DEADMAU5: Taking Over From the Underground

DEADMAU5 (pronounced DEAD MOUSE) is a Grammy-nominated electronic artist known for his unique sound, unique stage performance, and even more unique attire.  Please do not refer to DEADMAU5 as a DJ. He is not a DJ. For one, he DOES NOT USE TURNTABLES OR CDs. For another, look at his setup on YouTube.com and you will know that he simply does not belong in the DJ category at all. He is an innovator in the genre and should be respected as such.  He plays to thousands and thousands of people while wearing a giant head of a mouse with bug eyes and a smile so happy it’s almost sinister.  In 2008 he was the most-selling artist on Beatport.com with more than 30,000 digital downloads with his singles Not Exactly, Faxing Berlin, and Ghosts N Stuff  
On May 1, 2008, Deadmau5 became the most awarded producer/remixer of the Beatport Music Awards. He was named “Most influential, forward-thinking and relevant person” by Beatport.  He was also named “Producer of 2007” by DJ magazine’s 2007 Top 100 winner Armin van Buuren, and by runner up Tiësto. In 2008, he placed number 11 in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll, tying Infected Mushroom for the highest new entry in the poll’s history, showing DEADMAU5’ fast rise to prominence. Later, DEADMAU5’ collaboration with Kaskade, Move for Me, reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Dance Airplay chart.  In 2009, he was nominated for Grammy Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix) by Morgan Page featuring Lissie.  And most recently, his alias was used for a radio station in an upcoming Nintendo DS game, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars.  Needless to say, it wasn’t easy getting ahold of Mr. MAU5, but as I always say “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Enjoy another MAG-X-CLUSIVE with DEADMAU5! Remember to keep reading MAGX, and if you have anyone you’d like to see in the magazine, email me to frank@magxonline.com.  OH YEAH….Did I mention he has a band with TOMMY LEE called WTF!?

-Frank X!

Within the last 2 years, you have toured the world, collaborated with some of the best in electronic music, and even had to time to attend the Grammy’s (nominated for best electronic song), What do you do to keep things fresh?
Well, some studio time would be nice!

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
WOW! I have been so lucky I have had so many now.  But playin’ in Creamfields, Argentina was just INSANE! All the awards have meant a lot. as well.

Do you happen to have any pre-show rituals?
Yes, I’m just quiet and like to be in my dressing room to gather my thoughts.

How was it working with Tommy Lee and DJ Aero?
We are really good friends and spending time at Tommy’s making music was great. We are now both so busy. I think we will find it difficult to make more music, but we will try.

What does Deadmau5 like to do on his time off?
I just like being in the studio and making music.

How does it feel to have fans that will go to the extent of tattooing the Mau5 on their bodies, and even making their own versions of the Mau5head?
It’s just crazy.  I love it and we have now started a section on my website just so we can put there pictures there.
You seem to be in a league of your own when it comes to the electronic music industry. Explain to us the ingredients in making your amazing original sound.

Now that would be giving you my secrets.  Just know that I have  worked hard at building my studio and on how to make my sound.

Your live setup is very unique replacing traditional turntables and CDJs for Ableton Live and the touch screen Lemur. How do you feel this setup defers from using the old-school approach?

Well, for a start, no CDs. This setup allows to do so much more when playing live.  I’m able to mix and re-mix on the fly.

What’s been your favorite show so far?

CREAMFILEDS, ARGENTINA. I had 65,000 people chanting my name!

Tell us about your signature Deadmau5 helmets. There have been many styles. Are there any ideas that could possibly top the sound activated color changing eyes?

There is a very special one being built for this summer, but I can’t say any more about that right now, but be on the look out for it.

What is your favorite food on the road?

SUSHI…AND MORE SUSHI

What is to be expected at a Deadmau5 show?

Great visuals and amazing music.

Tell us about your experience at the Grammys. How does it feel to go up against groups like Justice and to know your music is relevant in today’s society?

It’s amazing to be nominated along with those guys.

My favorite track is definitely The Reward is Cheese. What has been your favorite track to create so far?

That’s a tough question.  Maybe Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff because I made it in a hotel room in London for Pete Tong as I was going to be on his shot that weekend.

What are your plans for 2009 as far as touring and music production?

Touring all over the world again and a new mix album for the end of the year.

You have collaborated with producers such as Adam K and vocalist Sydney Blu to create very epic and moving music. How has it been to put your touch on songs such as the Grammy nominated I Remember?

I like to work with other people and singers.

If this interview takes place, you will be featured on our May issue alongside Dragonforce and Papa Roach, how does it feel to be alongside artists of another genre?

That’s great because it means I’m not being put in a box like other electronic performers.

Lastly, what kind of breakfast cereal does Deadmau5 enjoy?
Just this morning in the airport lounge in Toronto I had Rice Krispies! MAU5 X