Former dancer and one of the hottest DJs on the gay party circuit in Europe and the United States, Micky Friedmann, an Israeli from Jerusalem, found Berlin the ideal place to start his career in the booth. After intense training at the ballet company, upon arriving home, he learned how to use the equipment, how to mix the music and, with a lot of dedication and discipline, he began the path to a successful path.
He debuted on the Berlin scene in one of the city's best-known bars, Tom's Bar. Since then, he hasn't stopped. After a very important performance in New York, his career took off. “In New York, they give you chances,” she says. "I exceeded everyone's expectations", he is proud.
After a year, he arrived on Brazilian tracks. For him, one of the dance meccas in the world and a place where a DJ needs to know what to do. "When a DJ plays in Brazil, he needs to know that he won't have an easy job." Maintaining a routine of hard work and going to the gym during the week, he takes advantage of rare free moments on the weekends to go to clubs and watch other DJs in action. "It's very important".
The difficult and dangerous relationship between talent and beauty and how to reconcile them is also an important theme in her career. Acclaimed on tracks around the world for both his work and his physical beauty, he criticizes the envy present in the industry and also highlights the fact that there is a lot of vanity in the industry. "Many producers think that a pretty face sells tickets, but if the music isn't good, you won't be invited back."
Why did you move to Berlin?
I left Israel after serving in the army. At that moment, I was a dancer. I was 19 years old and looking for a job in Europe. I grabbed my suitcase and went to auditions in different cities. My first contract was in Basel, Switzerland. Then, in Hannover, Amsterdam and finally, in Berlin. I wasn't thinking about being a DJ. I used to go out on the weekends and electronic music was always an interest. I always liked it. But I never thought.
What was it like to change sides? Leave the classical universe and go to the world of electronic music. Dancing to make others dance?
When I moved to Berlin in '98, I was already an experienced soloist. I did several other things to occupy my time. At a certain point, I thought, why not buy some equipment and learn at home? So I did. Coming home from work every day and playing a little.
When was your first performance?
It all happened in Berlin. When you dance, there comes a point where you have to stop. In fact, I stopped at the peak of my career. He was 33 years old. Of course, for a dancer, it's a difficult thing to think about having to stop something you've been doing your whole life. I thought about being a health instructor, a lot of things. But then, a friend told me, you do this well, because you don't start playing. Tom's Bar in Berlin was the first gay place I worked. It was once a month and lasted a year.
And what was it like playing in New York?
In Germany and many other places, if you are successful or if you are attractive and successful, some people will try to stop you, because they are jealous. In New York they give you a chance. It was probably one of the most important nights of my life. They thought I was just going to be a pretty boy playing music, but it was amazing. I exceeded anyone's expectations. I know it was God's will, there were a lot of important people from the music industry that night. There I met my agent and he helps me go anywhere.
Do you have a favorite place to play?
Yes, it's Rome now. It's crazy. Every time I play there, people embrace me with their energy.
Do you often play on cruises?
No, Brazil was my first experience. It was fun. I'm not a big fan of boats, I like my legs on dry land, but it was great.
The Brazilian scene is bigger and better. Is that the reason for DJs to come to the country now?
Of course it has something to do with the mentality of the people. Beach, sun, samba, all these things. Where else can you find something like carnival. The way you celebrate is very intense. And you demand quality music. They know what they want. When a DJ plays in Brazil, he needs to know that he won't have an easy job. They really need to work to make the people happy. In Brazil people know how to celebrate. You need to be very sure about what to do.
When was your first performance in Brazil?
It was in 2008, in São Paulo, at The Week. Playing there was a fantastic experience as a DJ.
Do you keep going out?
Yes of course. If I have a free night, 99% chances are I'll go out, just to see other DJs and get inspired. It's very important.
You've done some modeling work. How does this help your DJ career?
When I danced, I was part of some modeling agencies, I did it from time to time to earn extra. But I never considered myself a professional model. If it helps. Yes and no. Many people are jealous, especially in this area. You have to prove yourself twice. But either way, it's a very vain industry. Many promoters think that a good-looking DJ sells tickets. You can play once with your pretty face on, but if the song isn't good, you won't be invited again.
What is your goal now?
Continue to be successful as I am. I am very satisfied. Keep producing. Having the fire to continue all the love I have for music.
In the album you can see more clicks of Micky in a special shoot by photographer Magnus Chammon.
