Mi chi ko Reimagines The 90s Club Sound With Her Latest EP, ‘Frenesí’ + Artist Interview

After making a stylish entrance into the Dance scene with tracks like ‘Ame ga furu‘ and ‘INSIDE INSIDE‘, Mi chi ko returns with her debut EP ‘Frenesí‘. Delve into a collection of enigmatic and sensual Dance tracks, refining 90’s club sounds like Acid Techno with more modern and sophisticated touches and sensual vocals. Each of Mi chi ko’s tracks are crafted with pulsating rhythms and enveloping electronic textures designed to get listeners hooked from the first listen. If you’re looking to embrace a fresh take on Dance music and its distinct eras, look no further than ‘Frenesí‘ this Spring.

Introduce yourself and your project

Mi Chi Ko is a project born in Japan, inspired by the vibrant underground electronic scenes of Kobe and Osaka. I returned to my hometown, Monterrey, Mexico, to explore various genres within the electronic realm. My sets are known for their energy and eclecticism, offering a unique sonic experience. This versatility has led me to perform at a wide variety of events, from art exhibitions and brand activations, to fashion shows and performances at some of the most important clubs in my country.

I am the co-founder of Penumbra, a label and record company dedicated to promoting emerging talent, and the founder of Loop de Loop, a fresh and fun music collective that has received a great response in Monterrey. In 2024, I released Frenesi, featuring two remixes by Fausto and Kickzologo, along with an original track with SolarX.

Besides my DJ life, I am also deeply involved in academia. I am a university professor and have been teaching History and International Relations theory for quite some time.

Explain what musical genre fits you best

I consider myself quite eclectic and don’t stick to a single genre. Within a single set, I enjoy moving through various styles. Currently, my favorite genres within electronic music are Balearic, House, Deep House and Deep Tech,

Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?

Yes, I’ve been connected to music from a very young age. I remember listening to my dad’s rock albums in the car, especially Queen and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Music always captivated me; my mom often recalls how I would start dancing whenever I heard a tune, completely oblivious to any crowd around me.

What kickstarted your music career?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, and I started taking singing and guitar lessons at a very young age. However, it wasn’t until I moved to Japan for a year in 2016 that I truly immersed myself in electronic music and DJing.

Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time

I initially started with minimal and minimal deep tech, combined with Japanese synth pop like Yellow Magic Orchestra, influenced directly by my experiences in Japan. However, upon returning to my home country, Mexico, I developed a growing interest in other genres. As a history professor, I enjoy the process of delving into the origin of sounds, venues and legends.

Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?

Never confine yourself to a single, fixed idea of who you are or what your art should be; you will evolve, and that is the natural course of life.

How do you nurture your industry relationships?

I see the industry as a dynamic playground full of opportunities for collaboration and building meaningful connections. While I acknowledge the presence of competition among collectives and DJs, I focus on personal growth and progress. I strive to support emerging DJs and nurture professional relationships with colleagues and promoters, fostering a community where we can all thrive together.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank that’s been crucial to your journey?

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to so many incredible people. To my friends from Electric Community, Sixthsense, ESDESTO, and LoopdeLoop, who believed in me and started organizing parties. To SolarX, a talented DJ and producer, with whom I co-founded my label, Penumbra. To Andrik Palacios, with whom I co-produced my first songs. To Jesus (Tuti), for his unwavering support, and to Dan Velasco, who has supported me through the agency .44 (punto44). Thanks to DJ Temo, Topaz, Meteoro, and everyone who comes out to dance and listen to my music every night. And, of course, my family—though being a DJ isn’t their cup of tea, they still support me, and remember, I’m also a professor!

Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you + Youtube links

Subjoi Flashing lights

I can listen to this song on repeat, I discovered it on a summer night driving free of any preoccupations, it takes me to a selfless state.

Tanzanite by Wallace

Wallace is a great source of inspiration for me, he is always innovating while maintaining his essence, he just gets to sounds I wasn’t aware of. This track is pretty recent but I was completely blown away after listening to it. I want to thank my friend, the great DJ Andres (aka Chivo).

Tokyo ASMR by Emanuel Satie

Since my name is Michiko I had this idea of incorporating some oriental sounds into my sets. I came across this song while walking in a park and I felt as if it had been made for me to play it, with a really sensual voice and great melody.

What’s your favorite piece of studio equipment or software?

I have been using Ableton for a while with an Akai APC25, you don’t really need the most expensive gear to make good tunes and my Shure 58 to sing to record my voice.

Name your favourite club or festival and how it makes you feel

My favorite club is Topaz Deluxe in Monterrey, my hometown. It truly feels like home to me. I first discovered electronic music there and dreamed of the day I would get to play there. My debut night at Topaz Deluxe was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Name an outlandish rider request?

I am not much of an alcoholic drinker so in my rider you would find non-alcoholic beverages such as kombuchas, matte, ginger beers. Additionally, my hometown can get pretty hot in the summer, so a fan for sure.

Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?

I had an unforgettable experience at The Hive in Zurich. I danced non-stop until 10:00 a.m. with Simon, Ling Ling, Ines, and Dario, some of whom I met that night. It was an incredible team. The best part was not knowing the DJs beforehand; the music and the vibe were simply amazing.

What famous quote represents you best?

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. – Heraclitus.

I feel I am in constant change as well as everything that surrounds me and I accept it. If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?

There are countless iconic and enigmatic clubs I dream of playing at, but overall, my ideal venue would be a festival set on a beach or in a stunning natural landscape. While I enjoy the energy of indoor venues, playing outdoors allows me to feel deeply connected with my surroundings.

Music is….. (explain more)

Music is the vibrational expression of emotions. There is nothing else in this world that allows me to convey my feelings as powerfully or makes me feel as deeply as music does.

One song you really couldn’t live without and why?

‘West end Girls’ by Pet Shop Boys, I just love this song. It was after a Pet Shop Boys concert that I decided I wanted to produce my own music.

Namedrop your favourite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)

Paula Tape
Wallace
Zombies in Miami
Jex Opolis
Chaos in the CBD

What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?

Listening to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in the car with my dad, I was both fascinated and perplexed by its many shifts. I wondered, “What is this? Why does it have so many changes?” One moment it was Galileo Galilei Figaro!..and then it was rock again. This song showed me from a very young age that we can bend the rules.

Tell us more about your plans for the future

I am currently focused on producing my own music and creating unforgettable experiences with my parties through Loop de Loop. At the end of June, my label Penumbra, which I co-founded with SolarX, will release a new EP titled, ‘My Soul is Free’ by Kickzologo. Additionally, I am working on a side project to produce dreamy electro cumbia, a genre that is very popular in my hometown. My goal is to travel the world sharing my sounds and music selection. With a major and a master’s degree in international relations, I am excited to blend my passion for music with my academic background.

Any worldly advice you’d like to share?

Take action now and stop making excuses for not pursuing your goals and dreams. Be bold, embrace your true essence, and don’t be afraid to show who you are. Remember, everyone has their own unique rhythm, so avoid comparisons and focus on your journey.