Interview, Mihai Popoviciu (RO)
It's always a great feeling to know that people all over the world know and play my music.
The idea to create the www.roomania.mk project was born under the influence of Romanian artists who produce electronic music. Their style is specific, minimalist and if you hear it from the right producers who know how to make it, that sound draws you into its sophistication. One of those producers is undoubtedly Mihai Popoviciu. What is impressive about his production is his uniqueness and stamp that have been there since the first releases and what characterizes it still to this day. If you truly listen to his music, you will recognize it in the sets of DJs who are spinning unreleased music. His discography seems to have no end and when you are listening to all his tracks, there is nothing that you will not like.
We will unabashedly label this event as exclusive, because it will sound exactly like that, with a guest who directly imposed this music on us to promote it here and get sympathy in the clubs around Macedonia.
Born in Sibiu, Romania, in the time on the fringes of the thriving European dance scene. Without clubs, record stores and dance culture, Mihai's dream of becoming an electronic artist seems distant. First he began producing and publishing, and then he started recording DJ mixes. His first release was in 2005 for International Deejay Gigolo, followed by releases for major labels such as Bondage, Highgrade, Poker Flat, Bedrock, Dessous and his own Cyclic label, founded in 2012.
Imagine a man who grew up watching nightclubs only on TV, now includes in his CV performances in the world's best clubs such as Berghain, Watergate in Berlin, Fabric and The Egg in London. The discotheques of Ibiza and many other clubs and festivals around the world.
Below, an interview with Mihai Popoviciu:
Hello Mihai and welcome for Roomania.mk. Let’s begin by telling us what was your first contact with music in general? What inspired you to make the transition to electronic music?
MP: Hello and thank you for having me! When I was a kid, I used to be (still am) a big fan of the legendary band "Queen". At the same time I was listening to mainstream dance music of the 90's. Slowly I got to discover underground electronic music and fell in love with it completely. My first contact with the cult underground electronic music was around 1995 with a mix CD from Laurent Garnier.
What is your recipe for a DJ mix? What is the difference between the sets you prepare for a radio show and the live sets in front of an audience?
MP: I don't usually prepare my sets when I play in front of an audience, I adjust to the way I feel the crowd and the environment. For radio shows I usually play deeper music.
Living life as a touring DJ is not just the parties. Can you share something on this topic? Something people do not know? What is life like "behind the scenes''?
MP: Heavy touring can be exhausting and a moderate lifestyle is a must because otherwise you burn out and lose focus. In my case I try to sleep as much as I can in between gigs. Touring also involves a lot of traveling and a lot of waiting so it is good to have a constructive way of spending time at airports and during flights.
Your contribution in the music scene is just amazing and seems like you are not slowing down. How do you manage your time to do all of that?
MP: During the covid lockdown I did a lot of original tracks and remixes. When things got back to normal this year, I began to tour again and I found less time to produce. However, I try to do some studio work while I am at home because producing is something that I love and need. The balance between touring, producing and family is super important.
After many years of hard work and dedication, how does it feel to look back and see all your accomplishments?
It's always a great feeling to know that people all over the world know and play my music. I feel grateful for this and consider myself very lucky being able to do what I love. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon because music is the thing that I feed my soul with.
This will be your first time performing in Skopje. What can the audience expect from your performance?
Nothing but groovy music and positive vibes!
Tickets will be sold at the entrance to the Epicenter club at a price of 400 denars. Be on time!! See you at the party!