Legendary DJ and producer Maceo Plex, a true icon of the electronic music world, has spent over three decades pushing the boundaries of house, techno, and electro. Known for his genre-defying sets, he continues to shape the global dance music scene with his innovative sound. Recently, Maceo Plex introduced his highly anticipated third album, ’93’, at Roxy Prague. The album, a celebration of his 30-year journey, features collaborations with artists like Diplo and Oscar and the Wolf, blending a wide range of genres to create a future-facing, genre-spanning masterpiece.
Interview with Maceo Plex:
I’m sitting backstage at Roxy Prague with Maceo Plex. How are you?
Very good, very good. I just got here about two hours ago, and I wish I could come to Prague more often. It’s been beautiful so far.
It’s been 10 years already since your last show so how does it feel to be back and bringing your newest album 93 back to Roxy?
93, it celebrates 30 years of making music and DJing and stuff, so I feel old, but not today. I feel young today. It feels great that people still want to hear my music in different parts of Europe and around the world, places I don’t get to visit very often. I’m happy to be here.
As you mentioned, 93 reflects actually three decades on the music scene of your career. So how does it reflect your journey?
The way it reflects my journey is that it incorporates a bit of every sound I like. There’s everything from hip-hop to drum and bass, to house and techno. It’s eclectic, but I didn’t intentionally plan it that way—it just came naturally. I make music every day and see where it fits or where it doesn’t. It was a great way to celebrate 30 years, but now I’m ready to move forward. I’ve got new material coming that I haven’t talked about yet. Tonight, we’re celebrating this, and next time, hopefully, when you invite me back, I’ll play the new stuff.
30 years on the scene, it must be hard to stay inspired. So how do you keep your sound fresh?
That’s a good question. Staying inspired comes from not listening to haters and observing how the younger generations approach making music and DJing. They don’t have the same history, so when they hear music, it’s completely new to them. Their fresh ideas are crucial for people like me to find inspiration because after hearing so much, it’s easy to lose balance and creativity. So, I get inspiration from young people, my gigs, and the cities I visit.”
Maceo Plex at Roxy Prague in Photos
If you could travel back in time, what would you advise to younger Maceo Plex?
Don’t go to after parties, stay focused, enjoy being heard, or enjoy getting your music out there and only concentrating on the pure reason why I do this. Do this not for money, not for fame. Young Maceo Plex was like, yeah, I’m famous now, motherfuckers. Fuck you. But I wouldn’t do it again, yeah. There are some regrets.
Is there anything that you can share with us that’s in your schedule? Are there any special projects or any special performances in front of you?
Tomorrow’s Brunch Electronik in Paris is one of my favorite parties, by the way. And then Circoloco on Monday—that’s my weekend. Oh my god, I don’t even know where I’m going after that! Oh, right, I’m heading to Lima, Peru. But what’s ahead for me is just more music. I have a new album deal—I can’t say with which label yet, but it’s a big one. The album features more vocalists, some at a pop level, but they’re people interested in working within the underground scene. I can offer more underground sounds, and they bring in pop-like lyrics and vocals. I’m not supposed to say anything else beyond that.”
Is there any message that you would like to share with your fans in the Czech Republic and with Loudlife readers?
To my fans in the Czech Republic, thank you for being so amazing and beautiful, for listening to my music, and for welcoming me to your country to share what I love! I appreciate you having me!
Listen to Maceo Plex Music:
About Maceo Plex
Born in Miami to first generation Cuban Immigrants, he grew up in one of America’s most vibrant cities, where everyone has a little bit of rhythm in their DNA. As a young man he naturally took to music, becoming obsessed with IDM, Techno, and Breaks as he worked his way into Miami’s legendary party scene. His older brother a professional dancer would expose a young Plex, to the break-beat and electro scene in Miami. This futuristic music & hip style combined with his latin roots would plant the seeds for his ever-evolving sound. Moving to Dallas, in the early 90’s he continued to develop his love for electronic music.
Consumed with his new passion he would buy his first piece of production gear a MPC drum machine by saving his earning as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. Maceo, known as Eric Entity, at the time would start building his global audience during the late 90’s rave boom. Dallas would serve as the stomping grounds to his professional carrier in dance music where he performed under his live performance alias Maetrik. It would not be until 2010 that the Maceo Plex identity would be realized after he and his wife moved to Valencia, Spain leaving all they have known behind them in search of something more. Maceo Plex stands head and shoulders above the crowded field of DJs & producers thanks to his genuine love of music and his uncanny ability to create something new & unique. He has already entered rarified air and is showing no signs of slowing down, as he continues to push his music in new directions and take his performance to new heights. Though many chapters have been written the story is far from over.
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