Maxi Meraki and Mahmut Orhan on reimagining ‘Pangea’ and blending cultures through sound

We sat down with Maxi Meraki and Mahmut Orhan to delve into the story behind Meraki's fresh remix of "Pangea", the title track from Orhan's debut album. Known for his consistent contributions to well-regarded labels such as Get Physical, Upperground and Monaberry, Maxi Meraki’s sound has become a staple on dancefloors, earning him support from key figures in the industry, including Solomun, Keinemusik and Pete Tong. His recent remix for Orhan marks his return to Ultra Records, adding another layer to his growing international profile after the success of his recent releases.

Mahmut Orhan’s album "Pangea" takes its name from the ancient supercontinent, capturing an essence of unity that spans across borders. Featuring a blend of global voices, including Turkish artists and talents from Lebanon and Berlin, "Pangea" embodies a cross-cultural approach, reflecting Orhan’s vision of a harmonious musical world. In this interview, we explore the journey behind the remix, the dynamics of working across creative landscapes and what both artists envision for the near future.

What inspired this collaboration between you two? How did the idea of remixing "Pangea" come about?

The collaboration was inspired by a shared passion for blending genres and exploring new sounds. The idea to remix "Pangea" came about during a brainstorming session where we both felt the original track had so much potential for reinterpretation. We wanted to highlight its core elements while adding our unique twists. It was a perfect opportunity to experiment and push creative boundaries together!

How did your individual styles influence the final result of the remix? Did you explore new musical directions together?

Our individual styles definitely shaped the final result! The blend of us 2 together allowed us to explore new musical directions. We played around with various layers and harmonies, which pushed us both out of our comfort zones. The remix became a fusion of our influences, resulting in something fresh and exciting that we both loved.

Both of your sounds are distinct. How do you think this remix unites the cultural nuances of the Eastern and the Western?

The remix beautifully unites Eastern and Western cultural nuances. This fusion not only showcases our diverse backgrounds but also creates a dialogue between the two styles. The result is a sound that feels both global and intimate, resonating with listeners from different cultural contexts. It’s all about celebrating that blend and the unique stories it tells!

How do you believe remixes like this one add value to the original? Do you feel it offers a new dimension to "Pangea"?

Remixes like this one add significant value to the original by introducing fresh perspectives and interpretations. In the case of "Pangea," the remix adds a new dimension by infusing it with varied rhythms and textures, allowing listeners to experience the song in a different light. It invites exploration and encourages deeper engagement with the original, often making it resonate with a broader audience. This reinterpretation not only pays homage to the original but also expands its reach and relevance.

Looking at it from a wider angle, how do you both view the role of remixes in the modern electronic music landscape?

Remixes are crucial in the modern electronic music landscape as they breathe new life into tracks, expand their reach, and foster collaboration among artists.

Both of you have been recognised for creating immersive, global sounds. How do you stay inspired and continue evolving in such a fast-changing music scene?

We both stay inspired by constantly exploring new genres, cultures, and sounds from around the world. Collaborating with diverse artists and engaging with our audiences keeps our creativity flowing. We also embrace experimentation, allowing us to adapt and evolve with the ever-changing music scene.

Looking ahead, can we expect more collaborations between you two, or even B2B performances somewhere in the world?

Absolutely! We’re excited about the possibility of more collaborations and B2B performances. We love working together and exploring new musical territories, so stay tuned for what’s coming next!

Maxi, how did you approach remixing "Pangea", which already has such a unique and ethereal sound?

Maxi Meraki: I approached remixing "Pangea" by focusing on its core elements and building on the ethereal sound. I wanted to enhance the atmosphere while adding my own rhythmic twist and textures. The goal was to create a balance that preserved the original's essence while making it feel fresh and engaging for listeners.

What were some of the key elements from Mahmut’s original track that you knew you wanted to preserve in your remix?

Maxi Meraki: In remixing Mahmut’s original track with Nathan Nicholson, the key elements include the specific atmospheric vibe, the distinctive melody, and the rich, textured sound design that defines the essence of his music. Maintaining these elements helps keep the track recognisable while allowing room for creative reinterpretation.

Do you have any upcoming releases or remixes that you're particularly excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what's next on your side?

Maxi Meraki: Yes, I have some exciting releases and remixes coming up! While I can't reveal too much yet, expect some new fresh sounds and collaborations that push my creative boundaries even more. Little hint: a remix is coming from one of my favourite DJ groups their latest album!

Mahmut, the concept of "Pangea" speaks to something ancient yet universal. By naming the track "Pangea", were you drawing any parallels between the evolution of the Earth and the way music and cultural influences evolve and merge over time?

Mahmut Orhan: The Pangea concept represents my approach to my music, which merges multi-cultural elements in one piece of track. More then the evolution of the earth, the idea was a unified single giant continent which consist of all together.

How important is it for you to have remixes of your tracks, and how do you usually select the artists for remixing?

Mahmut Orhan: Remixes are very important in terms of releasing the hidden flavours of a track out. I always try to match track characteristics with the artists. However, its not always me who is matching them. Sometimes artists are choosing my tracks to put their comments on, which are also ending up with very good results due to the organic merge.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any exciting collaborations or new directions you’re planning to explore?

Mahmut Orhan: I think new directions are inevitable. Music is evolving and we need to adopt that pace. You will hear some very interesting new music in the upcoming months.

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Take a listen to the remix below.