The youngest Italian DJ and producer, Mike 37, dropped by the Lee Jeans pop-up studio during the Nexus Lounge Amsterdam. He playfully hinted at his upcoming tunes and even treated everyone to an exceptional live rap performance!
At the young age of 11, the musical journey of Mike37, also known as Matteo Cantarello, kicked off in September 2017. He first graced the decks at local bars in his hometown, Alessandria, and eventually moved on to spin tracks at clubs across Northern Italy. His talent shone brightly when he clinched the title of Best Emerging DJ in the 2018 contest hosted by FIM (International Music Exhibition) and Pioneer DJ in Milan. Since then, Mike has delved into production as a self-taught artist.
Mike37’s studio endeavor bore fruit in the form of “Back in Time,” his debut single released under Just Entertainment. This track embodies the essence of progressive house-style dance, seamlessly blending an ethereal and melodious female vocal with a drop that evokes the grandeur of major festivals. With a debut track showcasing such innate production talent, there’s no doubt that he possesses all the ingredients needed to make it big in the music scene.
The now-17-year-old DJ actively participates in some of Italy’s most prominent electronic music festivals, including Reload, Nameless, and Wake Up. His motivation is clear: he seeks to enhance his skills and absorb valuable lessons from the industry’s finest DJs and producers worldwide. Through these experiences, he’s had the privilege of meeting and interacting with renowned figures like Justin Mylo, Firebeatz, Steve Aoki, Brooks, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Tchami. On the national front, he’s familiar with Merk & Kremont, Kharfi, Djs from Mars, and Marnik.
Despite his youth, ADE 2023 wasn't Mike's first experience at the event. "I first attended in 2019, and I was already DJing at that point," he reminisced, saying he now identifies more as a rapper. On top of that disclosure, he wowed the audience by showcasing his live-rapping skills, leaving everyone in awe.
In the interview, he playfully hinted at a major project in the works, revealing a new facet of his talent— a hip-hop album featuring his rap skills. This marks uncharted territory for him, and while the details about the record label are still in the works, anticipation is building for this exciting new musical venture.
Having immersed himself in music for nearly half his life, Mike37 reflected on how it served as a lifeline, pulling him out of challenging circumstances. “I think music is how I came out of the situation I’ve been in.” On a lighter note, he amusingly shared that if his pet, Lolly, could talk, she would probably demand to be fed.
To learn more about Mike 37, including the best prank he has ever done, listen to our full interview below!
