DJ Mike Hao (real name Mai Phuoc Hau) became known when he participated in The Remix 2015 program. Up to now, the Da Nang native has become an indispensable name in the most vibrant music parties in Saigon as well as across the country. He owns a musical "asset" that has been listened to by millions of times on Soundcloud such as MikeHao Vol 9, #1908s, #Say by MikeHao... And maybe, you have met him at GAIA, Atmos, Commas, Xing Xing, Sin Lounge (HCMC) or 1900, TITAN Lounge (Hanoi)...
“The best thing about being a DJ is that you are always full of energy - and you are the one spreading that energy to everyone”
How long have you been a DJ? What brought you to this profession?
I have been working as a DJ and in the nightlife industry for 9 years. I came to this profession by chance. After graduating from school, I became a manager at Sin Lounge. Because of my passion for music, I learned how DJs here play music while working, then started playing music for my friends. I received a lot of support from everyone and I realized that I loved it and wanted to seriously pursue this job, so I have been doing it until now.
Until now, is music still the biggest factor that keeps you attached to this profession?
At first it was like that, but later I realized the best thing about DJing is always feeling full of energy - and being the one to regulate and spread this energy to the audience.
As for music, I consider it an indispensable part of my life. Even when I am not playing music, I still listen to light music at home to relax my mind.
DJs are often associated with the image of active people who like to party, drink alcohol, etc. Are you that kind of person?
When I first started DJing, I loved partying and drinking, but the longer I’ve been DJing, the more I’ve cut back. Now I know when to drink, when to moderate, and how to avoid drinks that guests want to clink glasses with. You don’t need to know how to party, drink, or have a good alcohol tolerance to be a DJ, the most important factor is whether you have a musical mind or not.
9 years can be considered a long time in the profession. He found himself in that process.Okaywhat, andlostWhat?
I have many close relationships; I am supported and loved by friends, audiences, bosses at work... My material life is also better. On the other hand, the busyness of my job made me lose time for my family. Now that I work professionally, I know how to arrange time to rest for a few days to go home to visit my family, spend more time with my parents, making up for the time I missed before.
Overall, I feel like I have gained more than I have lost in this night job. DJing has taught me many life lessons, especially about patience, perseverance, and knowing how to ignore negativity or bad rumors about myself.
You said that you have made many close relationships from your DJ job. This seems unlikely to happen in a vibrant environment like a bar or club?
Yet I have made many good relationships from this environment. The bosses are always helpful, from work to friendship, treating each other like family. I also made many friends during my working life. The important thing is to know how to "choose your friends", not to take advantage of relationships for personal gain and to know how to regulate appropriately to maintain a sustainable relationship. There are friends I have known from the nightlife environment for 10 years now, and I always cherish that.
“Every time I am tempted, I think of my family.”
3 words to describe the negative side of DJing?
Many temptations.
That's probably also the story people are most curious about a DJ: how does he overcome temptations?
Whether or not we can overcome temptation depends on each person. For me, every time I face temptations around me, I think about my future and ask myself: What will my future be like, what will my family be like if I follow these temptations now? At that moment, I will automatically realize that all temptations are illusions; and only real values can last forever.
Most of a DJ’s “day” ends at midnight. Does this affect your health or disrupt your daily routine?
It is true that staying up late affects the health of DJs a lot. But luckily, I also work in fewer places and come home earlier than other DJs, so I can still sleep in the middle of the night and wake up in the morning to work and do activities like normal people. In addition, I often detox my body, regularly go to the gym and do sauna and acupressure to have a healthier body.
The most exciting end-of-year parties cannot be without a DJ. Do you ever feel sad that you still have to work instead of going out with friends during the holidays?
Going to work on Christmas and New Year's Day has become a tradition in this profession. Seeing friends gathering and going out makes me sad, but on the other hand, I am the one who brings joy to the audience on this special occasion - thinking about it makes me more excited to work. The salary during the holidays is also higher, with that money I can use to go out on other days with friends.
So will your holiday season be all about work this year?
As usual, I will still go out to play music for everyone to listen to. In addition, I am in the process of preparing to release a music set #InLove by #MikeHao on Valentine's Day 2021 to dedicate to friends, those who are in love and will be in love. This is also the music set I cherish to celebrate my 10 years in the nightlife industry.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
