At SXSW, Mau P, the Dutch DJ and producer renowned for his distinctive blend of dance music, shared insights about his artistic journey and debut album during his appearance at Billboard House. His candid remarks—particularly, “I’m not trying to follow what’s popping right now”—highlight a deliberate focus on authenticity and longevity over fleeting trends. This perspective not only sets Mau P apart in the fast-evolving electronic music scene but also provides a window into his creative process as he prepares to debut his first full-length project.

Context of Mau P’s SXSW Debut and Billboard House Presence

Sponsored by Billboard, the SXSW showcase offered Mau P a significant platform to connect with both industry insiders and fans ahead of his upcoming headlining set at The Concourse Project in Austin. Originally scheduled to perform at Moody Amphitheater as part of Billboard Presents THE STAGE, his concert was relocated due to weather concerns. Despite this, Mau P took the opportunity to discuss his evolving sound and artistic approach in an intimate setting, emphasizing his desire to stay true to his core musical values rather than chasing hype.

Musical Roots and Influences

Growing Up in a Musical Household

In discussions with Billboard’s senior music correspondent Katie Bain, Mau P reflected on his early life, rooted in a household immersed in music. His mother was a singer, and his father worked as a session musician, music teacher, and conductor, with a dedicated home studio on the first floor. This environment cultivated Mau P’s lifelong connection to music, where he recounts being able to casually access various instruments and be influenced by a versatile array of genres.

He explained, “I could always just go downstairs and play whatever instrument was available. To me, it was almost like, ‘If I don’t know what to do later in life, I can always fall back on whatever my parents were doing.’” Interestingly, he also considered careers in design and camera operation before ultimately pursuing music, illustrating his broad creative ambitions.

Transition from Maurice West to Mau P

Before adopting his current stage persona, Mau P cultivated a reputation in the mainstage EDM scene as Maurice West. Transitioning into Mau P represented a conscious shift toward a more refined, approachable sound. “When I transitioned into Mau P, it felt like my whole background of doing Maurice West was being put to use for a different kind of direction,” he shared.

He aimed to harness his experience with creating large, energetic sounds designed for massive stages and repackage them into a more intimate, “sexier” ambiance suitable for clubs and personal listening. This pivot reflects his desire to balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity, a challenge many electronic artists grapple with as they evolve.

Balancing Festival and Club Scenes

• Festivals like Coachella offer Mau P a platform to showcase his broad, festival-centric sound.
• Meanwhile, his sets at trendsetting venues like CircoLoco demonstrate his versatility, blending lengthy DJ mixes with meticulous craft, moving away from merely pyrotechnics to demonstrate musical skill.

This dual approach underscores Mau P’s strategic worldview: maintaining relevance across different audiences and environments while staying true to his sound philosophy.

Creative Process for His Debut Album

Prioritizing Timelessness Over Trends

As Mau P gears up for his debut album, he emphasizes a focus on creating music that resonates beyond current fads. Describing his studio process, he shared that he is making songs “that you can play on a piano and sing it, and it still holds up nice.” This indicates an intent to produce compositions with emotional depth and musicality, rather than relying solely on production tricks or trend-driven stylings.

He further explained, “I’m not trying to follow what’s popping right now. I’m just trying to take it back to the core.” This statement reveals a conscious effort to craft a body of work rooted in authentic musicality, aiming for lasting impact rather than ephemeral popularity.

The Core of Mau P’s Artistic Philosophy

What stands out about Mau P’s approach is his commitment to authenticity. His focus on producing tracks “that can be played on a piano and still sound good” underscores an intention to prioritize songcraft. The goal is to create music that, even stripped of its electronic embellishments, remains engaging and meaningful. His words suggest confidence that, with this foundation, the album will stand the test of time while still embodying his signature style—”the fattest bass ever,” but embedded in timeless compositions.

Conclusion

Mau P’s remarks at Billboard House @ SXSW encapsulate a thoughtful artist dedicated to integrity and longevity. His emphasis on staying rooted in genuine musicality amid the pursuit of progress reflects a broader trend among artists seeking to navigate a rapidly shifting industry landscape without losing sight of their core identity. As he advances towards releasing his debut album, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how this philosophy manifests in his new work, which aims to balance timelessness with the unmistakable Mau P sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What influenced Mau P’s musical style?

Mau P’s musical style draws on early influences such as Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and jazz, which his family exposed him to growing up. His backgrounds in various genres have shaped his ability to blend groove, melody, and dancefloor energy.

Why does Mau P avoid following current trends for his debut album?

He aims to craft music that’s authentic and timeless, rather than relying on what’s popular at the moment. This approach is intended to produce work that remains relevant over time.

How has Mau P’s experience in festival and club scenes influenced his music?

His diverse performances have taught him how to create music that works both on massive stages and intimate venues. This versatility informs his creative process, emphasizing craft and emotional connection.

When is Mau P’s debut album expected to be released?

While an official release date has not been announced, he is currently focused on developing the album in his studio, prioritizing quality and musical integrity.

Overall, Mau P’s approach reveals a mature artist committed to authentic creation and musical longevity. His journey underscores the importance of staying true to one’s roots in an ever-changing industry landscape, a lesson that resonates broadly with emerging and established artists alike.