Maxi Meraki is one of the names starting to hit the Belgian tech-house scene. The artist from Antwerp, at 28 years old, can already say that he is a resident at Destino Ibiza, as well as in some of the hot spots of another of the most important scenes in electronic music: Amsterdam. Maxi Meraki is already a regular at the booths of The Butcher, Momo, Izakaya and the W Hotel in the Dutch capital.
Tech-house and the funkiest minimal are the genres that characterize the Belgian DJ. The summer of 2019 was a turning point in his career: he released his first track “Reflections” on his own label Meraki Records and he performed for the first time in cities like Marbella and Barcelona. Paco Osuna, Nathan Barato, Gene Farris, Erick Morillo, Mark Knight and Roger Sanchez were the first to highlight and applaud Maxi Meraki’s first steps.
In the early months of 2020, before the coronavirus crippled the scene, his first EP Always There, in which he shows a more melodic version of himself, exceeded all expectations in terms of playback on major platforms, reaching, for example, 150,000 plays on Spotify. Maxi Meraki has already made two appearances on Datatransmission radio and one in Toolroom Records‘ podcast series. The Belgian festival Extrema Outdoor had already included him in the line-up of its 2020 edition, now cancelled due to the pandemic.
Maxi Meraki releases his latest EP Eastern Visions today on the Dutch label 72 Pixels. In order to know him more in-depth, we have decided to get closer to his facet as a selector. After two months already in quarantine, Maxi acknowledges that he spends more time than ever listening to other artists’ music and thus giving some fresh air to his sets, once the confinement is over. We asked him for 10 picks.
1. Matthias Meyer – Infinity [Liebe Detail]
This track has been one of my favorites for over a few years now. Matthias Meyer always amazes me with his releases. Much respect for this German dj!
2. Hot Since 82 ft. Alex Mills – Vapours [Knee Deep In Sound]
It is hard to choose a favorite track of Hot Since 82, one of my examples in the scene, both for his own releases and for his label Knee Deep In Sound. The diversity he can bring in his sets is really unbelievable.
3. Black Coffee, &ME, Rampa, Adam Port – Muyè [Keinemusik]
Black Coffee, one of my all-time favorite djs, brings this remix of “Muyè”, an earlier collab of more talent in the name of &ME, Rampa and Adam Port. Imagine the sunset, love and happy people smiling. This track is all about love and emotion!
4. Laolu, Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra – Too Much Information (Laolu Remix) [Innervisions]
Being around for some years now, this Swiss dj always grabs my attention with his own releases and wonderful remixes.
5. Maxi Meraki – Eastern Visions [72 Pixels]
Bringing a progressive track with an up-tempo percussion. This track brings a powerful eastern vibe!
6. Lauren Lane – Diary Of A Madwoman [Edible]
Amazing sets and vibes created by Lauren Lane! Always brings me in the mood!
7. Johnny D – Scope Of Mind [8 bit]
Just love Johnny D’s tracks! This one has this spacey, minimal vibe!
8. Maxi Meraki – Always There
My first big release few months ago. Super happy with the comments from some well-known people and djs in the house scene!
9. Nic Fanciulli, Black Circle – Leap Of Faith [Saved Records]
Nic Fanciulli is another example for me, both for his energetic sets and for his own label Saved Records.
10. Roland Clark, Simion – Lost [Suara]
One of my all-time favorite tracks. Makes me happy every single time!
(Cover Image: © Maxi Meraki’s Press Kit)