Dutch multi-instrumentalist M-High returns to PIV with a sensational EP remixing American deep house legend Jovonna.
M-High started in 2019 and despite a break in clubs, it has established itself as one of the most exciting young artists in Europe. With releases already on high-profile labels like Whoyostro and Blind Visions, and concerts just starting to appear, including our stage at the BPM Festival in Costa Rica, M-High is a name you’ll hear more and more.

The opening of the EP with the title track “By My Side”, wonderful deep bass and lively percussion moves from the beginning. Rhodes ’voice and lines hit half the pressure and vibrate on the dance floor. In remixes, frontman Body N ’Deep Jovonn sets the classic vision of New Jersey and turns the original into a bit of studio dominance.

We have had the pleasure of talking to M-High, and this has been the result.

Hey Marijn, can you tell us who is M-High?

Hey! M-High is a moniker of me, Marijn. I play and make music under the name M-High. I’m 22 years old and currently living in my hometown Utrecht. I study music and I work as the A&R and Label manager for PIV.

For those that aren’t familiar, can you share your biggest career achievement so far?

I think that would be getting booked for Fabric and BPM in Costa Rica. Music wise I think having Disclosure pick one of my previous releases for their DJ kicks album!

How does it feel to be a part of the PIV family? Do you play many of their events and stages around Europe?

It’s amazing to be part of PIV. It’s so nice how I see so many familiar faces when I play at one of our parties. We have a strong fanbase that supports our music and events to the max! PIV takes me to a lot of cool places, London, Leeds, Costa Rica, you name it. I’m very grateful to be a part to say the least.

How is the music scene living in your city with this murky pandemic situation?

Well, things are slowly getting better. But before that it mostly was home parties. I guess you get used to it. We usually just put down a DJ set in someone’s living room and made the best of it. Of course, we (the producers) had a lot of free time to make music during that “Free” time, so it wasn’t all bad.

Have you had more time to focus on making music, spending time with your family, or planning future projects?

I can even say that the pandemic really helped my career. I know that sounds weird, let me explain. Of course, every artist wants to DJ, and before the pandemic I had some gigs, but not too many. During the pandemic I had the time to develop my sound and send it to everyone that could help me. I think those people wouldn’t have had the time to check out my music if they were busy with touring and stuff. So, in that sense it even helped my career.

What are your favourite places to party in your hometown?
In my hometown Basis and Was, but in Amsterdam (which is 25 minutes away from my home) I love to go to the usual suspects like Bret, Marktkantine and Shelter.

Tell us about ‘By My Side’ – it’s a very upbeat release. What motivates you to produce this kind of music?

Well, I always want to make music that works on the dancefloor. Adding a drum break to a four to the flour kick pattern gives you this really nice groove that always works in the club. You should try it.

As for your studio, what is your setup currently made of? And what was used on this EP?

I work in FL Studio and for live stuff in Ableton. I use the E-Mu Orbit a lot. Next to that I have my Korg volca sampler, I love how the EQ gives all the sample this really gritty sound. Combined with some other sampler such at the Electribe but also a 303. For the chords in by my side I used a Korg M1.

What’s the one item you’ll never get rid of, no matter what?

My ears! It’s not about the gear, it’s about listening and tweaking until it sounds perfect to YOU. Persistence is key!

What was the last record store you visited and what did you buy there?

I think it was Seawolf in Amsterdam. I got 95 Noth – Make me feel there. Love that one! Still waiting for the perfect moment to play that one somewhere.

Finally, where can we see you play next?

Next up for the coming week for me: The Groove B2B Prunk, Mystic Garden B2B Kreutziger, HRFST Festival in my hometown and our PIV Showcase in Amsterdam! After that of course ADE.

https://www.pivrecords.com/shows/#
Thanks guys!