Exclusive Q&A with legendary turntablist Mix Master Mike

Do you you have any particular memories of playing Dublin in the past?

I feel like I have some history there. I did a show there about two or three years ago on St. Patrick’s Day. It was absolutely crazy. There’s no better place in the world on St. Patrick’s Day than Dublin. I remember I put on a Leprechaun hat and beard while I DJed. I swear I did it – I know there are going to be people who remember.

What else have you been up to?

I’m working on virtual reality content for this album. So, you’ll be totally immersed in an environment. The whole thing. Get your Oculus Rift and it’ll be sweet. Plus, I just finished writing a movie on my life. Netflix wants to pick it up and turn it into a six-part series, but I don’t want to do that. I want it to be a feature film. Right now, we’re in the casting process for that. It’s been tricky trying to find the person to play me. I was trying to get Rami Malek, but he just did Bohemian Rhapsody.

I’m really inspired by Mr. Robot, so he’d be perfect. Maybe we could get him a bit down the line. But as far as making a movie, I want it to come across legit. I want to get a legit cast who are gonna carry the movie. In the meantime, the album is something to check out . Follow me on instagram to get the details. I’m definitely proud of it, it’s an amazing record.

What are your thoughts on the state of turntablism and DJing? Is it evolving?

I don’t look at myself as just a DJ. There are plenty of DJs out there, but there aren’t enough willing to push the boundaries – they aren’t will to make the transition to being a musician and an artist. I’m more of a musician than I am a DJ. I compose my own music and I take music in directions that are unthinkable. And I can put albums out on iTunes, but all of that gets lost in translation. There’s a lot of garbage that gets put out, and I don't want to frame my art in with all that stuff. We live in an ADHD world – kids can only listen to an album for six seconds and then they move on. I want everything I put out to be timeless. In the year 2050, you’re gonna listen to it and still go, ‘Damn, this is some dope shit!’

You’re making sure you have a legacy carved out.

Exactly. I see my work as art from the MOMA or the Lourve. I don't see it just as music you can download. They’re art pieces and should be treated that way.

We’re currently putting together a special mental health issue. What are your thoughts on the subject?

We aren’t put here on Earth with a manual. As kids, the school systems aren’t gonna teach us how to be successful or go through mental health issues. It’s something you learn about as you go. When you deal with these problems, it starts with your circle. First of all, you’re a product of your own environment. You look around and you question: ‘Why am I feeling this way?’ ‘Why do I have these problems?’ ‘Why am I not happy?’ It starts with your circle and your upbringing. At the end of the day, it’s parenting.

Kids don't even know why they feel this way. They’re often times lost within themselves. What I would say is you have to zero out all the people who give you negativity. I’d say get into yoga, a zen state of mind, check out the Mixmaster Mike CBD line. It’s unfortunate that we have to rely on this stuff, but big pharma is quick to push Xanax and pills on kids. I believe in a going the holistic route. Find things that are going to make you better and rid yourself of anyone around you bringing that negativity and not uplifting you.

You mentioned your CBD line. Right now in Ireland, marijuana legalisation is a hot issue. How do you think it’s worked out in the States?

It’s all about awareness. It has to be done responsibly. It’s not about smoking and vegging out. It’s about smoking and being more productive. Or even helping you with mental health. I think it should have happened a long time ago. Look at the crime rate – you don’t see people robbing banks and shooting up liquor stores on weed. It’s not like that. So, of course, it’s something the government wants their hand in. Like I said, big pharma. Millions and billions of dollars in that business.

That’s a really interesting perspective – I haven’t heard anyone say it helps with productivity.

Absolutely. Smoke to become wiser. Read a book to be wiser. It’s the same thing. Be smarter than you were yesterday.

Are you backing anyone for the 2020 election?

To tell you the truth, I’m not into politics. It’s all a reality show to me. It’s a reality show that the reptilians are running. They’re feeding us fear. The dark forces are feeding us fear. That’s all I have to say. They’re feeding the masses fear. It’s simple as that. When I say reptilians, people go crazy. No, no! Research has been done on it. David Wilcock. David Icke. Then you’ll see what the hell is going on. Then come to me and ask me what I think about politics.