MK and Shiba San in conversation: sneakers, that Jamie Jones mixup and summer plans

Individually, it's hard not to be familiar with both MK and Shiba San. Each have had more than a fair share of hits-turned-classics across the years and most recently have joined forces for an ongoing tour that's seen them stop in cities like New York City, Austin, Miami and more across North America.

Regardless of their individual careers, at first glance, pairing the two together might not seem like an obvious move. But surprisingly, the two have got plenty in common: an affinity for sneakers, roots in hip-hop and of course, great music taste.

The two sat down for an interview with one another to shed light on life touring together, to chop it up about some fond memories and their current tunes in rotation.

Read on and catch MK and Shiba San's remaining tour dates here.

Valerie Lee is Mixmag's US Digital Editor. Follow her on Twitter here

MK: Is it true you got your start in hip-hop?

Shiba San: Totally true. I got my start DJing and producing hip-hop music for over 10 years in France. I worked primarily with French rappers and singers.

Where do you find your inspiration?

MK: Inspiration can come from anywhere for me, but a lot of times it comes from surfing the internet. I might go on Beatport, Traxsource or SoundCloud and listen to as much as I can until something gives me inspiration for an idea. It could be anything from a drum sound to a vocal sample. Sometimes it will happen in five minutes, and other times it takes a lot longer. But it works most of the time!

What are you listening to these days? Anything out there you can't stop playing on repeat?

SS: All the tracks on the Basement Leak EP, 'Various Leaks, Vol. 2': Malive's 'Open Cap', 'Freak Dance' from Dateless and Black V Neck & Ayarez's 'My Style'. It just dropped last week on Beatport. My new song 'Drop It' is also on the EP!

I've heard you play some great records on the road. What are your favorite records right now?

MK: Right now I am really liking Will Clarke's 'Techno (Not Techno)'. This record seems so simple, but it really isn’t. The bass on this is so good! It’s techno, but it’s not. Listen to it and you'll see what I mean.

Also Solardo's 'Strobe Light'. These guys are so great. They make music that just makes you want to jump. This record is one of those head movers - just a great groove that keeps going.

I also have been playing my dub remix of Lee Foss & Lee Curtiss' 'Living in the City'. Lee Foss called and asked if I could remix his new track. I listened to it and it just felt perfect for an MK dub... and I think I was right! What a track.

Finally, I'm a big Justin Martin Fan and Walker & Royce totally slayed this remix of 'The Feels'. I like the original as well, I just love the way this record flows. There are some pretty chords, sweet vocals and it's a little trippy. Very San Francisco, just the way I like it. Great track and great remix!

MK: I've noticed your awesome kicks on tour - do you consider yourself a "sneaker head" and if so, what's your favorite?

SS: I love sneakers. I have around 80 pairs, either new or almost new! I have to say my favorite model is the Air Jordan 4. Then the Jordan 3 and Jordan 5s.

It seems like you're a sneaker head too - any rare gems you own or favorites you love?

MK: Definitely - I have probably over 50 pairs at this point. My favorite and the rarest I own are the Star Wars Adidas Originals 2011 Green Hightops, and I've got other ones like the Nike Air Max 95 Black / Varsity Red Patent Leather. But for a long DJ set, you'll probably see me in a pair of black Nike Sock Darts.

So where does the "Shiba San" name come from?

SS: It originates from the Shiba Inu, a Japanese dog breed that is one of my favorites. I really like Japanese culture, but I haven't been to Japan yet - it's been one of my dreams to visit!

MK: Nice. I went with the classic initial game - Marc Kinchen.

SS: Straight and to the point! What are your favorite moments from the tour so far?

MK: The truth is, I've never toured with another DJ before, so hanging out with you from city to city has actually been a fun and refreshing thing. Since we're just midway, check back with me afterwards! Haha... I do have to say that it's a good thing that you speak English though, because the only French I know is 'bonjour' and 'merci'.

We've both toured around the world a lot. Do you have a favorite city to play?

SS: It's very hard to chose one... Each time I play a new club, I say, "Wow, this is the best time I've ever had," but then the day after the next show, I say the same thing! If I had to chose, I'd say my best parties are the Dirtybird ones.

What's yours?

MK: I am going to have to take the fifth on this one. It’s too hard to pick one city, because it changes all the time.

SS: Are there any fans that stand out to you?

MK: Definitely! Last year, I met some really nice fans in Ireland that were coming to see me play a show, but when they met me, they thought I was Jamie Jones going to see MK. It was one of those classic things, they posted a pic with me online and captioned it "Fkn Jamie Jones” and the photo went viral. It started a whole bunch of jokes. It still comes up today. Absolutely hysterical.

MK: What about your fans?

SS: I'm in love with my fans. They are so supportive and show love at every show. They make their own costumes and masks, and sometimes they even paint on their face or body. It’s awesome.

What's coming up this year for you - anything new and exciting you're looking forward to?

MK: I'm really looking forward to getting back to doing more remixes. I didn't do too many in 2016 because I was trying to focus on my album without distracting myself, but now I'm excited to have some fun remixing. And of course playing in Ibiza, Germany, Malta, Croatia, UK, Spain, Holland, Ireland, Canada, Greece and even the States too this summer. I just looked at the travel schedule and I can tell you one thing I'm NOT looking forward to is the food in the Ibiza airport, haha.

What's this year looking like for you? What are you looking forward to?

SS: Continuing the rest of our co-headline tour! I'm also playing The Do Lab stage at Coachella for my first time, which I'm pretty excited about, and I can't wait to play a few other festivals this year like Movement and Electric Forest.

Find tickets for Shiba San and MK's tour here