Exclusive Interview with MIKE MOL

Mike combines his passion for music with his expertise in breathwork, cold training, movement, and recovery therapy. He helps people worldwide unlock their inner potential to live healthier & happier lives.

Having collaborated with renowned figures like Wim Hof and James Nestor, Mike has guided thousands in breathing, movement, and recovery practices. He organizes inspiring workshops and expeditions in extraordinary locations, where you learn to relax, transcend your limits, and cultivate a profound connection with yourself.

Born in the Netherlands, Mike was introduced to music at a young age by his mother, a dedicated brass band musician. Although he later left the brass band to explore his own musical path, this early experience became the foundation of his artistry. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

MIKE MOL: As a kid, my mom used to take me to music class every week. She plays tuba in the local brass band, and it was through her that I was introduced to music at a young age.

At the time, I didn’t appreciate it as much. I wanted to play football! My idol was Edwin van der Sar, and I dreamed of becoming a professional goalkeeper.

Only later did I understand the importance of this time, and now I am incredibly grateful for how things have turned out. Music is my greatest passion, and I love to share that with the world. Mama is proud, and she knows I am very grateful to her.

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?

MIKE MOL: After music class, I even played tuba in a brass band for a while. But as soon as I got a little older, I wanted to quit and explore music in a different way. A journey through many different genres followed. From trance to psychedelic rock. I started producing my own music and became particularly inspired by the soul of D’Angelo, J Dilla’s grooves, and the harmonic chords of The Isley Brothers.

Years of late-night production passed before I began to feel proud of the projects I showed to my friends. However, it still felt like something was missing: A voice, something that would make it truly personal.

My parents had a trumpet lying around, gathering dust in their attic. I was totally getting into jazz music around that time, so that worked out perfectly. It was a revelation for me. Finally, I felt a deep connection and the possibility to put my soul into the music.

3. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

MIKE MOL: It is my mission to help people become the happiest and healthiest version of themselves. Hopefully people can experience a moment of deep relaxation and awareness. Then you feel full of passion and energy to do beautiful things in life. When you are grateful for every moment, you realize that everything is exactly as it should be.

4. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

MIKE MOL: The best ideas come to life spontaneously and smoothly. It’s a flow state. A creative world where everything just works out. Very beautiful to experience. On the other hand, there are songs I’ve been working on for years that will probably never see the light of day. I have quite a vault of projects, haha. Who knows!

The most beautiful thing, though, is collaboration. That has completely brought back my joy in music. At some point, you realize there’s only so much you can do on your own. Then when you work together with someone who fully blows through barriers, and creates new possibilities… That’s the greatest thing there is.

For example: our bass player Frank Roelsma, he has been playing that thing all his life. The lines on LIFE IN FLOW he comes up with, I couldn’t have even dreamed of. And then when I’m in the studio with Mathies (BULC, electronic music producer), mixing our new song FUTURE IS NOW. He makes subtle changes that somehow make everything sound incredibly clear and alive! Without them, it wouldn’t have been the same.

5. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

MIKE MOL: Until 5 years ago, my life was all about music. I moved to Los Angeles where I worked in the Hollywood music industry. After being incredibly lucky in the passenger seat in a serious car accident, I never took anything for granted again.

That time made me reflect. ”Do I want to stay focused only on music? Or also explore that other side that interests me so much: well-being and inspiring people to get the most out of life.” I realized that on the other side of the world I was looking for what had been there all along: family and nature.

I moved back to the Netherlands, where I befriended Iceman Wim Hof. Although I mostly wanted to learn ways to feel happier and healthier, funnily enough, that’s where the music returned. While Wim was guiding a breathing session in Spain he said, ”Mikey! Go play your trumpet.” I immediately ran to get my instrument.

From that moment on, I started playing differently. Very meditative and mostly by feeling. Less is more, and I noticed that playing subtly felt much better. In the breathwork community, we create many beautiful experiences worldwide. I like to share this deep connection through my music.

6. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

MIKE MOL: My favorite performance ever has already taken place. I didn’t expect my grandmother to ever be in our living room because we live quite far away from each other. But one magical day she was there! And I had promised to play music for her. The performance became a beautiful and emotional moment. Our great wish came true.

I am currently busy preparing for unique performances with my live band. We are super excited to share new music and create a beautiful listening experience. Stay tuned!

7. Who are some of the most influential figures in your musical life, and how do they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘MIKE MOL’?

MIKE MOL: I got that name for my birthday; it was a nice gift from my parents.

Right after a performance in Poland, a Danish man came up to me. ”Do you know Palle Mikkelborg? The way you play reminds me of him. You should look him up.”

Honestly, no, I had never heard of him. Little did I know that this man would change the way I would play forever. Never had I seen anything like Palle. The way he plays so peacefully with feeling. With such attention to space and stillness. Unbelievable. It’s as if he gathers each note from a different part of the room. He inspired me to switch to flugelhorn for a warmer and fuller sound.

I am also very inspired by the percussion and energy of Carlos Niño. He views music performance as a communicator of a higher spirit. The way he performs is almost ritualistic and very intuitive. He just allows the music to flow and happen. That’s very special.

8. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as a mix of electronica, jazz, and ambient?

MIKE MOL: I think it’s great when something hits you with a spark of ‘’Yes, this is it!’’ Especially when you’re trying new things and discovering your sound. It’s nice to be inspired by different worlds and elements that fit you. Let it become part of your unique blend and your artistic vision. Only you do things your way. The future is now, let’s make it beautiful!