Mike Davis: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Operating from his home base of Berlin, Canadian-native Mike Davis runs his Brenda Records imprint. Kicking off in 2015, the imprint has become a space for him to release his own productions as well as multiple instalments from CNCPT and Company, which focus on mindmelting and no holds barred techno. Recently offering up a remix as part of Timothy Clerkin's Unborn Remixed EP on R$N's sub label Insult To Injury, he again showcased his knack at bringing an unapologetic vigour to whatever he lays his hands on. 

Off the back of the release we invited him on board to bring some heat for today's Shine A Light On mix and he didn't disappoint. Strap in for a power hour of driving techno and acid…

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

I'm Mike, I'm in my Berlin apartment and I'm the owner of Brenda Records, producer, DJ, cyclist.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)? 

Not a drawing but here are two crops of my own images.

Where was the mix recorded?

At my studio in Köpenick, Berlin.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Out for a walk, or a jog, maybe at night.

What should we be wearing?

Whatever helps you along.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Quality decks and sound and I'm happy.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Mutable Signs by HD Substance.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

No real all time favs but Pete Rock & Marley Marl – WBLS 08 Dec 1989. 

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

First set-up was a pair of my housemate's 1210's and a DJM600 in our Toronto basement. Now it's 1200s and 3 cdj2000s, Xone92.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both equally important.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I can't remember my first vinyl specifically, had picked up a load of second hand stuff in one go. Most recent is Sedvs – Ego is ID.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Ice cream.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Black Bear. 

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

This from a Y records compilation from 1982.

Upcoming in the world of Mike Davis? 

Just finished a new EP for release on Brenda, but still some time until that surfaces. 

Follow Brenda Records.