MIQU is the name behind DJomitch & Sounddesign. In hindsight, changing my artist name over the years may not have been the most strategic decision, but it perfectly reflects who I am: never focused on recognition or fame, always on the music itself.

Today, more than thirty years of experience lie behind me. Years filled with goals, events, friendships and, above all, the pure joy that music can bring. I still look back on this journey with pride and gratitude.

So where did it all begin?

It started at a young age, when I received a double cassette deck with a special sliding knob — what we now call a crossfader. I used it to record tracks, re-record them onto another tape and blend them together. Looking back, 1986 was a surprisingly great year.

Things truly began to move after I relocated to Veghel and met Erik, owner of a mobile DJ company. He allowed me to use a mixer and a CD player, which I connected to my father’s amplifier. A whole new world opened up. I proudly mixed Queen, Madonna and the 1993 Top 100 — with Black Betty by Ram Jam at number one. Erik became a mentor, teaching me the fundamentals and sharing a music collection far beyond my own.

Not long after, I joined him as a light jockey. Weddings, small and large events, venues such as the Kurhaus, Efteling theme park and various TIK events — all powered by the drive-in setup. Soon I was given the opportunity to play my own sound and occasionally take full musical control of an evening.

During an RMB party, my mix caught the attention of someone from Delicious in Uden. Nervously, I reached out and was invited to showcase my music. I prepared night after night — this felt like the opportunity. Although it didn’t result in a residency, it did lead me to Eindhoven. On a weekday, I played at Danssalon for an empty room. The feedback on my mixing was strong, but at just fifteen years old, performing publicly proved challenging.

I continued with the drive-in The Next Generation while simultaneously showcasing my skills at Megafestatie in Utrecht. I didn’t win first prize, but I gained something more valuable: connections. From 1998 onward, everything accelerated — from Sunday nights at Danssalon to live events such as Axe Nightguide, eventually leading me to Dockside in Hasselt. In hindsight, this was the perfect stage for me. The venue, colleagues, audience and atmosphere all aligned. From Thursday to Sunday, my bags were packed for Belgium.

The years between 1998 and 2002 were intense. Highs, lows and the ongoing choice between school and music. I chose to live in the moment. Whether it was Odeon, Soulkitchen, Marnix Theater or The Loveboat in Lloret, it was pure enjoyment. One of the most memorable aspects was meeting artists like Jean, Stevie, Eric E and Marco V. Their grounded mindset and resistance to hype left a lasting impression on me.

A personal highlight was the Sommer Parade on July 28, 2001. Those who know me understand my deep passion for Norway — its landscapes, nature and people. Being part of that event felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The same applies to performing in the Arena in 2001, where I was invited to play in the VIP area of Sensation Black. Not in front of 50,000 people, but still an extraordinary experience to be invited and share my sound.

That year was a true rollercoaster, yet it delivered an important lesson: follow your passion, stay close to yourself and your goals. Those milestones were achieved through mindset, attitude — and by simply daring to ask.

In 2003, I stepped away. The world around me was changing, and I could no longer relate to the digital direction of the industry. I found a new home at Strandtent Buiten, where Patricia and Sanne welcomed me with open arms. Playing music during sunset felt grounding and real. It became the horizon for a new chapter, rich with my partner and now three children.

Did the music ever stop? Not at all. Over the years, I focused on guiding bands, working on productions and discovering what I truly want to share. As technology advanced and the industry became increasingly saturated, I distanced myself from it — but music always finds its way back.

Anyone who hears and feels my sound understands what I want to convey. Rhythm remains my foundation, but I allow myself the freedom to express what truly drives me — connecting with people, relationships and moments meant to be shared and enjoyed together.