Montreal’s Mitch Oliver, a trailblazer in the East Coast melodic wave, isn’t just a DJ/Producer and Sound Engineer, he’s a musical missionary, spreading positive vibes and uniting people through his art. Signed to prestigious labels like Kindisch, TrybesOf, Hoomidas, and XYZ, Mitch’s deep, emotive rhythms have earned him acclaim and support from icons like Lee Burridge, and Hernan Cattaneo.
His performances resonate with energy, whether it’s getting “Mitch Slapped” by the exhilarating drops or swaying to the subtle beats of his label, Slapped Records. Covering genres from Deep House to Melodic House, Mitch crafts unexpected musical journeys.
A vibrant presence in global hotspots like Amsterdam and Miami, his sets at Piknic Electronik, Burning Man, and SXM Festival have cemented his reputation. Each performance is a reaffirmation of his status as a genre-defying leader, captivating fans worldwide and ensuring the dancefloor remains a place of magic and wonder.
Balance Selections 270: Mitch Oliver
Tracklisting:
1. Mitch Oliver – Control Z (feat. Might Delete Later)
2. Metodi Hristov – Fat Lips (Original Mix)
3. Mitch Oliver – Out of Space
4. Collective Machine, Julian Millan – First Vision (Original Mix)
5. Stefano Noferini – No Heading (Original Mix)
6. Facundo Mohrr, Maxi Degrassim – Revolver
7. Mitch Oliver – ID
8. Rony Seikaly – Toxic (Original Mix)
9. Yost Koen – Realife (Original Mix)
10. Mitch Oliver – Hidden Gem (Extended Mix)
11. Rony Seikaly – Shameless (Original Mix)
12. Mitch Oliver – Secret (feat. Might Delete Later)
13. Lexlay – The Organist (Ruben Mandolini remix)
14. Mitch Oliver – Catch Me
15. Luke Alessi – Everybody Dancing (Original Mix)
16. Arel & Schaefer – Dice (Original Mix)
17. Mitch Oliver – Tell Me What You Want
18. Emanuel Satie, Billy Cobham – Don’t Forget To Go Home (Original Mix)
Balance Selections Q+A
Name: Michel-Olivier Saucier
Location: Montreal, Canada
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Alias/Producer name: Mitch Oliver
Labels affiliated with: TrybesOf, Kindisch, When We Dip XYZ
My last 3 releases:
Mitch Oliver – Hidden Gem
Mitch Oliver – Sunshine Dust
Mitch Oliver – Treasure Trail
What music did you listen to as a child?
As a child, our home was always alive with music – mostly disco, jazz, blues, and rock n’ roll. I remember being just 5, changing CDs in our player, and being drawn to artists like Rolling Stones, BB King, and Michael Jackson. I was quick to memorize lyrics and rhythms, and I loved how music brought my parents and their friends together, dancing and enjoying lively dinner parties. My parents were both avid piano players. My dad, inspired by blues and jazz, even dreamt of being a professional pianist. My grandfather was a renowned pianist and violinist in Montreal, known for his radio work and his own music school.
When was the first time that you realized you liked electronic music?
I discovered electronic music around 13-14 years old while training hard for ski racing and dreaming of the Olympics. I remember satellite radio playing EDM at the gym, and it just clicked for me. That’s when I found artists like Avicii, Tiesto, and Swedish House Mafia. I started going to festivals, listening to BBC radio mixes, and fell in love with the emotional depth of EDM.
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
My first club experience was at 15, and the DJ played a very open format, not too electronic, but the control he had over the crowd was fascinating. It was thrilling to see how he understood what the crowd wanted and created a unique journey that kept everyone dancing all night.
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I’m inspired by a wide range of artists. Moby, for instance, has always been a top favourite. Their evolving discography still sounds as fresh and relevant today as it did initially. Outside of electronic music, Michael Jackson, and James Brown, are masters, and their music is foundational to house music. Their ability to inject groove and emotion into their work, especially given the limited technology of their time, is still something I find amazing.
What was the last album that you downloaded/purchased?
Recently, I’ve been streaming Mac Miller’s ‘Swimming‘. It’s a masterpiece that I turn to for inspiration outside of electronic music. Its composition, lyrics, and flow are exceptional. It’s a perfect blend of musicality and raw power.
What is your current production and DJ setup like?
When I built my studio, I aimed to transition quickly from idea to implementation. To let the creativity flow without distractions, I mostly produce “in the box,” with a setup including a Universal Audio UAD Twin X, an Ableton Push II and Adam Audio S3A monitors. This setup mirrors my approach to live performances – dynamic, intuitive, and in tune with the audience.
What releases do you have on the horizon?
I have a steady stream of new, genre-bending productions coming up in the new year. I’m very excited to share these tracks with the world in 2024, as they have been requested a lot at my recent shows, and I can’t wait to finally put them out. I can’t share the details of all the release plans yet, but It’s gonna be a very exciting year musically for me. What I can share for now is that my first release of the year will be a single on my newly launched label, SLAPPED Records, and you can hear it in this mix.
Where can we hear you perform?
I’m excited to play at Do Not Sit in Miami and then start the year at New City Gas in Montreal, supporting Armin van Buuren. At Igloofest, I’ll be bringing some special surprises, closing this year’s edition with Miss Monique, and then I’m off to South America for my second tour, which I’m really looking forward to after the success of the first.
In 2024, I’ll be touring the US and South America. When in Montreal, I mostly play at StereoBar, my favourite club in the city. Whether it’s a club night or a festival stage, I aim to create a memorable experience for the audience, blending various styles and vibes.
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ set currently is:
Alex Bohemien, Raf Parola – Midnight Flavor
The energy of that track is undeniably infectious. Whenever I play it, the crowd goes wild. It’s a certified banger, and the joy it brings is evident from the smiles it elicits.
If I could recommend only one of my tracks for you to listen to it would be:
It truly depends on who’s asking. If you’re going for the clubbier, peak time track, I’d pick Mitch Oliver – Hidden Gem, but if you’re leaning towards a more vocal-heavy, sultry track, I’d go with Mitch Oliver – Can’t Help Myself (feat. Andrea De Tour)
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
Hustle with Adam Sandler… I was deeply touched by his emotive and moving acting performance in this movie. It’s quite impressive for an actor known for his usual goofy roles.
My favourite TV show:
Breaking Bad was a true masterpiece of a series.
My favourite holiday destination/hotel:
I’d say the Canadian Rockies are where it’s at for me. As an avid skier and mountain lover, nothing beats the beauty of that region.
