We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Louis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.

Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Sometimes from an outsider’s perspective, DJ’s are classified as button pushers. People think that playing someone else’s music doesn’t require skill or finesse. In reality, the talents of a DJ expand well beyond the execution. We go through hours upon hours of music prep and downloading. We curate playlists for specific atmosphere’s that provide unique experiences (example: hotel pools, lounges, nightclubs, weddings, retail, corporate). Most handle their own bookkeeping, scheduling, social media, and flyer design. We’re truly a jack of all trades in an industry that is evolving quicker than most professions. It’s up to us to stay current with the newest artists and the latest tech in order to not get left behind. If I’m able to get one message across this interview for your readers, it’s that DJ’s definitely deserve their flowers. Especially one’s who’ve been able to sustain a solid work ethic through decades of gigs.

Mike, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well for starters, my name is Mike Louis. I’m a DJ that’s been involved in the South Florida nightlife industry for the last 17 years. I graduated Florida Atlantic University in 2008 with the expectation to get into law enforcement (like my father) but it wasn’t until I was gifted some DJ equipment from an older fraternity brother (Thank you Jordan Sternberg) that I felt I truly found my passion. Over the years I’ve developed amazing relationships with my clients that have put me in the position of holding prominent residencies between South Beach and West Palm. I pride myself at always being on time, always being prepared in case of an issue (whether social or technical), and making great connections with management and staff.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding thing is having the freedom to make your own schedule. The ability to be able to go on a trip without having to check sick days or go through management approval (like most nine to five’s) can really help the creative process during stressful times. Sometime’s it’s important to do a reset. Get away (from work) for a little and get inspired. I love going through these cycles that relight the fire inside of me to innovate and elevate my craft.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One thing I find extremely helpful that has impacted me when handling some of the stressful parts of the profession is listening to like-minded podcasts. I have three that I turn to during these moments (MIA Radio, The Road Podcast, MyFavoriteDJ The Podcast) to remind me that whether you are small local DJ, or a traveling headliner, we all deal with similar conflicts. When you hear your peers experiencing some of the same things you do, it gives off a sense of comradery. Listening to these has also helped me deal with future clients by using someone’s past experience with a patron or manager and applying that to my current operations today. .

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itsmikelouis.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsmikelouis
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsmikelouis
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/itsmikelouis
• Other: www.mixcloud.com/itsmikelouis

Image Credits
Brett Sylvia Photography & Forever Current