40 Questions: Mihai Popoviciu

It’s been several decades since Mihai Popoviciu first touched music production software or a set of decks, and since then the Romanian native has worked to become a flagship name amongst his countries music scene.

Releasing his tracks with labels like Gruuv, Hive Audio, Get Physical and Poker Flat Recordings, as well as playing sets to crowds at Panorama Bar in Berlin, Gazgolder in Moscow and Komma in Paris.

Joining us for the latest in our 40 Questions series, Mihai mentions Freddie Mercury, Japan, Paul Kalkbrenner and Rio de Janeiro, get the full discussion below.

01. Where are you right now and what are you doing?

At home in Cluj (Romania) doing some routine office job.

02. What year were you born?

1981.

03. Do you have a nickname?

Popo.

04. What’s the coolest thing in your house?

My little daughter, Ania.

05. How would you describe yourself?

Too comfortable.

06. Worst experience as a DJ?

Empty club.

07. Best experience as a DJ?

Everytime I see people smiling on the dancefloor.

08. Favourite record label?

Cyclic Records.

09. What’s your biggest weakness?

I am too lazy sometimes and I don’t get out of my comfort zone.

10. First record you ever paid for?

Some obscure disco record from my friend’s record shop.

11. What’s your morning routine?

Breakfast while watching the news on TV.

12. Your dream collaboration?

Freddie Mercury because he was my musical childhood hero.

13. Tell us something we shouldn’t know about you?

I hate being asked indiscreet questions.

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration outside of music?

Nature.

15. And in the industry?

A great party always gets me charged up and inspired.

16. Ever smoked?

Yes, ocasionally.

17. Ever done drugs?

Of course not!

18. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Bicycle from my father when I was a kid.

19. And the best gift you’ve ever given?

Free records.

20. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?

Rio De Janeiro.

21. And one place you want to visit?

Japan. They say it’s like a trip to future.

22. If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing?

Architecture.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Architecture. It’s the only job I’ve had besides music.

24. Favourite record right now?

Andrey Djackonda – Drumete.

25. And the best record ever made?

Impossible one to answer – just way too many to choose from!

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

Music.

27. Your favourite food?

Chevice. It’s a raw fish dish from the west coast of South America.

28. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Pork tail.

29. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Paul Kalkbrenner. He seems to be experienced with this.

30. What’s something you’re passionate about besides music?

Food & nature.

31. Favourite club you’ve played at?

Panorama Bar in Berlin.

32. Favourite festival you’ve played at?

Fusion Festival near Berlin.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

Spending NYE in Munich airport because of a cancelled flight due to bad weather.

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

Hiphop.

35. If you had one superpower what would it be?

Teleportation would make my life so much easier.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Early riser, most of the time.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

120 min hairdryer sound for babies to sleep.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

Two weeks holiday around the Mediterranean with my wife and daughter.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

The birth of my daughter.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

Not any time soon!

Find more 40 Questions here.

Mihai Popoviciu’s Motion Manifold LP is out now on Poker Flat Recordings.