Mojo, 23 years old
DJ Shadow
What was your first introduction to the Melkweg?
Encore NYE 2017. I only started going to shows by my favourite artists in 2018. Most of those have been in the Melkweg.
Do you want to tell us your favourite Melkweg story?
Every Melkweg experience I’ve had has, so far, been special for various reasons: NYE 2017 was without a doubt the best new year’s eve I’ve had. NYE 2019 was a fitting closure to the previous decade and I’ve been able to see some of my favourite stars up close in the Melkweg: JID, Little Simz, Pusha T, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, 070 Shake, DJ Shadow, King Krule & hopefully more to come.
Each concert was special but if pushed to highlight a few exceptional experiences I’d have to with Little Simz, Pusha T, King Krule and Freddie Gibss & Madlib in particular. I collect LPs and CDs and when I’m planning to go to a show, I always check if I have the entire discography of that artist in my collection. If I don’t, I try to make sure I purchase the physical record before the show. Pusha T signed my DAYTONALP and CD after his show. Little Simz signed my Grey Area LP during her show. King Krule, his entire band and his brother Jack G. Marshall (the artist behind all his album artwork) all signed my The Ooz and Man Alive!LPs.
At the end of the Freddie & Madlib show, Freddie stayed behind on stage to shake a few hands and sign some merch. Luckily I was standing pretty close to the stage, so I could easily hand him my Piñata, Piñata Instrumentals and Bandana LPs. Madlib, being the true introvert he is, quickly bowed and disappeared backstage. Everyone who is even a little bit familiar with the artist Madlib knows that he’s apparently a bit of a hermit. Freddie even makes jokes on stage about having to drag him outside of his house to get him on tour. After Freddie left, Egon came on stage—the former manager of Stones Throw Records – to clean up all the empty glasses and bottles of wine. I asked him if he could get Madlib to sign my LPs, and ten minutes later he showed up with all three records signed. He continued to write his signature on the records, with a little message: “You’re welcome!”. A little later that night, after I had stuck around the Melkweg for a bit with my best friend and two of his female friends, I ran into Freddie, Madlib and their entire entourage on the Leidseplein. I was waiting for my tram to the station, but managed to score a group photo with a very drunk Madlib.
What do you think concerts will look like in 50 years?
We’ll probably be watching gigs in our own living rooms through a VR headset or holographic projections, something like that. Regrettably.
What do you want people to know about you?
I am a really huge Prince fan and I’m really good at Monopoly.
Which musician would you want to swap lives with for a day?
André 3000, so that I could do a deep dive into his hard drives and finally release the album everyone who loves music has been waiting for since 2003.
Do you want to be famous? If so, what would you want to be known for?
Absolutely not.
If you could be the director of Melkweg for a day, what would you do?
I’d do everything in my power to book shows with Frank Ocean, D’Angelo, Kali Uchis and NoName.
What do you think of your photograph?
Really nice. Even more impressive than I expected. Shout out to Barrie!
Pier, 47 years oldDJ Shadow
What was your first introduction to the Melkweg?
1995.
Do you want to tell us your favourite Melkweg story?
My favourite Melkweg moment was my friend’s expression when I gave him tickets for The Specials concert.
What do you think concerts will look like in 50 years?
I have no idea but I expect it would be immersive.
What do you want people to know about you?
I like to wear mismatched socks.
Which musician would you want to swap lives with for a day?
Brian Eno.
Do you want to be famous? If so, what would you want to be known for?
Yes, no, yes, yes, no… Well, let’s say, just for one day, to see what it means to me.
If you could be the director of Melkweg for a day, what would you do?
A dervish/sufi event. Or have they tried that already?
What do you think of your photograph?
Barrie is a great photographer.