La Mishka label head and Russian organic house producer Maxxim has had a busy few years, being noted as one of the best-selling house producers on Beatport. The producer charted at the top of their Organic House chart with his track ‘Lagoona’ which was released via Anjunadeep. The track was written during the lockdown period and was inspired by the club scene and energy that was dearly missed. Today we are thrilled to present an exclusive mix from Maxxim, showcasing his specialty – house music. Light on the ears with its minimal details, Maxxim still executes an engaging display.
Enjoy Maxxim’s organic flow below:
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
From early childhood, I lived for music. In the post-Soviet space, the appearance of electronic music in Russia looked like avant-garde. Holding my first rave parties in the late ’90s and early 2000s, I did not lose my love for music, but on the contrary, I realized that I would be doing this all my life. For me, music is a science, an art, a craft, and a language that I speak.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Sometimes the idea of a new track appears organically, sometimes it’s a long-lasting emptiness when there is not the slightest idea to hook on.
But I believe that the very thing is born in the void like the way it happened with my track ‘Lagoona’. There was a lockdown, I had no performances, many gigs were cancelled, complete isolation. At that very moment I reflected on the world without borders and my distant travels, white sands, endless ocean-this is how ‘Lagoona’ was born, which came out on Anjunadeep and became a bestseller on Beatport Organic House!
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Yes, and quite often. At the moment, we are in the process of creating a new track with a vocalist. For me it’s a new experience, up to this point, my music was mostly without vocals.
And a year ago, on my label La Mishka the ‘Thee Ain’ a track with DJ & producer BluePaper from Saudi Arabia was released. It is groovy, ethnic, plunging into the atmosphere of heat, dunes, and Arabian nights.
What’s on your current playlist?
Krasa Rosa – Solnce, Talemates – ‘Gandalf & Hobbits (Amonita Remix)’, Deepness & Ignacio Berardi – ‘Rise (Instrumental Version)’, Makebo & Amonita – Matangi, Le’Gram – ‘Arabesque (Maxxim Remix)’ , Joantan Bäckelie – ‘Let Me Be Your Darkness (Ten Walls Remix)’, Oppaacha – Speak Easy, Moscoman & Kadosh (IL) – ‘Free You (feat. Stereo MC’s) (Super Flu Remix)’, Nobe – Du monde céleste, Mau Maioli – ‘Prunch (TouchTalk Remix)’.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
This chemistry is what I live for and create music for. It is the feeling of one stream, one wave with people at a party that is real magic. But, probably, the maximum level of happiness is when you put your track on, and everyone around starts turning on Shazam.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
A day in the studio usually turns into a week in the studio for me. We write, we discuss, we drink a lot of coffee, then we write again, then we redo it! Producing, at times, can be mechanical work; painstaking, meticulous, which takes away all internal resources. It also often happens that at the mastering, I rush and start redoing everything. I’m sure many producers will understand!
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
As for me, each person at different stages comes to such reflections. Such is life, and a creative person is always dissatisfied with something, always in search, filled with emotions. Even in difficult situations, the answer comes by itself. Yes, music is my skill, it is an integral part of my life, it is my craft and I love it.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
A Macallan, 12 years old.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Krasa Rosa, Talemates, Oppaacha, Indie Elephant.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
New music for sure. I receive a lot of promo for my label La Mishka, it inspires me, that so many young producers create real party bombs – beautiful music.
Travelling and gigs. My latest Indian tour overfilled me with impressions. It’s an endless stream of happiness when you realize that people from another part of the world know and admire your music.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
My main tech gear is an ADAM Audio A5x, ADAM Audio S3V, Antelope Audio Zen Tour, Arturia KeyLab 25, Denon DJ HP1100, Sennheiser HD650. Software: Ableton Live 11, Hybrid, Modo Bass, Vengeance, All Native Instruments (Kontakt, Massive, etc.), U-he Diva, FabFilter (all), etc.
Any side projects you’re working on?
No, just Maxxim.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
25 years in djing and producing is a great experience, I’m always in a stream with the whole music industry.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
New releases on top labels like Anjunadeep.
Famous last words?
Just be positive, I don’t mean Covid+, I mean be kind.
Follow Maxxim:
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Soundcloud / Beatport
