There isn’t a single facet in the course of Erick Morillo‘s career that is not exceptionally successful, from his recording career, starting with global single “I Like To Move It” and the global success of his label Subliminal Records to his hectic schedule of up to 30 nights a month overtaking New York and Miami, London and Ibiza, as much as Mykonos, Malta, Amsterdam, Madrid, Belfast or Moscow.
We have taken the opportunity of the opening of Erick’s channel on SQUA.RE to ask for his own views on the life of the superstar DJ, a life led by few and followed by most, a life which he very much sets an example for.
Olivier Bassil: Among your highly successful production works and all the intensity of your tours worldwide, what facets of your career do you enjoy the most?
Erick Morillo: I would say that I enjoy the travel side of things very much, if I didn’t I would have a problem as I’m never in the same city for over a week. Meeting different people, different cultures wherever I go. How can you not enjoy that!
OB: Which facets do you see yourself further developing in the future, and how?
EM: Obviously the DJing is what I enjoy the most and I have my own record label so I like to support young, up-and-coming talent. It’s always rewarding to spot someone early on and help nurture their careers. I’ve also recently collaborated with a British based label called Knomo whom I worked with to produce a limited edition of laptop bags and luggage which we launched in Selfridges and Apple Online. I’m going to be working with a great British artist called Ben Allen who is going to help me with my new merchandise for the summer.
OB: Being based in London and New York, we love the complementarity of the two cities. What city do you consider your base? Do you think it is important to have a base for creativity?
EM: I keep places in Miami, New York and Ibiza but spend a lot of time in London which is where my record label and manager are based. London to me is a creative hotspot – it has the pace of NYC mixed with the glamour of Paris. You only have to look at how influential this city is on the worlds of music, fashion and art.
OB: What to you would be the ingredients of a successful nightclub, and of a successful party?
EM: Good music and good looking people. I’ve played everywhere from the world’s top VIP clubs to less commercial venues but ultimately it comes down to those two elements to guarantee a successful party!
OB: Could you talk to us about your favourite lifestyle picks around the world in three categories: your favourite hotels, restaurants and shops?
EM: Ibiza is my all time favourite. My favourite restaurant would be La Baraka which is a restaurant on Talamanca Beach, they serve the best seafood and meat dishes. The Ibiza Gran Hotel has a fantastic spa with world class treatments and Las Dalais Market is a great place to shop. In London it would be Selfridges and Harrods for shopping, Zuma and Soho House for hanging eating and hanging out and I always stay at The Metropolitan whilst I’m here.
OB: Do you look into other forms of culture for inspiration in your music?
EM: I think to be a successful musician, it’s vital to do so. I take inspiration from all the countries I travel to, my South American roots and also my friends and colleagues.
OB: How do your travels help you adsorb global culture?
EM: I’m fortunate to have traveled to many many cities and have friends all over the world so in that respect I’ve picked up a lot along the years. I am a citizen of the world, what can I say!
Love the questions, thanks for that.
Love the questions, thanks for that.