Sometimes we feel like they’re giving out bags filled with DJing equipment along with birth certificates in The Netherlands—it's the only way to explain the country's limitless supply of gifted producers. The one we’re obsessing with right now is 19-year-old Mike Williams, who’s already got festival crowds around the globe jumping up-and-down to his hits “Groovy George” and “Sweet & Sour” and secured a punchy Tiesto collaboration. Here’s everything you need to know about the rising star of Dutch electro.  

He Still Operates From His Bedroom

“I’m at my bedroom studio right now”, he informs me in the beginning of our phone conversation, “All my gear and equipment is here”. Does he have a big bedroom then? “It’s not that big. But I do have a nice desk where I can fit my monitor and my laptop. That’s everything I need.”

He’s a 19-Year-Old Dutch Electro House Wonder

“I started producing and DJing when I was 14," he reveals. "My parents both play piano, so I learned how to play it, too. That really helps me with producing music. I started making unofficial remixes and putting them online, and they got very good response. And that’s how it all started. It’s good starting out young. You have all the time to develop unique sound and to work on your production skills. When you’re 18 or 19, that’s the right time to get signed. There are some producers who already have huge fanbases at 16, and I think it’s hard for them. Dealing with fame at that age must be very difficult.”

Carly Rae Jepsen (Kinda) Launched His Career

His initial claim to fame was a groovy remix of Carly Rae Jepsen’s carefree comeback single “I Really Like You,” which reached 3.3 million plays (at time of writing). “That’s when the record labels and other agencies started reaching out to me. I picked Spinnin' Records last year. I wanted to improve my skills, so I didn’t release anything for five months. Then everything started happening and I feel like I’m on a train that doesn’t stop now.”

He Takes His Sister On Tour

“It’s good to have my family supporting me and keeping me grounded,” he admits. Does it mean he’s taking his parents to the clubs? “Sometimes. I take my sister Michelle to the clubs, because she films a lot and records all of my gigs and she even goes with me on tour.” What’s always in his bag aka The Tour Surviving Kit? “My laptop, headphone and a small towel.” When I tell him that a towel is something you can put on your rider, Mike says, “I know, but not everyone follows up with my requests.” Shame on you, promoters!

Oliver Heldens Is His Personal Therapist

“I played a gig with Oliver Heldens recently, and I was very nervous before going on stage and he gave some very good tips on how to relax. He’s a really cool guy,” he gushes. What kind of tips? “Just stay calm and the crowd is one massive thing where you can’t see individuals. Which is a good thing. When you have 30,000 people in front of you, it doesn’t matter anymore. When you’re behind the decks, you just go with the flow and don’t get that nervous.”

He Collaborated with Tiesto

Playing Ultra Music Festival is a big deal as it is, but Mike got special treatment as he got to share the stage with Tiesto himself. They also premiered their new track. “Standing next to such legend was beyond awesome, he’s such a cool guy.”

You Want To Party With Him

“When I’m out with my friends in Amsterdam, we get pretty crazy. But when I’m playing I’m very focused. Which doesn’t mean I won’t jump during my set. Because I will.”

He’s Got Solo Tracks Coming Up, Too

Mike’s just premiered his collaboration with Justin Mylo called “Groovy George,” but he’s looking forward to release more solo tunes soon, too. “Right now my focus is on the solo tracks. Maybe a couple of remixes.”

He Won the Cup Fight in Belgium Once

“I had a gig in Belgium and there was a DJ who played before me. People had plastic cups with beers and they threw the empty cups at the DJ because everyone was so drunk. Maybe they didn’t like the guy, I don’t know.” Did they throw anything at Mike? “No, they didn’t.”

He Doesn’t Speak Japanese

Considering one of his tracks is called “Konnichiwa,” we thought he may speak Japanese. Apparently he doesn’t. “A friend actually came up with that title as the track reminded me of Japan for some reason. And that’s the only thing I know in Japanese. I can only speak English, Dutch and a bit of Spanish.” A gig in Ibiza will surely fix that. Any secret talents? “I’m a tall guy, so I played volleyball for a very long time.” Now that will come handy when he’s chilling between his sets at some open air festivals.