The DJ’s DJ

SB – Can you remember where you were the first time you witnessed a DJ doing their thing live and in person?  What were your initial thoughts?

MM – I grew up in Hawaii where there was only one 17+ place where you could go to hear decent dance music, Pink Cadillac. I think it was ‘88 and the DJ was playing a bunch of NY/UK house as well as ‘alternative’ dance. I always wanted to be in a band (think Depeche Mode, Duran Duran) and I guess you could say this was a moment where I wondered if DJing could tick that box.

SB– What does Miles Maeda listen to when he is not listening to DJ mixes, what are some of your favorite bands, and musical artists?  Is anyone that has captured you in 2022?

MM – I have been recently exploring older music like Tangerine Dream and Soft Machine, plus some newer electronica like Max Cooper and Floating Points. I’ve recently fallen in love with John Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme. I like all kinds of music, and exploring outside of my house music ‘box’ has been very inspiring as of late.

SB – What digital audio workstation (DAW) do you currently use?

MM – Sadly I haven’t been making much music since returning from Japan. I am starting to work on some edits again just using Ableton Live which has always been my main music platform.

SB – What are some of your go-to VST Plugins?

MM – Ummm…

SB – Do you have any methods and or places you go to seek music?  What are some of the stores you frequent? 

MM – Since I have been doing edits for the past few years, I usually scour used record stores for those hidden gems. I love Everyday Music in Portland and Seattle. I’ve also been digging deep on Bandcamp as I love supporting artists as directly as possible.

SB – We know that spirituality plays an important role in your life, has this influenced you as a music artist? 

MM – When I moved to San Diego I made an effort to infuse my spiritual practice and energy into my music. It felt special and created something unique. Now I’m approaching creativity a little differently, learning how to get out of the way and allow the unexpected to happen instead of trying to manufacture or manipulate. The flow of energy is something I am learning to follow instead of direct, and I’m excited to experiment with this more.

SB – You have lived in a varied amount of cities, is there one in particular that you love?

MM – Of course, Chicago is and will always be a home to me. And I love Tokyo. I do want to spend time in other cities as well, like in Europe or Australia. I’ve only been once, but I wouldn’t say no if I got a call from Melbourne!

SB – Is there a club that you have not played that you have always wanted to play?

MM – Maybe because there’s so much hype around it, Berghain.

SB – What are some of the most memorable sound systems you have played on?

MM – Any sound system that you can stand right in front of and feel and hear all of the frequencies in the music, plus have a conversation. Then I know that system is tuned and I can truly relax and send out those healing disco vibes.

SB – You have been known to be a “DJ’s DJ”, are there any DJs you feel that fit that profile for you, who might that be?

MM – Of course, my hometown heroes are Derrick and Mark. However, DJs who play for other DJs are super special, and I would include Pete Moss, D Wynn, and King Britt as they have rocked my world on more than one occasion. And I have to add that at our last Material party, Diz and Heather’s sets… chef’s kiss!

SB – Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

MM – I have no idea. That is a very challenging question to answer at the moment…

SB – What instruments do you play if any?

MM – I’m somewhat skilled at the piano and French Horn, and sometimes voice.

SB – Where did you learn music production?

MM – I was self-taught, dabbling a bit in high school, but I did take an electronic music composition course in college which was fun. But I learned the most when I sat down with an MPC-3000 and started to make tracks, back in the old days…

SB – What kind of car do you drive?

MM – ALL-wheel drive Honda CRV.

SB – What is your favorite ice cream?

MM – Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby of course.