Mix of the Week: Mike Servito - CB Mix 001
From his time in Detroit in the ‘90s to his current residency with like minded friends at The Bunker in New York, Mike Servito has been known as a DJ’s DJ. Don’t let that reputation make you think he plays for the people trainspotting from the back of the club, he’s deadly in the late night mix, serving up a trippy mix of acid, jackin’ house and gruff techno. Here Servito takes up the first spot in Community Bread’s new podcast series.
You asked for it, we’re giving it to you. Introducing Community Bread’s new mix series CB MIX 001 featuring unforgettable sets from your favorite CB livestreams. We couldn’t think of a more perfect way to open than with this brilliant, powerful set by - who CB considers literal fam - Mike Servito. A NYC based, Detroit native DJ (of Bunker & No Way Bay fame) Mike got the legit learnings and history lessons from pioneers such as Mike Huckaby and Claude Young back in the 90s in the Motor City. His masterful skills on the decks is only paralleled to his shape-shifting, encyclopedic tastes in sounds. From acid dripping techno to classic groovy house, old school hip hop, to mind melting whatever-the-hell you want to call that sound (mainly heard only at the legendary No Way Back parties in Detroit), Mike will always deliver. Community Bread considers him one of the best DJs in the country. Listen to his set here (inspired by Detroit’s 90s TV show The New Dance Show as he explains below) and decide for yourself.
“The New Dance Show was integral in my formative years. I would watch episodes religiously every day after school, soaking up the rich and creative sounds and mixes, unaware of its impact on me years later. The DJ's played a heavy, pitched up, unapologetic mix of House, Techno, Acid, Miami and Detroit bass tracks.
When I started record shopping in the early 90s, part of my mission was seeking out every track I'd heard on The New Dance Show. They were always a part of my music history. Jesse The Body, Tooshay, and Leon Purse were originators and innovators. Much like The Electrifying Mojo, The Wizard, and Mike Huckaby, The New Dance Show DJ's were teachers to me, pushing the boundaries and being fearless in the mix.
I chose to showcase a handful of these tracks for Community Bread because it is a hugely influential part of my upbringing. More importantly, I believe it is a significant part of the vast, cultural fabric of dance music. The New Dance Show, the DJs, and dancers were pillars of Black excellence and artistry with tremendous influence. i think it's important to keep that spirit alive and well.
