Maurice West an ambitious young DJ/ Producer that is getting a lot of attention lately with his unique big room hits. growing up in a household full of talented musicians he took a liking learning the piano, guitar, and drums. He has worked with some of the big room artists like Tiësto, Hardwell, Steve Aoki, KSHMR and D-Block & S-Te-Fan. We had a chance to interview Maurice before his show in Vancouver at Celebrities Nightclub.
The Interview
CR: Growing up, who were your biggest inspirations and how that impacted you as a producer?
MW: My biggest inspirations were the same names that got me into dance music, like Skrillex, Alesso, Hardwell, Avicii, Porter Robinson, Wolfgang Gartner, and Showtek. I have to say I’ve been listening to A LOT of different styles of music throughout my life so it’s definitely not just dance music that’s got me to the point where I’m at now.
CR: How are Canadians compared to the crowds in the rest of the world?
MW: Their energy is different. I play my set in a different way from when I play at European Festivals. It’s like I tell the same story but in a different order. The number one thing I noticed the last time I played here (last month) is that they love bass, which is perfect because so do I haha.
CR: What has been your most memorable event so far in your journey as a DJ/ Producer?
MW: Whenever I meet some of these huge DJs that I’ve been looking up to for so long, it still feels super special. These kinds of moments (together with the amazing shows I get to play) are the most memorable to me. I think deep down, I’m still a big EDM fanboy haha.
CR: I know DJs/ Producers travel with multiples of that one item, what is that item for you?
MW: Dongles. My bag is filled with these USB-C hubs for my Macbook because I produce music on the road.
CR: I know that there are two parts to be an artist in this industry, which one do you prefer more DJing or more producing?
MW: I get this question a lot and I don’t really think there is an answer to it that I could give you. They are two completely different things but are very well connected. I am a musician at heart and I started out with producing but most of the time when I’m making music I’m just on my own in the studio. The DJ part is where I get the opportunity to play the music I’ve been working on with an actual crowd and that part is so important to me as well.
CR: What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?
MW: I feel like tech-house and techno are huge right now but I’d love to hear more old school sample-based disco house and groovy stuff.
CR: What is that one must-have item on your rider list in the green room?
MW: Tequila
CR: Which Bigroom artist are you going to collaborate with next?
MW: There are a few really cool artists that I’m working with at the moment but I don’t want to spill the beans just yet!
CR: Since you are playing a Halloween show, what will you be for Halloween?
MW: A DJ.
CR: Any message for my followers that are trying to get into this industry?
MW: Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be weird. Don’t spend too much time trying to sound like other artists. Don’t play by the rules. Work your ass off. Have fun!: Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be weird. Don’t spend too much time trying to sound like other artists. Don’t play by the rules. Work your ass off. Have fun!
We cant wait to see what he has in store for 2020, until then check out his latest track “What The F?!