THE TAKE 5 SERIES
MAKJ
MAKJ is an American DJ best known for “Party Till We Die,” a 2016 single featuring singer Andrew W.K. and DJ Timmy Trumpet. Many listeners worldwide have jumped to the beat of this song: it has a hundred million streams across music sharing platforms. A golden milestone of success for any DJ, MAKJ was featured on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll in 2014 and 2015, as #63 and #83, respectively.
It’s not just his music that’s traveled across the world––as a teenager, MAKJ spent several years living in China, pursuing a career as a professional race car driver. Music lovers can be grateful that MAKJ decided to trade in the wheels for the records, or else we wouldn’t have EDM tracks like “Shakalaka,” a 2018 collaboration with Steve Aoki, Deorro, and Max Styler.
This DJ has rocked the deck for millions of festival goers: since 2013, he’s been performing at large festivals such as Coachella, Electric Zoo, and TomorrowWorld––for the latter, he was front and center as a main stage act.
His latest release is “Promises,” a single released with Armada earlier this year.
To learn more about MAKJ, including the craziest thing he’s ever done, read our interview with him below:
Q: Before we dig in, tell us about your latest project.
Ohhhh what a great question. I’m a breakfast type of guy. So I do this classic twist on an American style breakfast. Includes crispy has browns, “the shredded diner style ones.” 2 sunny side up eggs, sliced cured salmon, half of an avocado, side micro green and dill salad, 2 pieces of toast. Call me chef MAKKJJJJ
Q: What’s the last song you listened to that’s not yours?
I vary rarely listen to my own music. Def Leopard.
Q: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done and would you do it again?
So I got my solo skydiving license last year and I’ve upgraded my life insurance to now be able to base jump. Im stupid but its fun.
Q: If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
This one is easy, are aliens real and whats at Area 51. I live in Nevada “Las Vegas,” so this question is close to home…..literally.
Q: If you could choose any two famous people to have dinner with who would they be?
Matthew Mcconaughey…why? This guy literally is the definition of “whiskey philosopher wisdom.” He’s the guy you find sitting at a bar reading the newspaper and knowing every single answer to life in a weird bumper sticker quote.
Q: Where's the first place you going to travel to, once the world reopens?
Back home, I depressingly haven’t seen my parents in 1.5 years. So home. Home is San Luis Obispo CA.
Q: If aliens landed on earth tomorrow and offered to take you home with them, would you go?
YUP, then ask where my dog went 24 years ago. This is my thing about aliens. To them, we are bunch of chimps with nuclear weapons.
Q: Do you sing in the shower? What track do you sing that your fans won’t guess?
I sing while using the toilet. It helps.
Q: And finally, what’s on your Netflix watch list?
The Phenomenon “great Doc on Aliens.”
