Maki Meraki
is a Belgian artist, born in Kortrijk in the early 90s. He studied and lived in Antwerp for ten years and now lives in the Brussels capital region. His sound is a true symbiosis between the sound of the old school and the new melodic rhythms: connections and references, in a continuous game, between the raw disco rhythms and the melodic house, enriched by afro touches.
Maxi Meraki thus launches a new EP consisting of three tracks: “Hayibo”, “Now You Know”, and “Motea”.
For your new EP with Villahangar, what did you work on in terms of sound and inspiration? What is the atmosphere like? How did the project come about?
The tracks have been there for some time, but I have modified them a lot since I’ve tested them a few times during gigs. The Hayibo track had a complete make over since the original version and I must say I’m super looking forward to its release. The meaning of the South African Word is ‘unbelievable’; which is also the feeling you get when listening to the track. While ’Now You Know’ has been a classic in my sets lately, as the melodic vibe brings you almost to a higher level of happiness. The Motea track on the other hand is more the groove killer just going all the way in and doesn’t want to make you stop dancing and grooving in the club during the early hours in the morning.
How many and which tracks does the EP consist of? What can you tell us about the title of the EP and the titles of the tracks?
As mentioned before the 3 tracks all have a different meaning and vibe that they bring. Hayibo gives a ‘feeling of happiness’, NowYou Know ‘victory’ and Motea brings power as this word also literally means: ‘power through pleasure’.
How was your collaboration with Villahangar born? How did you get to know the label?
I’ve already followed the label and some of their incredible releases; for example, some of Matt Sawyer’s songs are great!
So, when the new demos were finished, I contacted the super supportive Chris from Villahangar and we reached an agreement for this amazing EP pretty fast! Also, I can’t wait for this EP to be released and hear everyone’s feedback on it!
You are the new Villahangar release: what prompted you to release your new EP here? Meaning, how much does the label’s DNA reflect your new project and which concept do you want to follow with this new EP?
The tracks they release are always spot on, bringing a consistent quality of melodic music! Also, the weekly podcasts are something I’ve been playing and following for some time now.
Where you were born, where you raised and where do you live?
I was born in Kortrijk (Belgium), to later study and live in Antwerp for 10 years. Now I live in the capital region Brussels!
How would you define your musical style today? And were there any differences with the past, an evolution over time?
I would describe my musical taste now as a mixture of raw disco rhythms and melodic house. I’ve always been a fan of those classic series from the 80s with bright tones. Now I still like them, try mixing them with melodic (afro) house sounds!
What music do you listen to when you take off your DJ headset?
Do I really have to answer this question? (Haha) It depends a bit on the mood and on where I am; at home, in the car, at the office… I mostly start my morning routine with some Ibiza Global Radio, then in the afternoon with some disco or melodic house sets from the 70s and in the evening when I cook or with friends sometimes we put some classy jazz songs by Peaky Blinders.
Your artists / DJs / producers of reference?
The Dj’s and producers I’ve been following close by lately are: Black Coffee, Echonomist and the guys from Keinemusik.
What are your plans for the present and the immediate future?
First of all, I can’t wait for the release of my EP at your record label VillaHangar. I tested the tracks a lot on sets and mixtapes and they always work. So, I can’t wait for them to be released too! I’m also working on a lot of new music and of course a lot of time is being invested in our wonderful Voodoo Village festival that will take place from 10th to 11th September!
Speaking of releases, what were your most recent projects, which are the current ones and those of the nearest future?
The most recent was my release for the Suprematic label. Before that I founded my own label called “Promised Land Records” with which I just released my first release. The next release will also be on this label somewhere at the end of May!
And which labels have you worked with?
Just to name a few: Nervous records, Future Disco, SUDAM Recordings, ARTWRK, Suprematic and True Romance by German Dj Tensnake’s.
What can you tell us specifically about your releases with the Sudam and Nervous Records labels? What do you think about the style of these labels and what you can tell us about your experience with these labels?
Sudam really is a label that is emerging and growing with every release! Waiting for what the future of Jonathan’s (Dj Kintar) label will bring. Then the Nervous label has been there for a long time and is known for some incredible releases!
What do you think of the Belgian music scene? What do you think are the differences with the rest of the Europe?
The club scene is no longer what it used to be; of course, we still have many famous artists. While clubs tend to be more commercial, our events and festivals bring together many DJs and talents in the more melodic and underground house scene! We hope for more in the near future!
What evolution do you think electronic music is experiencing on the international scene?
Obviously, there is a change in the genres and artists that come with these genres. However, I am very happy that even female artists like Chloé Caillet and the South African talent Desiree have the chance to start influencing people with their musical tastes; how difficult this (musical) world can be!
How was your winter? Do you have dj sets planned at the moment for the present and the future?
For this 2022 year I’ll be happy to be playing again at some festivals. To name 2 in Belgium: the tenth anniversary of Extrema Outdoor in June and our Voodoo village will be a memorable edition next September.
