Mars curiosity

MANILA, Philippines - Tattoo, the country’s most preferred mobile broadband, rounded up three of the most highly-anticipated events to introduce their newest brand ambassador, top DJ Mars Miranda. From spinning at one of Manila’s super clubs, Republiq, to rousing up the crowds in Cebu and Iloilo, Miranda was welcomed by thousands of guests partying to his psychedelic mixes. Partyphiles were treated to three nights full of fist-pumping and high-energy music. “Us DJs, we travel a lot. We download a lot of music and we’re on social media, so having a really fast Internet and a fast connection is such a big deal for us, and Tattoo gives us that,” said Miranda.

Joining Miranda at Republiq was outstanding international Dutch DJ, Quintino. And straight from Republiq, Miranda then rocked the party scene in Cebu City for the grand celebration of the Sinulog Festival. Capping the successful launch was the celebration in Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival.

We managed to catch the acclaimed and fully-booked DJ to ask him about his music, what it takes to get a crowd going, and what his dream gig would be.

How did you discover your love for music? Who were your influences?

When I was 12 or 13, I had a neighbor who was a DJ for one of those mobile discos. He would practice mixing while we were all hanging out. He would introduce me to all kinds of records, combining different genres, and mixing them in using his turntables. I wanted to do it, too, and I was hooked ever since.

What were your struggles as an emerging DJ before? Can you share with us some experiences about your first few gigs?

 The most common problem the aspiring DJs have is buying the equipment, and back then, buying records.

My first few gigs weren’t really big at all. I’d play the early set, in front of maybe 20 people. I didn’t get paid and I played for drinks. I didn’t mind though. I loved what I was doing and it was an excuse to get out of the house and get into the club for free.

How did you manage to defy expectations and become one of Manila’s sought-after DJs today? And with the achievements that you have now, what are the things that helped you?

I think having my own identity as a DJ helped a lot. I’ve always tried to make my sets different from everyone else, trying to put in stuff that people don’t expect to hear. It’s better that way ’cause people remember you more ’cause of what they heard that night. It’s like owning a particular sound that your audience will come back for every week.

What’s your most unforgettable gig? Why?

I played a set using the cds I had in the car ’cause the guest DJ at the club ran out of records. I guess he didn’t expect to play that long. I ended up DJing for a few hours, playing the music that I liked. And people liked it, too. That’s when I realized that I didn’t have to play all the current hits to get people dancing. I booked my first paying gig after that night.

What’s your dream gig?

Playing alongside all my favorite DJs at a festival here in the Philippines.

How is the EDM genre different from mainstream music? What do you think is the future of EDM industry in the Philippines?

EDM and mainstream music aren’t really that different anymore. You hear EDM on the radio, and you hear mainstream music at the clubs. If it’s good music, people will appreciate it. 

There’s a big market for EDM in the Philippines and it seems to be growing. There are a number of music festivals and events all over that feature local and foreign artists. I guess the good thing about all that is that people get to experience the genre and maybe it’ll inspire local talents to come up with their own music that will be recognized worldwide. 

What projects are you currently working on? What’s next for DJ Mars Miranda?

I’m currently doing a lot for Tattoo. Aside from the gigs, I’m mentoring a few aspiring hopefuls on how to defy expectations as a DJ. I’m hoping that this will give them an edge over their peers. I’m also currently part of this new project with a concept that plans to change the landscape of Manila’s nightlife. And we’re about to start a management agency for aspiring DJs. 

What’s next? Hopefully I can start focusing on producing my own music that I can share with all of you.