SanDiego EDM’s Homegrown: Cowboy Mike

Cowboy Mike: Thanks for having me!  For the most part, I liked rock/alternative while growing up.  I started getting into the electronic scene in 1998 by listening to Paul Oakenfold’s “Tranceport.”  From that album I discovered Paul van Dyk and began to follow his work.  PvD is still my favorite dj/producer to this day.  Later in 2000 while I was attending college, one of the radio stations played a BT track called “Smartbomb.”  I loved how different and innovative BT was… it showed me how incredibly diverse electronic music can be. Also in 2000  was the first time that I caught Oakenfold DJing at one of my favorite clubs (at the time) in Pontiac, MI called Clutch Cargos.  After that show and listening to the little bits of trance/electronic that I had come across, I was hooked.  I moved to San Diego in 2003 and bought some Technics 1200′s about a year later.  I never had a desire to become a DJ (at first)… I just wanted to see if I could do what the pros were doing.  It was more of a personal challenge than anything.  I kept practicing and meeting more and more people in the San Diego EDM scene.   Before I knew it, I was playing my first show.

John: What does Cowboy Mike bring to the table like no one else?

Cowboy Mike: I can’t honestly say that I do something that no one else does… because I don’t know how every other dj in the world operates.  But, to attempt to answer your question, I try to stay as innovative as possible… between edits, production, and musical style to define my own personal sound.  I figure that as long as there is a positive connection with the audience, and I’m still being true to myself and my musical tastes, I’m on the right track.

John: The image of a guy DJing with a black cowboy hat is reaching iconic status. How does the cowboy hat transfer over to your stage presence?

Cowboy Mike: Thank you for saying that, I appreciate it!  When I played my first few gigs, I would get nervous and the hat was great because I could somewhat hide behind it.  Like a little kid covering their eyes and thinking that the world can’t see them.  Now it just gets me amped up…  almost like “game on.”  It has defiantly grown into an image, but I hope that people are there for the music first and foremost.

Jon: What are the biggest inspirations for the Cowboy Mike sound?

Cowboy Mike: U2 (Edge, the guitar player specifically), Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Paul van Dyk, BT, and everything in between…   there is a long list of new producers that I keep a close eye on now as well.

John: I’ve noticed a very consistent progressive trance sound through your music. Do you have any desire to try different musical styles or do you plan to stay right where you are?

Cowboy Mike: Electronic music is constantly evolving/changing with it’s trends.  I have a firm stance that I need to personally enjoy everything that I’m playing. Otherwise, why am I doing it?  However, I’m happy to listen to some of the current trends and incorporate my style into those trends.  DJing is a connection with the crowd (otherwise clubs would just plug in an ipod).  So, it’s good to bend a little (as long as I stay true to my sound and musical tastes).

John: What are some things you have learned from playing alongside greats like Tiesto and ATB?

Cowboy Mike: First, a big thanks to Tim Ortiz, Matty A and the Eventvibe team for gearing me with these shows.  I learned how to work some really large crowds which has been amazing.  I’ve actually learned quite a bit regarding stage presence and mixing style.  Some of my favorites to watch up close include Ferry Corsten, Sander van Doorn, Donald Glaude, Christopher Lawrence, and PvD (just to name a few).

John: What was the response after having “Clutch” featured as Ferry Corsten’s track of September 2008 (in terms of gigs booked, downloads, social media popularity, etc)?

Cowboy Mike: Well, if you go back to your first question, I guess the cat is out of the bag on why I named my first track Clutch.  Ferry played that one all over the world which was amazing to see!  Actually, it was Victor Dinaire’s remix that did so well.  Later that year Victor and I were talking with Sander van Doorn and showed him Clutch.  So, when my second track Fractured (Victor Dinaire Remix) was ready to promo, Sander played it all over the world.  Above & Beyond were also big supporters for both tracks.  It was interesting getting messages/emails from people from all over the world saying how much they enjoyed the tracks.  All of the tracks after have been doing well too… it’s been a lot of fun!  I don’t have an exact way to tell you how it’s impacted my career, but the exposure has been fantastic.

John: How do you see the music scene in San Diego growing with electronic music on the forefront?

Cowboy Mike: It’s grown dramatically over the last 3 years.  I’m loving it!  I think it’s going to continue to grow and grow.  Believe it or not- we are getting international attention… only good things to come.

John: What’s been your craziest experience DJing on the road?

Cowboy Mike: I can’t really think of a “crazy” experience off the top of my head…. but an experience that was a bit “surreal.”  Back in 2008 when I was opening for Paul van Dyk for the first time… (as you know he’s one of my biggest influences).  I had two tracks to choose from to line him up for his set… one was the safe approach, and one was the “a little bit out of bounds” track (but I knew the crowd would go nuts and PvD would love it).  So, when he walked on stage I just turned and asked him the question with the details that I just described for each track.  He looked at me, smiled, and said “you choose.” So, I played the “a little bit out of bounds” track… the crowd loved it.  At the time, I really appreciated that he had the confidence in me to make the right decision.  Later, when we were backstage, he asked me what track that was because he wanted it… so I quickly opened my CD book and gave him my copy.  It really blew my mind to be so inspired by someone to start DJing then have a moment like that.  BTW- the track that I’m talking about is Lank – Confrontation (Original Mix) [Boz Boz].  I put it on my CD/Mix “Up With The Sun” that year and it’s still one of my favorites.

John: Lastly, what does Cowboy Mike have in store for us through the rest of 2011?

Cowboy Mike: I’m excited to say that my new track “No Way Back” will be releasing on “Pharmacy Music” which is Christopher Lawrence’s label.  There is an amazing trance remix by Bissen that is included in the release.  So, please keep a lookout!  Also, I’m just finishing up the mastering on a brand new remix that I did of Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith - Not In Love.  If you didn’t know, Robert Smith is the lead singer from The Cure, who is another band that I’ve loved for years.  I’m very proud of it… you should be seeing it very soon!  Thanks again!

Don’t forget to catch Cowboy Mike at Dayglow on August 27, at the Valley View Casino Center. Sidney Samson will be headlining, along with  The Devil from Acapulco, David Salano, and many more.

Get tickets here.