Dutch DJ Mike Williams stopped by the G-Shock pop-up studio at the Nexus Lounge in Amsterdam. In our exclusive interview, Williams gave a sneak peek into his life and experience at ADE and shared personal views that shape his journey in the constantly evolving music industry.
DJ Mike Williams, whose real name is Mike Willemsen, started his music career at a young age. The lively dance music scene in the Netherlands inspired him to test his capability, and he began trying out music production and DJing during his teenage years. Undoubtedly, his natural talent and devoted efforts swiftly propelled him toward fame.
Over time, DJ Mike Williams has launched numerous hit tracks that have made a lasting impact on the EDM scene. His popular releases such as “Bambini,” “Wait Another Day,” and “I Got You” have not only become festival favorites but have also gained significant airplay on radio, solidifying Mike Williams’ reputation as a music sensation.
However, it was in the 2020 pandemic that Mike Williams reached new heights. He explained, "Grilliams started during the COVID times. I was making cooking videos together with music. And it was a lot of fun. And people made fun memes of me, me being in the kitchen. And I was like, 'What if we actually have a restaurant, like a Mike Williams restaurant, where people can attend.'" What began as a lighthearted pastime transformed into an unexpected venture, leading to the conception of a restaurant. Initially sparked during the pandemic, this idea became a reality at ADE last year. Collaborating with Hotel Arena, the Grilliams Restaurant successfully hosted 120 guests!
This year, the fusion of cooking and music continued as Mike Williams made a triumphant return to the Amsterdam Dance Event. On October 21st, Mike showcased his talents not only in the kitchen but also behind the DJ decks. Reflecting on the significance of his solo show, “Storylines,” Mike Williams revealed, “Storylines has such a deep meaning behind it; everyone has their own story. All the DJs, all the artists, they all started somewhere. I think it’s cool during the show to see that journey and see it through the visuals, depicting where people came from and what they’ve done in the past.”
Like many DJs in the industry, Mike Williams also faces the relentless pace of a hectic schedule. At times, he finds himself wishing he could stop time. “Sometimes when I get home and I’m trying to process everything, you try to stop the time and look back on everything that happened. But it’s very difficult because you’re on this train. It just keeps going and going. But it’s a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong,” he reflected on the whirlwind nature of his career.
Nonetheless, Mike Williams continues to deliver catchy melodies, high-energy performances, and commitment to his craft. As he creates and shares his music with the world, EDM fans can look forward to more infectious beats and memorable moments from this rising star.
To learn more about Mike Williams, including three people he would go to dinner with, listen to our full interview below!
