Get to Know Mike Hawkins

Rising star  Mike Hawkins makes his way to Ultrabar this Thursday, and we could not be more excited here at Glow. Garnering support from world- renowned DJ’s Tiesto, Hardwell, David Guetta, Steve Angello, and Sander van Doorn, and having released multiple successful tracks like “Hot Steppa” and “Soldiers,” Hawkins is quickly rising through the ranks. Beyond his musical talents, Hawkins is an absolutely inspirational individual, staying well connected with his fans and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. We wanted to give our fans a chance to learn more about this amazingly talented producer through an exclusive interview with Hawkins himself. See what he had to say after the jump, and be sure to grab your tickets here for Thursday night’s show 😉

1.What was the first album you ever bought?

Bomfunk MC’s – In Stereo. Before that I mostly listened to stuff I taped from radio.

Those were the days.

2. How old were you when you started producing your first song? What inspired you to produce a song?

I think I was 9-10 years old. Im not sure why I started, except I knew music was my thing. It was not until way, way later I began doing it professionally though. My first song, 10 years ago, sounded so lame. It had a countdown from 10 as the very first thing, haha.

3. Which artists would you say have had the most musical influence on you?

Infected Mushroom, Linkin Park, Chemical Brothers, Moby, Swedish House Mafia, System of a Down, Rammstein, The Prodigy

4. You recently put up a very touching and inspirational Facebook status encouraging others to put their 100% into a hobby or activity they love. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to continue pursuing electronic music, even when you were ridiculed by others around you?

It was the only thing I had at the time. There was not much else to pass time with. It was music and online games which is kinda where I had my entire social life for a big part of my youth. Everyone else did a ton of sports and parties – I was never invited so I just did music. In hindsight, I’m pretty happy about that.

5. How is the electronic music scene in Denmark different from the scene here in the US?

It’s much deeper and more underground rooted. Electronic music doesnt have much commercial succes there yet – its still very much a rock country.

6. You’ve collaborated with some great artists, including Henry Fong and Toby Green. How is your approach different when working on solo tracks and working on collaborations?

It’s the same. Its all about having that cool idea. It can take minutes to days, but it comes eventually. Its about having fun. With collabs, you just hang out and have fun with more people and eventually end up taking the best of everyones ideas.

7. In a past interview, you mentioned that your first few productions were not as successful. How long did it take you to fully develop the sound and style you have now?

A good amount of time. I somehow feel like this style was in me all the time though, the difference is, now im not so afraid to just “be me” anymore.

8. If you could collaborate with any artist in another genre, who would it be?

System of a Down / Serj Tankian, please!

9. How has music production technology changed since you first started producing music?

A lot and then not a lot. While the programs have gotten faster, newer and flashier, general synthesis and the basics have stayed the same since the beginning – so in that sense, not much has changed except how people use it.

10. What is the most memorable venue you have performed at thus far?

Fairly recent, but Drai’s Las Vegas. That club is Massive with a capital M!! One of the worlds coolest venues by far.

11. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

What is any guys guilty pleasure? 😉 By that I mean food, of course. Food and lots of it.

12. Outside of music, do you have any other favorite hobbies?

I don’t get much time for hobbies, I’m happy to be doing what I love though. That said, I love cooking. I’m vegan, and nothing is better than preparing some quality dishes for myself, my girl or my friends and family!

Written by Roma Moradian