MIKEY LION is a US DJ, producer and one of the founders of the Desert Hearts label and festival across the pond.
Since the early days of his career back in 2012, Lion has risen as one of the most formative participants in the electronic music scene within the US. As with most artists over the past year, Mikey found new ways of reaching fans across the globe and has connected with them virtually.
He is set to share his ‘For The Love’ album on June 4, a body of art that he’s been tentatively working towards for the past eight years. Check out the latest single Do or Die, a collaboration with Sacha Robotti from the album below.
In celebration of the imminent release of the album, Mikey has shared this exclusive playlist of inspirational music with us.
Wu-Tang Clan – Protect Ya Neck
“My first true love for music was the Wu-Tang Clan. I never knew how much I could love music before I listened to Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers. After that, I was a certified hip-hop head which led to me buying my first pair of turntables. Protect Ya Neck is one of my favorite songs of all time because it’s Wu-Tang at their most raw and full of youth.”
Daft Punk – Live @ Coachella 2006
“This isn’t a specific track but it’s the live concert that changed my life. Coachella 2006 was my first festival and Daft Punk – Live @ Coachella was the first time I’d ever heard house music. At that moment I went from being a hip-hop DJ to an aspiring house DJ who knew what I wanted to do with my life. I don’t know where I’d be in the world had it not been for Daft Punk.”
Four Tet – Planet
“Four Tet is one of my musical heroes at the moment and this track, Planet, is a perfect example of why. I’ve always loved how cerebral and emotional his music is, especially the dance tracks he makes. He’s got a style all on his own and I’m inspired every time I listen to his music.”
Quasimoto – Astro Black
“Quasimoto is the ultra-creative alter-ego of hip hop producer and rapper, Madlib. To me, this is some of the most creative music imaginable. Madlib spent so much time in the studio alone that he created an alter ego that he could rap back and forth to. The result of such isolation is Quasimoto, who can say and do all the things Madlib can’t. It’s pure creativity that I always come back to.”
Maribou State – Steal
“Maribou State is one of my favorite bands at the moment and their live shows match the emotional energy you can feel through their albums. This song in particular is incredible with the vocalist Holly Walker going off and putting everything out there. If you’re not on to Maribou State yet, I can’t recommend them enough.”
Modest Mouse – Doin The Cockroach
“The first 4 Modest Mouse albums are indie masterpieces in my eyes. Doin The Cockroach is the most high-energy song on their 2nd album, The Lonesome Crowded West, and to me it exemplifies the angst they felt growing up self-proclaimed, White Trash. Their music is the personification of the middle of the country, Americana.”
Mikey Lion – Above The Clouds
“Above The Clouds is the first single off my upcoming album, For The Love. I’ve been working on this album for the last couple of years and it’s a culmination of all the things I’ve learned and loved about dance music since taking the leap to DJ professionally 9 years ago. Above The Clouds is what I imagine House Heaven sounds and feels like.”
Crazy P – Stop Space Return
“Crazy P has always represented the perfect blend of house, disco and funk and their track Stop Space Return is such a gem. This is the live version of it which does a great job capturing how good these guys are live.”
LCD Soundsystem – Someone Great
“LCD Soundsystem is pretty much my favorite band these days. Their albums and live shows have inspired me for years. This song, Someone Great, can bring me to tears when I’m in the mood. Fun fact: LCD Soundsystem actually started as a band to spite The Rapture for leaving DFA Records. Gotta love that.”
Kurt Vile – Baby’s Arms featuring The Sadies
“Kurt Vile is one of the best musical discoveries I’ve found in the last 5 years. There’s just something so laid back and soothing to his music. I’ve always thought of him as a modern-day Tom Petty fusing psychedelic rock with indie and folk-rock. His albums are all amazing but this song is especially a treat.”
