Imagine this, mate: the Downtown 500 Magazine crew, itching for a bit of random adventure and zero agendas. So, what do we do? We jump in the motor and head down to Copenhagen, all hyped about our mate’s art gig. Spoiler alert: the art show never made our radar.
Sorted ourselves a posh Airbnb, fueled up the motor, and boom, we’re on our way, chasing that epic experience. Cut to a few hours later, we’re chilling down by the south coast, soaking up the vibes in Copen’s harbour.
Copenhagen, though, mate, it’s got this magnetic energy. We got so swept up in its scene that the art gig was a distant blip. Instead, we went on a mad pub crawl, ending up at Culture Box. And get this – it turns out it’s government-backed. Props to those forward-thinking politicians, right?
Culture Box, though, mate, it was next-level. A spot you walk into and just know you’re not leaving anytime soon. The night was a whirlwind of meeting some proper characters, none more intriguing than DJ Mai – a total legend and a bit of a tomboy to boot.
After she smashed her set, Mai invited us to a cheeky private after-party. Mate, we were all in. That after-party was off the charts. We got the lowdown on DJ Mai, her journey, her beats – the lot. It was a banging way to cap off a night that started as an art show whim and turned into something seriously epic.
So, here’s to spontaneous adventures, rave spots with government backing, and the unforgettable faces you meet along the way. Copenhagen, you’ve been a top-notch ride. Until the next one, cheers!
MAI SCHARUUP!
Mai’s childhood unfolded in a cosy Brøndby townhouse, marked by early family dynamics shaped by her parent’s divorce. She navigated life primarily with her mother, alongside her younger brother and older sister. Brøndby offered Mai ample space for soccer games and leisurely woodland strolls with her canine companion while immersingrse herself in dive musical genres.
Mai has always been bursting with energy, finding solace in frequent runs to clear her mind and enhance her concentration. There’s a legendary tale about her running a half marathon with a broken foot – a testament to her unwavering tenacity. When asked about it, Mai casually mentioned she wasn’t aware of the severity of her injury at the time. To her, pushing through the pain and staying focused on crossing the finish line was all that mattered.
” I feel like the running and me creating music are the same. I can feel my body when I run, and I also feel the music; whenever I do both, I feel like my mind is free and not disturbed by many thoughts. It makes me feel complete.”
Known for her love of Copenhagen’s dynamic neighbourhoods, MAI praised the city’s diverse music scene, from underground clubs in the Meatpacking District to the cutting-edge bookings at Culture Box. She also admired Christiania, a unique enclave where creativity thrives amidst a backdrop of natural beauty and artistic freedom.
Diving into the vibrant pulse of Vesterbro, where hidden cafes and eclectic boutiques beckon. Discover the lively scenes of Nyhavn, where every canal-side conversation unfolds against a backdrop of colourful facades.
Venture into Nørrebro’s cultural melting pot, alive with street art and indie galleries that define its spirited atmosphere. Across the water in Østerbro, unwind along expansive parks and waterfront paths that offer serene escapes from the city bustle. And don’t miss Christianshavn’s picturesque canals leading to the bohemian enclave of Freetown Christiania, a community like no other.
In Indre By, cobblestone streets and historic landmarks set the stage for exploring Copenhagen’s timeless charm. Each neighbourhood tells its own story, blending modern allure with centuries-old character.
DT 500 MAG: – Christiania is such a unique place, right? What does it mean to you?
MAI: – Copenhagen is an important city with beautiful buildings and canals. It’s a city where you often go out, people meet at cafés and sit by the harbours. I get inspired by different kinds of people, types, living beings, and their destinies. I could not live in a small city; I don’t think it could inspire me as much because of the lack of freedom to stand out and explore the different types of people who live here in Copenhagen. Even though I love living in the capital, I am also very fond of being out in nature, inspiring me a lot.
DT 500 MAG: – Any recommendations?
MAI: – I party a lot and go clubbing; I especially like the Meatpacking District, which is a bit trashy, and Culture Box, where I feel the electronic music gets a lot of space; I think they book a lot of great artists, so that’s a great place to go to. On a more personal level, it means a lot to me that my siblings and my little nephew also live here in Copenhagen.
MAI: – There are too many clubs in Copenhagen where they play more mainstream music, but that being said, there are also a lot of other alternatives. Especially in the summertime, we have stuff like Trailerpark, Stella Polaris, Strøm and other right underground parties. And VEGA, especially, is excellent at booking a different fantastic artist.
DT 500 MAG: Christiania is a truly distinctive enclave. How does its presence resonate with you?
MAI: – It’s an important area where many different people live. It has many beautiful natural features and cosy, creative houses, and it’s easy to see many artists living there. This is the place to go if you are into smoking weed and chilling out in comfortable surroundings.
DT500MAG: – As you traverse different cities and countries, what striking differences do you find in the playing field? Each locale seems to bring its own unique flavour and energy to your experience.
MAI: – I have not been around playing yet, but my dream is to do that much more in the future, to experience a lot of different cities; it can quickly get annoying to play at the same place and in the same town all the time. If I play at a home where I can play my own genre, it is much easier for me to build up a good set and the right vibe,
” My goal is to get people’s attention and make them feel the energy and the intensity.”
DT500MAG: – Could you share your journey into becoming an artist? What pivotal moments or influences shaped your path?”
MAI: – I need more time to get a REAL artist in me, with all respect. But of course, I feel like my own artist already. I still need to finish my projects and release more music. But it’s on its way – hopefully, haha. But to get here, I, first of all, got inspired by my brother-in-law, who was DJing a lot at that time when I moved to Copenhagen. I bought my own DJ deck and practised a lot, and then I contacted different places and asked them if I could play there. I met many cool music people through the nightlife, which became a good network for me. I got a close friend who was also a DJ, and he booked me for a job in a RUST club.
DT 500 MAG: – Tell me more.
MAI: – I was hooked and strived to develop myself as a DJ. Suddenly, everything was moving very fast. I was DJing a lot for a few years, and at the same time, I had an excruciating breakup with my girlfriend. That made me party a lot, drinking lots of alcohol and taking drugs.
“I lost myself with all that, living the night, being high, walking in the streets, feeling lonely like hell, not knowing where to go. I couldn’t feel anything in the end. I felt sad and lost; sometimes, I fell asleep on the street.”
DT 50 MAG: – What did you decide at that point?
MAI: – I decided to start learning how to produce music independently. I needed something that was mine, something I could immerse myself in, and a way to express my feelings even more.
DT 500 MAG: – What moves you as an artist? What inspires your creative process and fuels your passion?
MAI: – When I started, I was fascinated by Fritz Kalkbrenner, Nicolas Jaar and Djuna Barnes (Danish DJ).
DT500MAG: -Why DJ?
MAI: – It was a coincidence; I love music and like to party because of my restlessness. I needed something to immerse myself in, and the music did something good for me.
DT500MAG: – What is your Thing?
MAI: – I like to experiment with the music, tell stories, and make my own universe, but it depends on the atmosphere; sometimes you just need to get the party going. I like to play Ambient, House, Deep-House, and Techno.
DT 500 MAG: – Do you consider yourself part of a vibrant creative community? How does being connected to other artists influence your work?
MAI: Yes, I am a part of a creative community in Copenhagen because I know many people in the DJ/producer business. I like being part of that because I don’t have any education and a “normal” network, as you would call it. It can also be a lonely business, but that is positive. I like to work alone so that the music is 100% mine, but it’s also nice to know there’s always someone to ask for help or inspiration if you need it.
DT 500 MAG: – Reflecting on your journey as an artist, what factors have propelled you to push your ideas forward? Was there a specific inspiration or pivotal moment that ignited your creative evolution?
MAI: – As I told you earlier in this interview, I did not produce music at the beginning of my career; at that time, I was only DJ-ing, but after a terrible break-up with my girlfriend, I started to immerse myself in the music. Some friends showed me the program, and I began as a producer. Ups and downs in life inspire me and push me forward.
DT 500 MAG: – Who are you most connected to?
MAI: – When I was younger, I was very inspired by Coco Rosie and their quickness; I liked that they stood out of the norm with their looks and music. Michael Jackson was also an idol of mine.
DT 500 MAG: – In today’s digital age, does social media empower a generation of young people to embody both muse and protagonist in previously unimaginable ways?
MAI: – Yes, Social media has made it possible for people to promote themselves daily, for example, on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. It is also easier for the young generations to be online regularly because they’ve grown up with it, so it’s a natural way to communicate and show themselves in a particular light.
DT 500 MAG: – are there any consequences of social media?
MAI: I creatively use them to show people who I am. I have a Facebook page and Instagram, and I post my music on SoundCloud. But it can also be very stressful to maintain all the time; it has become a thing we all do, and you just roll with the flow, and people expect you to use it and update it all the time. I follow my friends and colleagues and get updates about their lives and music. I also use it for inspiration, but staying grounded in real life is essential. Things get so polished on social media that sometimes it is necessary to experience the real world where things fall apart.
DT 500 MAG: – Mai, are you more than a tomboy?
MAI: – I am a very loving and open person with an eternal lust for expressing myself. I am actually also a shy person, and I consider myself creative. Even though I am very restless, I like to be alone most of the time; I get stressed if I am among too many people. I recharge when I am alone with my music.
DT 500 MAG: -What lies ahead in your artistic journey? What are your next steps or aspirations?
MAI: – Recently, I played a gig with a singer, ALFAKAT. It was a demonstration for the organisation Refugees Welcome. “Refugees Welcome” – is a small humanitarian organisation. They offer free legal counselling and assistance to asylum seekers, and at the same time, they try to ensure the rights of refugees and inform the public of the conditions for refugees in Denmark. It was a beautiful day, and so many people showed up. It was the people talking to the government. We told them we would welcome immigrants fleeing war and suffering in our free country. I was thrilled to support this because
If you have the means, you should always help others in need. “Peace out, and save this cruel world we live in.”
MAI: Actually, Tomorrow I will check out a studio. Money or not, I sometimes need a place that is not my home to get some stuff done. This will help me finish some tracks this winter.
DT 500 MAG: – Good luck, bud!
MAI: Tomorrow, I will also have new loose teeth. A friend openedop called Sort Black tattoo, with th a new tattoo sh at Ahornsgade 25 in Nørrebro. Go visit her if you are in Denmark. She has made a beautiful elephant on my leg!
DT 500 MAG: – Where can we meet you, DJing next time?
MAI: – On the 15th of August, I will play at the Copenhagen Pride before the parade for the fifth year in a row. In the evening, I play at a benefit party at a place called “Reden”(a drop-in centre for women struggling with prostitution and drugs).
DT 500 MAG: – Text us when you come to Oslo so we can enjoy you playing!
MAI: – Soon, I have never been to Oslo, but I want to see the city.
Looking ahead, MAI is focused on refining her sound and completing new tracks in a studio setting. Her upcoming gigs include a performance at Copenhagen Pride and a benefit party at Reden, which showcase her commitment to using music as a platform for social change.
#RAPTURE!
Interview by Arthur Sopin
Photographer: Polina Vinogradova
#dt500mag 