We sat down with MikeR to talk about the inspirations behind his sound, a fusion of Progressive House and Melodic Techno driven by emotion and energy. Shaped by defining moments, influential artists, and real-life experiences, his music translates feeling into movement on the dance floor.
In this interview, MikeR opens up about his journey, creative process, and the influences that continue to shape his evolving style.
Check out the full interview below!
Hi MikeR, how are you feeling today?
I’m doing very well, thank you. There’s quite a lot happening at the moment with new music and projects, so overall it’s an exciting time.
To start, what made you realize music was your calling?
There were two moments. The first was in 2017 when I watched Armin van Buuren’s Tomorrowland set. The opening with “I Live for That Energy” took me back to my own clubbing and DJing days as a student. Shortly after that I saw an ad for his online masterclass about Electronic music production. I bought a laptop, a DAW and some plugins and got completely hooked.
The defining moment was one of my first gigs I played in Barcelona in late 2018. I opened my set with a track called “Digital Era” that I had produced only a few days earlier during some late-night sessions. The crowd reacted immediately, hands in the air, and the energy in the room was incredible. That was the moment I realised music was more than just a hobby for me.
How did the environment of your youth prepare you for the energy and dedication required for your career today?
I learned early in life that there is no result without dedication. To achieve something you have to work for it, take calculated bets and also be a bit lucky. That was true for my career as a management consultant as well and as we all know it also applies to an artist’s career.
At the same time, to preserve energy and motivation you need to enjoy what you do and always have things that give you excitement and inspiration. For me that is playing live at events and feeling the connection with the crowd or spending an afternoon in the studio where you create something new.
Was there a specific person in your life who introduced you to the world of music, and how did their taste influence yours?
Not really. It was less a person and more a moment in time and several friends I used to hang out with. When I was a student in the late 80s and early 90s, House, Techno and Trance were emerging, and I was clubbing in places like Warehouse Cologne or Königsburg in Krefeld. That was when my taste in music really formed.
I was especially drawn to early trance tracks with mystical melodies and airy vocals, such as “The Age of Love” in the Jam and Spoon remix, “Love Stimulation” by Humate in the Paul van Dyk remix, and “For an Angel”.
Are there any specific instrumental or non-vocal artists who influence the way you design the atmosphere for your sets?
I am really inspired by top Progressive House artists like DubVision, Third Party, Matisse and Sadko and Martin Garrix. I love those massive drops with uplifting melodies and powerful synth arrangements. Armin van Buuren also inspires me a lot, especially his more Trancy sets and tracks.
Classical music is also an influence. I like orchestral intros for my sets, either by playing a big classical intro, remixing a classic like “O Fortuna” or creating my own orchestral intros for my opening track.
Which specific feeling or state of mind is currently providing the most “fresh” inspiration for your studio sessions?
For me it is the feeling of uplift and momentum. I love music that gives people energy and makes them feel optimistic. When I am in the studio I try to capture that moment when a melody suddenly lifts the whole track. That emotional lift is something I always look for. Those moments when you raise your hands and are completely in the moment, stepping away from worries and everyday pressures for a while.
My fresh inspiration often comes from real life experiences and places. For example, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica inspired my track “Blue Zone,” and “All Good Things” is about leaving a great place simply because it is time to move on and try something new.
How much of your signature sound is influenced by music that isn’t intended for the dance floor?
Quite a lot actually. Even though I produce Progressive House and Melodic Techno, I listen to many different genres. Film music, classical music, ambient sounds and even pop songwriting influence how I approach melodies and harmonies.
About eighty percent of my new tracks start with the lead melody and chords. Only afterwards I add drums, bass and the other elements. Those influences help make the music more emotional rather than just functional for a club.
If you had to name three artists who represent the “pillars” of your musical identity, who would they be?
Martin Garrix for the massive Progressive sound, Armin van Buuren for the driving Trancy energy, and Joris Voorn for his emotional and driving Melodic Techno approach.
Do you find that your influences change depending on the geographical location where you are performing or producing?
For sure. I play a set in Latin America quite differently from a set in Europe, and even within Europe there are regional differences and influences.
In Latin America having local artists like Alok or Vintage Culture in the mix is important, and the sound often has a Latin flavour while still staying within EDM by playing remixes of Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and the likes. I also have a few unreleased Afro House tracks that I created while spending time in Southern Europe and Costa Rica last year, simply inspired by the vibe there.
Which legendary artist’s performance presence or technical style has influenced the way you deliver your own live experiences?
Armin van Buuren is someone I have always admired in that respect. His connection with the crowd is incredible. He combines technical skill with a very emotional performance style, the energy at his sets is off the scale.
Watching artists like that makes everyone realise that DJing is not just about playing tracks. It is about creating a journey and sharing a moment with the audience.
Finally, looking toward the future of 2026, which emerging creative movement, artist, trend or style is currently most exciting to you?
I find the fusion between Progressive House, Melodic Techno and cinematic Electronic music really interesting right now. Artists are experimenting more with storytelling and atmosphere in their tracks, not just big drops. That direction opens a lot of creative space.
And I am also a big fan of reviving the golden era of EDM. Euphoric sets and tracks with a modern interpretation of the 2010 to 2015 sound.
From the artists who first inspired him to the sounds shaping his current productions, MikeR’s influences continue to evolve as his journey develops. With each new track, he brings those inspirations into his own melodic, forward-moving style, one that keeps both emotion and energy at its core.