Mackenzie Johnson, aka MAKJ, has steadily been gaining recognition in the dance music world. With a long list of bootlegs under his belt (remixing everyone from Tiesto to Clockwork), receiving huge support from fellow DJ Hardwell, and playing an assortment of clubs (from Lavo in New York to TAO in Vegas), this young producer will be someone to keep your eyes peeled for. He's not only managed to dedicate much of his time in the studio, but having DJed since he was 15 years young, he also has skills behind the decks (which is refreshing)! Join him at his debut at Control tomorrow night (tickets available HERE) & don't forget to check out his Birthday Bootleg Pack below!

WL: You're originally from San Luis Obispo, CA. What prompted your move to Los Angeles? MAKJ: The music industry to keep it short. Being from a small town like SLO, it was kind of a struggle to get any kind of recognition in the music game. I have to say LA was the best move I could've made. Since coming out here, i've met a lot of great people and I'm really excited about where things are currently at, I don't think it would have ended up the same way if I stayed in SLO. So I thank you LA.

WL: So much of the software involved in DJing and music production is readily available for anyone who has the slightest interest in doing either. Do you think this easy access is diluting the scene? MAKJ: No, easy access was the only way I was able to be where I'm at today. I would have laughed at myself if I tried doing the same stuff 10 years ago when a "Pro" studio setup was $10,000 - $100,000. So no, easy access is fine by me. I think people can still tell the difference between the serious producers and the ones that just picked up their first piece of software yesterday.

WL: You began DJing at 15 years old. What inspired you to start? MAKJ: I used to race cars professionally, and spent some time living in China in my early teens racing out there. While I was there, I spent a lot of time at the clubs and was fascinated by all the turntablist DJs, that was kinda my "AHA" moment. So once I made my way back to the states I started doing random college performances and I guess the rest was history.

WL: What are you listening to right now? MAKJ: I'm loving the new Green Velvet, Pleasurekraft "Skeleton" track right now. Always amazing production coming out of those guys.

WL: What is something that most people don't know about you? MAKJ: I use to race formula cars professional back in my teens. Once I hit 6 '4 It was about the time I had to rethink my career path.

WL: This will be your debut set at Avalon on Friday. What can we expect? MAKJ: Well having a back-round in turntablism I think I'm going to use that to my advantage.