited to produce it?
Mike Zaloxx: Not active in this area yet but maybe soon.
20-Do you post videos on tiktok? If yes please reference for us your favourite? What is your opinion about the power of tiktok to promote music releases?Is there any tiktok video created by fans of you with your music worth mentioning?
Mike Zaloxx: I only have TikTok for watching.
21-Dimitris: Do you have any gigs/festival performances confirmed so far for 2024 in which ones are you most excited to perform and why?
Mike Zaloxx: Everything is still being planned. But you'll be well informed on Instagram.
22-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ or LIVE PA performance?
Mike Zaloxx: I played the same track twice in a row. I noticed it in time so that I could change it unnoticed.
23-Dimitris: Are you happy about the quality of the tracks released in your preferred music genres? Please justify your answer with your opinion about it!
Mike Zaloxx: Totally satisfied. I've learned a lot over the years and taken a lot with me.
24-Your current Top 3 tracks with short comment:
Mike Zaloxx: "Moth to a flame" (SHM, The Weeknd),
"I'll be there" (Robin Schulz, Rita Ora, Tiago PZK)
"Strangers" (Kenya Grace) No trance tracks ;)
25-Dimitris: If you expect to have a steady income from your music productions are you satisfied with the way that royalties system works particularly regarding streaming revenue? Do you believe that artists get what they deserve from streaming providers/DJs playing your tracks in gigs/radio and selling music in physical formats like CDs/Vinyl or digitally.
Mike Zaloxx: I think not. It's too little for the work that's being done.
26-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents.
Mike Zaloxx: Never give up. If you're at a low point, get up and keep going. It all pays off in the end.
27-Dimitris: Many producers and DJs offer online masterclasses or teach to music production & DJing courses. Do you believe is essential to take part in any of these courses to develop your skills? Are you are offering any of these services? or other related services like ghost-producing or mastering? please tell us about these activities
Mike Zaloxx: No, I'm not a friend of that. In my opinion, you should experiment and find your own technique. Of course, it doesn't hurt to learn the basics. I am also working on such services. But that's all I can say.
28-Dimitris: Is there a club classic that you would like to remix or rework in 2023? Do you attempt often to do your own bootlegs of classics?
Mike Zaloxx: Maybe something will come of it, but I don't have a specific wish.
29-Dimitris: Please choose the best and worst remix of club classic and tell us why you like or dislike them.
Mike Zaloxx: I don't like to judge other tracks, so i'll leave the question out
30-Dimitris: How much do you care if your fans or followers like your productions? Do you struggle with the audience reception of your tracks and is this thought adds extra pressure on you and discourage you too?
Mike Zaloxx: It's important to me that the audience likes it. But everyone may not like it. That's why I also respect negative feedback. As long as it is announced with respect.
31-Dimitris: Can you describe your music as certain music genre such as trance, house, techno or your music exempts these categorizations? What is your opinion about hybrid styles and artists who are attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
Mike Zaloxx: I like to combine trance, big room and techno. You can also see that in my sets. It's a free market and everyone can produce and do what they feel. You don't have to be tied to anything.
32-Dimitris: Is your music business your full time occupation and are you able to make a leaving out of your music business (DJ/producer/label owner/teaching or mastering tracks)? If not what other jobs are you doing in order to support your income?
Mike Zaloxx: I work professionally as a salesman
33-Dimitris: Do you believe that audience should be banned from constantly taking photos or videos during DJ sets or are you happy with these activities?
Mike Zaloxx: I love it. So you have memories and see it from a different perspective.
34-Dimitris: Do you prefer small clubs or huge festivals to perform? in which festivals or clubs you aspire to play in the future?
Mike Zaloxx: My highlight would definitely be Tomorrowland. But I like to play wherever the atmosphere is good. It doesn't matter whether it's a club or a festival
35-Please choose for us your favourite holiday destination and share with us your most unforgettable holiday experience(good/bad)
Mike Zaloxx: I love traveling. Whether it's Amsterdam, Split, Stockholm or Milan. I have both good and bad memories from everywhere. But my favorite place is Amsterdam. I feel at home there and have friends there who support me in good times and bad.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.
Mike Zaloxx: Thank you for the interview. I would like to thank you all for the last few years and wish you a successful 2024. Make the best of this year!
Thanks to Mike for answering this interview.
Thanks so much to Robbie at Subculture for organising this interview.
