The final interview of the LA part of this series, following The Black Lodge, The Basement, and Point Winona, features a newcomer DJ/producer and rave promoter whose traveling, vinyl digging, and holistic event curation practice has already brought him some wisdom bits to share: please meet Connor Mikami.
I was lucky enough to attend two If You Know You Know events, events that run for a good part of the weekend; so I could go dance, go home to rest and refresh, and then come back to party some more. It feels liberating and balanced to be able to clench one’s thirst for raving, while also looking after one’s health; and it allows to make new friends on the dance floor and create community bonds that would never happen in a club night where DJs have to hurry to play the hits and dancers pack up drinks and selfies… IYKYK masterfully demonstrates time is of the essence to turn warehouse parties into music and community quality hubs.
Connor, do you feel like a newcomer to the DJ and promotion scene, or do you feel the weight of your experience?
I’ll always consider myself a student – I’m surrounded by people who have lived and breathed this art form longer than I’ve been alive. I’m not just talking about the DJs or producers either – this goes for all the sound technicians, event builders, and staff. I’m happy to represent a new generation, while learning from everyone that has come before me.
How have things changed for you between your first pro set, your first event, and now?
Well we’ve certainly come a long way from the infamous first DJ gig ever at Michael Eli’s birthday on a Tiki boat in Newport Beach, there’s no denying that. In some ways many things have not changed, I’m still the kid chomping at the bit to get a chance to play music for anyone that will listen. Some things have drastically changed though; I think the responsibility of hosting a party in my hometown and booking International artists brings a lot to the table, it’s no small task.
I think it’s important to recognize that yes, while organizing a party as a third space and communal environment, it’s important to allow freedom and artistic expression as the pillars of the experience – it’s also quite a serious matter behind the scenes to set up everything in terms of administrative duties, logistics, and curation, and to make sure it’s done in a proper, holistic way. Getting the balance right is paramount to ensure things go well.
I am very proud to say that we continue to make a contribution to the scene here in Los Angeles that is absolutely thriving at the moment. It’s much different than it was before Covid and we are all very lucky to have so many talented artists that both live here and pass through on a weekly basis.
Do you have role models or partners you consider part of your work family?
I’m extremely lucky to have a strong support system both locally and internationally. Locally, I would really like to give a shoutout to the Point Winona crew, specifically Dave Aju and Tavish, for welcoming me to the family. In terms of the party side of things, IYKYK simply would not be where it is today without the support of Michael Eli from Disconic, and the Cyclone and Dialogue parties respectively.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to gain the mentorship of a few role models from overseas who continue to help guide me today. I’m very fortunate to have the guidance of Craig Richards and the entire Houghton family – Amanda, Florence, Bobby, Isis, and many more. The festival has really helped shape my vision of what I find important artistically in terms of presenting music in a holistic way. Houghton continues to set the bar with the care and energy put towards each stage’s unique soundsystem; this attention to detail really opens the possibilities for the artists to play at their best. Each year the experience grows and takes unexpected turns that challenge us as an audience, while also satiating our desires. The process of discovery reigns supreme and it’s a very enlightening experience.
Gregor and the entire Club Der Visionaëre crew have also taught me a lot and provided a lot of inspiration during my Berlin travels. It’s a very educational and inspirational space, that carries a unique vision and prioritization of music and artistic freedom above all else. I try to carry this back to Los Angeles in terms of longer set times for the artists to express themselves, as well as curation of a longer form party that allows each attendee to explore within themselves and together as a collective. Special thanks to Annemarie and Clovis for all that they’ve taught me in my time at CDV as well.
I had the chance to visit Maayan Nidam in her Berlin studio, and it was my first time seeing such an improvisational setup in a studio, and it influenced me to be more mindful of composing music rather than simply writing a track or loop. She’s got a workflow that optimizes and creates happy accidents in the recordings, which is where the magic happens both in the studio and for the dance floor.
Binh, DJ Masda, Dyed Soundorom, Rhadoo, and Evan Baggs have all given me a lot of guidance, advice, and support. They’ve each taught me a lot both about the artistry of playing records and how to navigate this life. Most importantly, I’m grateful to have them as friends.
What is important to you when curating a set?
It’s definitely important for me to consider a range of emotion and energy when packing records. What kind of mood will we be in at a certain point in the party? What songs can create a certain influx of emotions? What am I feeling emotionally at that point in time and can I transmute that energy through the music? These are some questions I ask myself when choosing records.
And when curating a lineup?
When curating a lineup, I really love there to be a deeper meaning and through line with the artists. For example, a serendipitous connection of me randomly hearing a local DJ previously play a headliner’s music out in a set gives me the inspiration to add them together onto a lineup and see what happens. Making these small connections from life is quite exciting when curating a lineup. One thing leads to another.
You DJ a lot of vinyl, what pros and cons do you see to vinyl DJing compared to USB DJing?
As my relationship to music has developed over the years I find it most inspiring for me to play from my heart and to channel my feelings into the music. The medium of vinyl allows me to do this seamlessly. It’s a precarious balance to achieve, but when it goes well it’s something very beautiful to share and creates a moment of bliss for all involved.
Dave Aju & Tavish DJ present Point Winona Sound Library Vol. 1 and its LA studio house
It’s also a very important tradition to continue to keep alive as it invokes a deeper personal connection to the music. Each record tells a story and it’s a very inspiring process to dig for records on the road and see what jumps out at you. It’s the most fundamental form of the artistic medium and an important way to connect to your favorite artists and labels, allowing us to support this delicate ecosystem. Buy records, buy more merch, buy tickets to events – this is the way we keep things going for generations to come. Even a like or engagement on social media is a valuable currency in music today. Support is key.
With that being said, I primarily use the USB to test new tracks I’ve made in the studio or for hip-hop or any other style of music I don’t plan to play at the party. Plus, It’s always nice to have a bit of G-Funk for soundcheck as we prepare to open up the party.
How do you envision the best promo to your audience as a DJ and as a promoter?
Being involved in the community and supporting other parties and DJs is one of the key ways to promote. It’s all about what you can give to the community. This energy will always be returned to you. Whenever I’m home, I do my best to go out as much as possible to have a dance and listen to music.
What’s in the near future for you and for IYKYK?
I’m working on an album at the moment – whether the project is released as one cohesive package or split into a few different EPs, we shall see. It’s been an important step and moment of reflection and growth – wrapping up a chapter that’s shaped me as a person and an artist. I’m excited to branch out and see where the music takes me 🙂
And to catch the next events, check out IYKYK on Instagram.
All photos by raver and photographer Chris aka @NightMovesMe.
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- Thanks for putting this together, for highlighting our scene and having me contribute . -chris
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