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 Check out this brand new interview with the exciting up and coming American trance DJ / producer, Mike Saint-Jules...
Mike Saint Jules – A new trance hope from New York...?
New York City is the home of hip hop and house and trance takes a back seat. So it is even more rare that 24 year old shooting star Mike Saint Jules has been creating a huge buzz in the trance scene in the past months with funky releases. He has been called “the Carl Cox of trance” and his precise feel for trance and beats has amazed colleagues and up and coming producers like Sequencia to the elite like Ferry Corsten.
He was introduced as an infant to music with the help of his father’s record collection hearing such classic groups like The Commodores and Gladys Knight & The Pips. He grew up in the Haitian culture and soon learned to love Dance music. In 2000, as a sophomore in high school he was introduced to techno and in 2002, hearing Tiesto’s ‘Flight 643’ gave him the kick that would lead him in the direction of later making and playing EDM. Armin van Buuren’s famous show A State of Trance was also highly influnecial to him. In 2004 came his first real clubbing adventure at the Roxy in New York City, where he danced to the sounds of Paul van Dyk. “It was the best feeling in the world. To dance like that along with the crowd, there's nothing like it.” said Mike.
Now Mike wanted to learn to DJ. Mike envied his friend for having the skills (and money) to be able to purchase equipment such as this and being able to mix dance music. Mike had to get equipment of his own. “I felt like it was time to stop listening to music and get involved in it.” Mike began to purchase Turntables. Playing styles from trance to progressive then eventually on to house and techno, Mike was able to play his first set “The World of Trance” on ETS-Global (now ETN.FM) in just one year.
Mike also enjoys most subgenres of jazz and the genre of soulful house, but to him, these are genres he can only listen to and not do anything else with. Mike is now doing an online show called “Universal Soundz” which is now broadcasted on 3 online radio stations. Party107, PureFM and SenseFM. He has slowly begun to produce tracks and his productions feel so crisp and professional that one could get the idea he has been making tracks for ten years already. His masterpiece, ‘Sunlit Clouds’, was released on Flashover’s sub label Levare Recordings and has taken the trance scene by storm. His next release will be ‘Flash Bomb’. He has also teamed up with America’s trance discovery of 2007, Breakfast, producing ‘Only Two Should Know’ and ‘Lifeforms’. He also did an incredible remix of Breakfast - ‘Take Me Back’. He has shown with his early productions that he can produce high class trance tracks as well as adding a special funky sound to tracks not heard yet in the genre of trance. Trance is always welcoming new hopes and Mike Saint Jules is on the brink of stardom. i:Vibes had the chance to interview the American...
i:Vibes: Mike, I heard ‘Sunlit Clouds’ and was floored by your mix as well as the beautiful Arnej Remix. It took me only 24 hours to decide on giving you an interview. I am totally floored by your sound! How has the trance ride been for you in the last 3-4 months?
MSJ: Great to hear you liked it! Over the past couple of months, it’s just been working on upcoming productions and remixes. So you shall hear some more Saint-Jules productions in the future.
i:Vibes: You are from Huntington, New York. Where is that exactly and what was your childhood like?
MSJ: Huntington is in Long Island, New York. The little fish-like Island to the right of the State of New York. It's a little surprising that there are some people who don't know where that is! A lot of producers during their childhood grew up either learning to play a musical instrument or learn some other possible profession at an early age. Making music wasn't a priority for me during childhood. It was more about making friends and doing well in school. I have a lot of good friends. And to this day, there are some that I consider to be best friends. They also help me through any rough situations I may get into.
i:Vibes: What was your schooling like? Did you go to college and do you have a degree?
MSJ: When I first started school, it was all about being in a private one. I continued private school until the first half of the 4th grade. From there, it was public school from elementary all the way up to 12th grade in high school. After high school, I went to a community college and received an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. Currently I am attending SUNY Oldwestbury earning a major degree in Computer Engineering Tech. I am also working on Media & Communications as a minor. So when I'm not working on music, it's about schoolwork.
i:Vibes: As a child your first taste for music was old classics by the Commodores. What did you like most about the Commodores music and what track was your favourite by them and why?
MSJ: There was a lot of music that I listened to during the young years. Commodores was one of the many groups I listened to from my Dad’s record collection. Their music was funky and, at times, soulful. I enjoyed their famous tracks like ‘Brickhouse’, ‘Easy’ and of course, ‘Sail On’. ‘Brickhouse’ is my favourite of the three. Productions like that were amazing back in the day and gave me more interest in them as a group. However, I ended up liking Lionel Richie more as an artist when he began his solo career. Later on, the new generation of Commodores emerged and they had a more electronic, jazz style. My favourite tracks by them were ‘Nightshift’ and ‘Janet’.
i:Vibes: You grew up in the Haitian culture. Here you heard a special style of music. How do you think this music inspired you and how did those sounds help you go in the direction of EDM music?
MSJ: The music genre of the Haitian culture is called Kompa or Compas. This style of music wasn't exactly how I got into EDM music, but this type of music is very energetic with a lot of percussion instruments. It’s also at a faster BPM than other genres. So it made me appreciate fast music.
i:Vibes: What was the first trance record/CD you bought?
MSJ: The first Record I bought I was Nickelson - Yin (Solid Globe Remix). I appreciate this one a lot because I have the limited one-sided promo vinyl. Only 500 copies were made. The first CD I bought was Trance Allstars 2002. This CD got me into artists like ATB, Talla 2XLC and Taucher.
i:Vibes: Who were your early trance inspirations?
MSJ: There were a number of DJs/Producers who inspired me through the years. Tiesto and Armin van Buuren being some of many. But my main inspirations were Astura aka Andy Prinz, Alex M.O.R.P.H. and of course, Ferry Corsten.
i:Vibes: When you heard Tiesto’s ‘Flight 643’ on MTV’s True Life: I’m a Clubber you were hooked to EDM. Why does this music infect you so?
MSJ: When I heard ‘Flight 643’, the production blew my mind. It awoke something in my brain that might’ve been hiding all these years. I was extremely curious about this style of music and wanted to learn more about it. The sound was different than any other dance productions I'd heard on commercial radio stations at the time.
i:Vibes: In 2004, you witnessed your first clubbing experience at the Roxy to the beats of Paul van Dyk. Do you remember a track from his set that just gave you goosebumps when dancing to it?
MSJ: The track I remember clearly from that night was The Thrillseekers Remix of Chicane's ‘Autumn Tactics’. The vocal made me feel warm with emotion and it was great to hear it live for the first time. To this day, that was the best Paul van Dyk show I've ever witnessed.
i:Vibes: How do you get along with the New York trance posse? There are well known acts from New York like Filo & Peri, Sean Tyas and Thomas Datt. Have you met them and could they inspire you in any way in the last years?
MSJ: I'm actually friends with all of them. I gradually met them at various parties. They all have their own unique flavours and styles in the scene. They're definitely representing New York in the best ways possible! Currently, I'm working on a track with Filo & Peri, so you should be able to hear it in the future!
i:Vibes: You are an Afro-American producing first rate trance tracks, which is extremely rare. Why do you think there aren’t more Afro-Americans producing and playing trance?
MSJ: I think a lot of Afro-Americans have been dragged in to listening to hip-hop and rap. I'm pretty sure there are a number of Afro-Americans listening to the trance genre, but haven’t considered making trance productions. I like hip-hop, but the old school kind. I can’t seem to get into today’s version of it. If I do, it's strictly because of the production and nothing else. I actually find it funny that everytime I'm in a club, regardless of how I'm dressed, I'm always asked by other clubbers if I work there. A little frustrating I admit. One of my goals is to play in front of a crowd so people can see that there are Afro-Americans that love this genre of music.
i:Vibes: How would you describe your sound? I think, you add a special funkiness that makes your tracks really unique, especially when listening to ‘Sunlit Clouds’.
MSJ: I'm still trying to find my unique sound. It does take time to find out which sounds you like and then eventually use as a signature. Writing a track about the outside atmosphere was something I wanted to do as a first production. The productions I make now are considered to be under the space element. It's an element that is dark, which contains large, atmospheric sounds. The productions I make under this element also contain high melodic notes as well. My remix of Breakfast’s ‘Take Me Back’ is an example of this element. Artists like Astura showed me that they were able to create productions with an amazing atmosphere outside our world. So I definitely wanted to do something like that.
i:Vibes: Have you been surprised by your early success in 2008? Ferry Corsten seemed to have discovered you. How grateful are you for him having started featuring your tracks in his radio show and on tour?
MSJ: I still have a long way to go to be successful in the scene. ‘Sunlit Clouds’ received a pretty good feedback through the already established artists, so it has inspired me to keep going. I've known Ferry for almost four years now. So it's finally great that he's playing my tracks on his show, Corsten's Countdown, along with playing them in his various gigs around the world. I definitely appreciate that he’s playing my stuff. It shows that there is something special within the productions I make.
i:Vibes: ‘Sunlit Clouds’ is really an incredible, incredible track. You demonstrate your fantastic talent for melodies as well as creating an unforgettable beat, which reminds a bit to the classic track ‘Night Of The Jaguar’. How difficult was it producing this track?
MSJ: I started this production back in 2006. The production didn’t have a “face” yet, so I left it alone for almost two years. When I went back to it recently, I spent a little time to make an interesting lead, and there it was.
i:Vibes: What was your inspiration behind making ‘Sunlit Clouds’?
MSJ: ‘Sunlit Clouds’ was inspired by Vincent de Moor's ‘Crystal Clouds’. Although they sound almost nothing alike, the atmosphere in Vincent’s production made me want to do something similar.
i:Vibes: What was the most difficult thing you had to get right sound wise to get ‘Sunlit Clouds’ perfect?
MSJ: Getting the break to sound right. The break, build up and climax are the most important parts to a production in my opinion. So I had to make sure the sound levels were just right under all the drums being used during that sequence.
i:Vibes: You have produced two tracks with the very talented American producer Breakfast. How did you guys meet?
MSJ: We actually met through a mutual friend named Sam aka DJ Blueshift. I’ve known Sam since 2005. One clubbing night he told me he was going to give a CD of Breakfast’s productions to Armin. So I asked if I could hear them as well. The next day I heard some of the tracks and I thought they were absolutely amazing. I messaged Breakfast right away about it and asked him if one day we could make some tracks together. We have a lot of productions done and some still, are work in progress. We’re currently working hard right now to get ‘Only Two Should Know’ and ‘Lifeforms’ released.
i:Vibes: What makes your working experience with Breakfast so unique?
MSJ: I've learned a lot working with Breakfast. He has shown me that you can take the simple sound and stretch it to hell and back, making it sound completely different. He's very talented, and it’s great that I’m able to work alongside him.
i:Vibes: I love ‘Lifeforms’! Did you guys meet in the studio or were you sending files back and forth? The atmosphere is just breathtaking in this track!!! What was the most difficult thing in getting this track perfect?
MSJ: One day I came back from work and decided to make something new. I passed the file back to him and he saw that something could be done with the production. So we worked back and forth with the project files and eventually came up with the track. The most difficult thing getting the track perfect was the climax. The original version had a pretty empty climax, so a revision was done recently. This will be the final version that will be released in the future.
i:Vibes: The list just goes on. Your remix for Breakfast - Take Me Back is also incredible. What is the most important thing for you when making a remix?
MSJ: The most important thing is staying true to the original. I definitely wanted to take elements from the original and throw them into my mixing bowl for the remix. The lead and some drums are enough to give people the realization that it is a remix and not something completely different. I also wanted to make sure that my style is there in the remix.
i:Vibes: What other releases and surprises can we expect from you in the latter part of 2008?
MSJ: Earlier, I mentioned that I'm working on a track with Filo & Peri. I have finished a remix of the new EnMass called ‘Light Years Away’. That will be released on Istmo Music early July. I've collaborated with Amurai for the upcoming Levare release called ‘Grand Prix’. And I'm working with Breakfast on the remix of The Thrillseekers’ ‘The Last Time’. There is a lot more in the works, so you should hear about them soon!
i:Vibes: You’re also a DJ. How difficult is it getting gigs? I am sure with the strength and success of your releases, you should be getting more gigs in the future...
MSJ: Since I live in New York, it is extremely difficult to get gigs in the city. The city is where most of the action is. On Long Island, it’s mostly a house scene. It’s also difficult to get gigs there. It's really who you know that gets you on the decks. My biggest gig to date was opening for Ferry Corsten at Cielo in June of last year. Very lucky to play at one of the top clubs in the world! The door to more gigs is definitely through production. So working hard gets the door open!
i:Vibes: You recently had a gig with DJ Preach, Tom Colontonio and Victor Diniare. How much fun was that gig?
MSJ: The gig was fun! It was raining that day, so I was a bit worried with how the turnout would be. Seemed it did well overall. My friends at Core NYC held the party, so it was most appreciated that I was invited into the line up. Preach and Colontonio are great producers, so it’s always great to see them!
i:Vibes: How would you describe a three hour DJ set from you? Do you ever play vinyl or do you only play CDs?
MSJ: My DJ sets depend on when I play in the night. During an opening set, I like to start out slow with progressive/electro house, and then I make my way up into the progressive trance/trance genres. If given the opportunity to play a three hour DJ set, I would probably go this route. I first started by playing with Vinyl, and then the gradual change to CDs. Recently I went back to playing vinyl. So I really like to play with both. But for the most part, I play with CDs nowadays. If you were to ask me what I like more overall, I would say vinyl till the day I die!
i:Vibes: What has been the most important technical innovation for you in the last few years that has helped you in the studio or in your DJ sets?
MSJ: Well last year I bought a new computer which has better specs than my previous one. I am now able to use more sounds at once which is important to me. In order to achieve the sound and vision you want, you cannot have limitations in your hardware. I do my DJ sets through CDJs. I despise making sets through software. I definitely want to manipulate the record and/or CD. However, at the same time, software mixing is good for those who are travelling to other gigs constantly and don't have the time to stand in front of the decks to record a mix session.
i:Vibes: What is the most important piece of equipment that you have that you can´t live without?
MSJ: My computer. Without it, I cannot do anything music related!
i:Vibes: You have your own online show called Universal Soundz. What is your goal behind this program?
MSJ: The show is about being universal. It’s about playing whatever genre I feel within the two hour session. Sometimes I invite other DJs and producers to make a one hour guest mix for the show to make things more interesting. Recently, I have been mixing tracks both old and new, trying to re-live the experience of the tracks that once made us dance. So the show is about playing anything you want. It can be genres from deep prog to genres like hardcore. A show without bounds!
i:Vibes: When will you make the jump across the Atlantic Ocean and present your incredible sound to Europe? We want to see you live!
MSJ: It’s hard to say for right now. It’s whoever would want to book me. Honestly, clubs would not want to risk bringing a DJ/Producer who is not known. The gateway to playing anywhere is through productions. So one day, you should see me playing a club near you!
i:Vibes: What are your favourite five current tracks?
MSJ: 1. Offkey - Showdown (Ali Wilson & Scott Atrill Remix)
2. Bart Claessen - Catch Me (Big Phunk Replay)
3. Sonecta - Skyride (Beatseekers Remix)
4. Dan Stone - 7 Hours (Mark Pledger Remix)
5. Fast Distance - Heaven's Melody (Haris C Remix)
i:Vibes: What are your five all time favourite tracks?
MSJ: There are a lot of tracks to choose from! I was a late bloomer, so it would be more recent material.
1. Armin van Buuren - Prodemium & Precious
2. Laura Turner - Soul Deep (Signum Club & Dub Mixes)
3. Vincent De Moor Pres. Questia - Crystal Clouds (Original Mix)
4. Scirocco - Scirocco (Alex M.O.R.P.H. Remix)
5. Weekend Players - Into The Sun (Riva Remix)
i:Vibes: Where do you see yourself in five years?
MSJ: I think in five years, I can still see myself living in New York. There's no place I'd rather be than here!
i:Vibes: What are your hobbies?
MSJ: Before music, I was a big gamer. Not so much anymore, though. Only when the big games come out I take some time off from music to play them. I also played Chess heavily at one point. Not so amazing at it anymore! :-)
i:Vibes: Mike, thanks for the interview! Good luck in the future with music and come to Germany soon!!!
MSJ: Cheers, and hope to see you soon wherever!
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