Cover Photo: Courtesy of Mikko Santos
Photo: Courtesy of Mikko Santos
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Stream our monthly mixtape of riveting tunes curated by leading DJs and musicphiles in the country
“Do you know those moments when you can’t quite put your finger on what you’re feeling or on what you’d want to say or express? That’s music for me,” says DJ Mikko Santos. Since 2017, he has been playing tunes from Eighties new wave to alternative rock to indie rock. It started as a hobby and then became a life-long passion.
Read more: Get to know DJ Tomas Cabili
He adds, “Music is a way for me to feel what I want to feel and share whatever it is I’m going through. It could be straight to the point or confusing, but that’s music for me. It’s like a translator of some sort.”
Above Photo: Courtesy of Mikko Santos
Photo: Courtesy of Mikko Santos
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Santos remembers hearing He’s All I Want by Angelmoon in his younger years and realising the sound deeply moved him. “I remember in grade 6, a friend of mine got this song from his uncle, a DJ, and he shared it with me. It was such a good song and will always bring back memories. So now, during my sets, when I’m feeling a bit nostalgic and extra happy, I’d play Angelmoon,” shares the DJ.
For the past couple of months, Santos has been able to play regularly in many places. The dance floors at Kampai, Futurist, The Spirits Library, Dear Adam/Sweet Lucy, Palacio and The Bowery are crowded whenever Santos plays. He has also performed at other weddings and birthday parties of his friends.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Mikko Santos
Photo: Courtesy of Mikko Santos
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The DJ has different playlists dedicated to his mood. He says, “One group is for when I’m just in the car or in my room trying to calm my senses amid the hustle and bustle of post-pandemic life. The other is for getting in the mood to go out or play a set. All these songs aren’t necessarily new, but they’re my current constants on my phone or in my DJ sets.”
- Bossa per Emilia – Mike Francis
- Clouds Across the Roo – The Rah Band
- Strong Enough – Kings of Tomorrow
- Talk to Me Like the Sea – Everything but the girl
- Momma’s Groove – Osunlade (Jimpster’s hip replacement mix)
- Work – Honey Dijon
- All Night Long/New York Express (radio slave’s wild pitchapella) – Mood II Swing
- Gnork – Blorp93
Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
