by Kristian Hernandez

If you’re itchy then scratch! Mixmaster Mike got his initial itch growing up in San Francisco listening to his Uncle’s vinyl collection. Coming home from school, Mike was constantly welcomed by the sounds of an eclectic collection, which definitely affected the way he listened to music. But, it was catching Grandmaster DST on stage with Herbie Handcock that ultimately defined his career path.

With his newfound love of Hip-Hop and his interest in scratching, Mike got involved in the mobile DJ business, playing house parties and weddings – some for as little as $30 just so he could get the experience and the exposure. It was one of those parties that he met Richard Quitevis aka Q-BERT. Q-BERT wasnt a DJ at the time, but was so impressed with Mikes set up that it had the same effect on him as watching Grandmaster DST did for Mike.
The two friends entered many competitions, including the DMC, in which both have won a number of times. Shortly thereafter, friends and fellow Turntablists, Apollo, D-Styles, Shortkut joined Mike and Q-Bert to form the INVISIBL SKRATCH PIKLZ the most influential and recognisable Turntablist crew in history.
Mike eventually propelled to the next level meeting with the BEASTIE BOYS. They met at the Rock Steady anniversary jam in NYC and exchanged numbers. Mike would often leave crazy scratch messages on their phones. The BEASTIE BOYS requested Mikes services and after a week of recording they asked him to become their resident DJ.
The new millennium brought more amazing things for Mike, after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for the advancement or the turntable as a musical instrument; Mike dropped his EP that had brilliant reviews. He then signed to Moonshine to produce his first ever-mixed CD.

InTheMix: Now lets talk SPIN PSYCLE its your first ever mixed CD why now? Any inspirations? Themes?
MMM: Ive always been the one to put out original music, so I decided release a mix CD because Im always making tapes or CDs for when Im riding in my truck, my own personal mixes .So SPIN PSYCLE is just a mix that I did to share with everybody wether theyre doing their laundry or theyre taking long drives, or whatever. They can pop it in and just snap their necks
What CDs have you got in your truck right now?
MMM: Right now? As we speak I got Sellacoohie Expensive Shit; I got Public Enemy It Takes a Nation of Million Hmmmmm and I got Led Zeppelin Three the track Immigrant song thats my song, thats my beat!
Do you have any interesting hobbies or pastimes that the average fan doesnt know about?
MMM: Besides record shopping, digging for beats, making beats, scratching and doing shows I like to go snowboarding, bowling or any out door stuff. I just like to get away from the clubs sometimes
Any good luck charms?
MMM : Hmmmm … Id say my girlfriend.
Favourite pair of shoes?
MMM: Adidas Skywalkers
Every time I see you perform or in a photo youre always wearing some kind of sporting jersey … why’s that?
MMM: Thats my thing, sometimes Im on stage and you see me with a San Francisco 49s jersey thats like my home team. As far a basketball goes I like the Sacramento Kings and Baseball its the San Fran Giants!
Have you got any mottos?
MMM: I guess with my music I like to liven up all the dead space in the world with hypnotic alien moon beats.
It goes 3 MCs and one DJ now if you were able to flip it and have 3 DJs and one MC who would they be?
MMM : My self, Q-Bert and Shortkut and the Mc would be Ammmmm . Jimmi Hendrix
Lets do a word association. Say the first thing that comes in your head ok?
MMM: cool!
Australia
M: Hopping like a kangaroo
Food
M: Thai
Philippines
M:Mt. Pinatubo
Bin Laden
M: Dead duck
CD
M: Miles Davis
Dance
M: Boogaloo
Hip Hop
M: Kool Herc
Turntablism
M: A word that the media made up.

Courtesy Kristian Hernandez and Scene Magazine, Queensland.

The first ever DJ mixed CD from Mix Master Mike is available on Moonshine records at all wicked record stores, distributed throughout Australia by Stomp/EQ. There’s no mouse clicking allowed on this CD, just two turntables, mixer, eclectic beats and Mix Master Mike. What more could you want?