Swedish House Mafia Interview With Superstar DJ Steve Angello

Last week saw every DJ on the planet come to play at Miami Music Week. And the biggest name this year? Swedish House Mafia, playing their last ever show at Ultra. Superstar DJ Steve Angello, who makes up one third of the house music trio, kicked off his solo career this weekend at a secret show in Miami. MiamiBeach411 met with him to talk about the Miami nightlife scene, what he loves about the city, and where you’ll find him hanging out on his day off.

Miami Beach 411: Tell us about the first time you played in Miami. What was your first impression of the city?

Steve Angello: I first played here in the very early 2000s. I love Miami. It’s a great city, there’s a great vibe. Lately I’ve been getting into the Art District, and everything else that’s here in Miami. For many years, it was all about South Beach, but now I’m discovering what else is here, like in downtown. Miami means a lot to me, it’s always made a big imprint in our careers. I come here at least 5 or 6 times a year and I love this place.

Miami Beach 411: Well that’s good to know. And we want to thank you for naming one of your hits “Miami to Ibiza”! So what’s the best part about staying here in Miami?

Steve Angello: It’s fun. Miami has great restaurants, great weather, great hotels, the vibe here is good. People are happy, friendly, they’re having a good time.

Miami Beach 411: Miami prides itself on being one of the nightlife capitals in the world. How does it compare to other cities?

Steve Angello: There’s a lot of nightlife capitals. Europe has a lot of cities that are very alive. New York is very alive, so is Miami. Even Toronto and Vancouver. There’s a lot of good cities that are alive. But Miami has good weather all year. There’s a lot of daytime and nightime stuff going on in Miami, which is great.

Miami Beach 411: There’s no pool parties happening in Toronto.

Steve Angello: Exactly!

Miami Beach 411: Looking at clubs being built now in Miami, we’ve noticed that the dance floors are getting smaller, and the tables are getting bigger. Have you noticed the scene in Miami shifting more to the VIPs?

Steve Angello: That’s the DJ fault. When a DJ charges a lot of money, it’s hard for a club with 2000 capacity to make a lot of money. The only way they’re going to make money is with the VIP tables. As a business, I understand that. Some DJs complain about it. They say it’s all VIP. But there’s a demand for it, because the clubs are still packed. And the people are still partying. they’re still getting loose, they’re still having a great time.

Miami Beach 411: Swedish House Mafia famously broke away from Ultra Music Festival a few years ago. What changed your mind about performing with them again this year for your last show?

Steve Angello: We just finished playing 55 shows straight. And we’d been doing that on our own. So we felt that instead of giving our fans the choice of either going to our show, or going to Ultra, we decided why not just play Ultra. The fans that would be at our show would still be at Ultra. They were at Ultra last year, as they ran off at our half time. We just felt gathering the crowds was a good thing to do. It’s nice to play here also, and Ultra looks amazing this year.

Miami Beach 411: Do you think you will return next year to Ultra?

Steve Angello: I’m always here in Miami. I’m still going to do the pool parties and the clubs.

Miami Beach 411: What’s your favorite club to play in Miami?

Steve Angello: I always have a great time playing at Liv. And I also have an amazing time playing after hours at Space. It’s two different worlds. Ultimately, I would do a pool party, I would walk into Liv and play for three hours, and then I would leave to Space to play for another five hours.

Miami Beach 411: Swedish House Mafia have been playing for years, and now you have number one hits, you’re on the radio, you’ve gone global. How does it feel?

Steve Angello: It’s scary. It feels amazing to be a part of something that you’ve worked on for so long, and then reaching where you wished you’d reach. It feels great. It’s a great opportunity and we’ve had an amazing time.

Miami Beach 411: If you had one day off in Miami to do your own thing, without anyone recognizing you, what would you do?

Steve Angello: I would go down to La Sandwicherie in Miami Beach, and then I’d go to sleep! One day off for me, it’s game over!

Steve Angello met with Miami Beach 411 while celebrating his MiO Energy Capture the Night campaign at a MySpace Secret Show in Miami.

Photo Credit: Marc Serota, AP Images for Kraft/MiO/ Matthew Meltzer for Miami Beach 411

Watch the Swedish House Mafia “Miami to Ibizia” video

Related Categories: Miami: Nightlife, A SoBe resident for 5 years, Jess’s writing focuses on healthy living in South Beach with a dose of British humor and a cheerful outlook on life in Miami. She can be found moderating the forum Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Jess. See more articles by Jess Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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