Billboard’s latest cover artist, Mau P, visited the Billboard House during SXSW to discuss his artistic trajectory ahead of his headlining performance at Austin’s The Concourse Project. Originally slated for the Moody Amphitheater, the event was relocated due to inclement weather conditions in the area.
During an engaging dialogue with senior music correspondent Katie Bain, the Dutch producer revisited his formative years. He noted that his early sonic palette was shaped by a blend of Pharrell and Snoop Dogg, alongside the jazz records his father frequently played—melodies that eventually took root in his creative subconscious despite his initial lack of interest.
Growing up in a household steeped in melody, music was an ever-present force; his mother was a vocalist, while his father served as a session musician and conductor. Their family home even featured a professional studio on the ground floor.
“I had constant access to instruments,” Mau shared. He revealed that music felt like an inevitable path—a sophisticated “safety net” should his interests in cinematography or design fail to take flight. Fortunately, his dedication to the craft has paid off, as he has spent the last four years ascending to global headliner status.
His current sound—characterized by a seductive, dark groove—marks a significant departure from his previous work in the mainstage EDM circuit under the alias Maurice West. Mau explained that his new project allows him to apply the technical precision of big-stage production to a more intimate, club-ready atmosphere that sounds just as compelling through earbuds as it does on massive festival rigs.
This versatility has enabled him to navigate diverse environments, from the underground credibility of CircoLoco to high-octane Coachella sets. “I wanted to demonstrate that I’m taking my time with the craft of DJing,” he remarked, emphasizing long-form mixing over superficial pyrotechnics.
As he balances a demanding tour schedule, Mau P is currently refining his debut studio album. He aims to create a collection of songs that possess a foundational strength—tracks that remain powerful even when stripped back to just a piano and a vocal.
“I’m not chasing contemporary trends,” he concluded. “While you can expect my signature heavy bass, the ultimate goal is to create something truly timeless.”
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