Smithmonger & Mikito - Mojo - Menu Music

When did you guys first start making music and what made you want to produce?

Mike: I started making music in 1999, I decided to start writing because I was bored of hearing every other dj playing the same tunes on the circuit in ibiza, which is ultimately where I have lived for the past 12 years. I have been inspired by artists throughout my life within the scene, and I have had the pleasure in making so many friends who are all dj’s, who are extremely talented and passionate about music.

Paul: I kicked it off in 1996. I bought a heap of equipment to record my jazz band and ended up making techno. I was attracted to the ability to make a whole tune without having to rely on anyone else.

What was it like having former radio 1 DJ Judge Jules play one of your tracks?

It was a very exciting time for us both. It was not the fact that it was played by jules, but more how it all came to be….When writing the track we needed some inspiration and we felt we were a little stuck with the direction of the track, so we decided to go out for some downtime. We ended up in space, ibiza. We must have been there for no more than 1 hour until I heard a bassline and we rushed straight back and I played it….It was the one we were looking for….We nailed the lyrics and within 24 hours it was made. This was on thursday….I then got back stage on the radio one show, handed jules the disc (you can do this in ibiza), and the following day it was played….We had no idea this would happen. The following day we had 7 labels wanting to sign us. Through the excitement of it all, we finished a brand new track within 24 hours, which still to this day we have never shared with anybody. The most amazing thing I can say from Jules playing our track was the fact it hit number 3 in the charts, remained there for 16 weeks, played at festivals, and people would call us from the most random of places around the world asking us for the track.

What styles do you like to produce in? Do you prefer to stick to one Sound or do you like to dabble?

We love producing house, techno, breaks, and down tempo. Vocals are the glue. The mixes speak for themselves. They are all very different. We love them all.

Is this the first time you have worked together?

We’ve worked together on a heap of tunes over the years and had some amazing times living in ibiza and partying hard. Such an awesome place.

How did you get involved with menu music?

We’ve hooked up with Menu Music because of Jay and Terry. They are so passionate and were into every mix. We knocked a few tables back to work with Menu. The exposure alone will be worth it. The tunes are at a great home.

Tell us a bit about your upcoming release for the label?

The tracks give every element you need in the club, the drops, bass lines, the catchy lyrics… Winner. We’ve tried to cross some boundaries with the mixes.

Any final mentions?

Yeah loving it, we are with the right team and looking forward to the release

“Mojo” is available to pre order here

https://soundcloud.com/alksjdakljslkdjalksjdlak
https://www.facebook.com/smithmonger

https://www.facebook.com/mydjmikito
https://soundcloud.com/freedom-chime

Smithmonger & Mikito Interview