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June 19, 2026

Interview: Melodic Awareness Radio Creator Michael Anthony

Written by Meagen Surowiecki  on June 19, 2026

Michael Anthony is a New York Cityโ€“based Italian-American DJ and producer whose sound moves across the deeper, driving, and melodic edges of progressive. โ€œI've officially been DJing and working on music since I was 17 years old. I've always wanted to grow as far as what I'm able to put out there and the types of gigs that I'm able to play to support the DJs that I admire.โ€ His growing catalog includes releases on Consequence of Society, Houstrike, PURRFECTION, and PHONO SOUNDS, with music supported by Hernan Cattaneo, Nora En Pure, Guy Mantzur, Dosem, Cristoph, YOTTO, Nick Varon, Mariano Mellino, Emi Galvan, and more.


Artist Interview Episode 016: Michael Anthony


Here is an enhanced, more expansive version of the paragraph that elevates the storytelling, emphasizes the musical journey, and builds anticipation for the interview. It was back in December 2025 when Subculture II was officially released, a monumental compilation that prompted me to write an exhaustive, track-by-track review, deeply reflecting on the unique sonic identity of every artist featured. While that project laid the groundwork, it was the subsequent release of his brilliant guest mix for Consequence of Society that served as the ultimate catalyst. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. The intricate "connections" between the artist and the music, the seamless synergy between the compilation and the mix, it all converged to reveal something undeniable. In that moment, the distinct, driving, and deeply atmospheric sound of Michael Anthony was fully realized, marking him as a definitive voice in the progressive underground.

โ€œI put a ton of unreleased music in there. I just feel that's a great place to kind of showcase that. I feel like I'm finally at the point where I have a lot to give as far as the product goes, as far as unreleased tracks go. Even in my sets, I feel like I'm really comfortable holding my own musical identity. Opening up properly for someone like Cristoph or Dosem or whoever the case is, Dirty South recently. Even the Consequence Society label party that we did in Miami, it's like setting the tone. That's something I'm very comfortable with; that's kind of where I'm at now.โ€ - Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony is a master of the warm-up, seamlessly setting the vibe for global acts like Cristoph, Nora En Pure, Dosem, and Dirty South across Miami and New York. First witnessing his talent at Brooklynโ€™s Ornate Studio, we were instantly hooked. His deep, melodic opening set kept the floor moving and set the bar exceptionally high for the night ahead.

โ€œOpening is all about getting people to gravitate toward the dance floor. At the very beginning, youโ€™re essentially playing to the walls. People trickle in, and naturally, they head straight to the bar. My entire mindset is: How do I get them off the bar and onto the floor? How do I make them feel comfortable? Thatโ€™s why my production is heavily groove-based. Itโ€™s not about hitting you over the head, breaking your back, or exhausting you early in the night. Itโ€™s about creating a comfort zone where you just want to come closer to the booth and exist with everyone else. You start at a low bass level, build a steady foundation, and then hand it off seamlessly so the headliner can come in and drop the big tracks.โ€ - Michael Anthony

His biggest supporter and friend is label boss of Consequence of Society, Cristoph. Michael Anthony has opened for many of his sets and events, especially at the COS Miami Closing party and in Chicago. Michael Anthony has been featured on the COS Subculture compilations Vol. I & II, and FaCet Vol. 4 and his own COS Mix. That was how I first discovered Michael Anthonyโ€™s music by listening to the COS compilations and mixes. โ€œI was on both Volume 1 and Volume 2. For the first one, Chris invited me directly, which was a massive confidence boost, and having someone you admire look at your work and want it on their project. For the second volume, we were just talking, and he mentioned it was coming together. I literally told him, "I'm going to make something tonight and send it over." I finished the track in 12 hours, asked him if it worked, and he loved it. Whatโ€™s beautiful about the Subculture VAs is seeing how Chris curates different genres and styles into a single body of work that makes total sense. It also connects you with the other artists on the bill. I reached out to Dumouz K after hearing his track 'Gravity' on the first compilation, and now heโ€™s a good friend. It really highlights the emerging subculture of artists that Cristoph is championing.โ€

Michael Anthony press - 1440 x 1084
Michael Anthony DJ - 1440 x 1084

I first discovered Michael Anthony's music on the Consequence of Society label by following the COS mixes to the Subculture VAs. When I first listened to โ€˜Connectionsโ€™ featured on Subculture II, I was reminded of the distinctive melodic sound Michael Anthony had established. Cristoph didnโ€™t create a label; he created a community and a platform where all talent can be discovered.ย 

โ€œWhat Chris has built is incredible. The fan base immediately rallied around the label from day one. Suddenly, you have people sliding into your Instagram DMs to say how much a track means to them, which helps you form real connections quickly. It also opens doors to organic collaborations. Other artists see your release on the label and reach out to work together. We just did a label showcase in Chicago, and we've played Miamiโ€”the possibilities feel endless. It really is an authentic community, and at its core, thatโ€™s what this industry and this city should be about: supporting your own.โ€ - Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony has been featured on many other mixes and compilations, such as the PURRFECTION Compilation 2026, and he manages his own mix series, Melodic Awareness Radio. He recently launched a milestone in his Melodic Awareness Radio series by releasing the 30th episode on the same weekend when the New York Knicks won the championship after 53 years. โ€œIt goes back to the sheer volume of music I'm making. Itโ€™s a great way to give back to the people who enjoy my sound and showcase what Iโ€™ve been working on without dealing with the typical red tape of label release schedules. If I make something cool, I can just drop it in next monthโ€™s episode. It also allows me to return the favor and support other emerging producers who send me their tracks.โ€ The Melodic Awareness Radio gives Michael Anthony a chance to showcase his talent and workflow, and to showcase unreleased music.

โ€œRight now, I probably have about 35 to 40 unreleased tracks sitting on my drive. There are definitely clusters of three or four songs that were made in the same headspace and fit perfectly as EPs. If I ever do an album, I want to intentionally sit down and construct a cohesive, holistic body of work from scratch. For now, itโ€™ll be a mix of singles and EPs. But I also have a habit of hoarding my tracks just so I can surprise people with them in my live sets! They'll all get out eventually.โ€ - Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony kings hall

Michael Anthony is constantly in the studio perfecting a signature sound that refuses to compromise. While others pivot toward mainstream trends, Michaelโ€™s loyalty belongs entirely to the underground. His dedication to authentic deep and melodic house isn't just a stylistic choice; it's his core philosophy as an artist, ensuring his original passion always leads the way. His workflow is twenty-four-seven: eat, sleep, breathe music. โ€œHonestly, itโ€™s born out of necessity. If Iโ€™m out there searching for a track to put in my set and it simply doesnโ€™t exist, I make it. If thereโ€™s a vocal I love, but the original doesn't fit the vibe of my sets, and I can't find a proper remix, Iโ€™ll sit down and make the edit. Beyond that, Iโ€™m always writing and building new ideas. Iโ€™m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a tight-knit community of people who live and breathe music. My WhatsApp is easily 30 tracks a dayโ€”us sending ideas back and forth, going, "Oh, this would be cool to sample," or "Maybe I'll try to make an edit of this." That constant stream of inspiration keeps me moving.โ€

Listen to Melodic Awareness Radio: 30

Every great DJ's sound is built on a foundation of inspiration. Michael Anthonyโ€™s style is shaped by a rich lineage of electronic music royalty. Drawing influence from the iconic legacy of Danny Tenaglia as well as the cutting-edge progressive sounds of his friend Cristoph, Michael channels these diverse inspirations to hone his craft and cement his own distinct identity behind the decks. From his Melodic Awareness Radio to opening for iconic DJs at a club or festival, Michael Anthony will always perform an original set because his song catalog keeps growing from more inspired DJs and sounds.

โ€œAnyone across the house and techno spectrum, really. We were just talking about Danny Tenaglia; heโ€™s always been a massive inspiration. Going to his parties and watching him play those marathon sets, where he smoothly transitions from house to disco to techno to progressive sounds, taught me so much. I admire guys like that who can take people on a genuine journey, which is exactly what Cristoph is doing tonight. Eric Prydz is obviously a huge pillar for me too. But I also have to credit the late-2000s EDM boom in America; artists like Swedish House Mafia and Dirty South. Those massive records, big vocals, and sweeping melodies are what opened the doors for me when I was younger.โ€ - Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony shows no signs of slowing down, balancing the curation of his Melodic Awareness Radio show with a relentless studio schedule dedicated to fresh solo singles and EPs. Most notably, the anticipation surrounding his long-awaited collaboration with progressive titan Cristoph is finally reaching a boiling point; the track, titled โ€˜Spacer,โ€™ is officially slated for release this July. It marks a major milestone in an already stellar trajectory, bridging his signature atmospheric style with a massive global platform. Itโ€™s been played by Cristoph at festivals and events globally, and this summer it will finally be available.

โ€œWe have a massive collaboration coming out very soon, and weโ€™re working on some really exciting new show concepts. Above all, my focus is consistency and maintaining a steady release schedule and continuing to produce every day. As for gigs, people often ask when Iโ€™m playing in New York next. I actually make it a point not to play here too frequently because I live here. I deeply respect the local residents who play every single week, but I want to use my hometown appearances sparingly and make them feel special. Instead, things are opening up nationally. Weโ€™ve got city offers coming in following our shows in Chicago and Miami, so traveling more is definitely on the horizon.โ€ - Michael Anthony

Supporting local talent is a big step and the best way to support your favorite DJ. Buying tickets to their gigs and events, plus buying the tracks on Beatport, goes a long way. By helping build the DJs' community and supporting the music to help them grow and become better artists, it goes a long way for the DJ as an artist. It will create a domino effect for DJs in getting gigs and performances. More bookings for festivals and probably more signing to labels. The more support from the fans, the better the artist will become. If youโ€™re a fan of an up-and-coming underground DJ, then support as much as you can. Thatโ€™s all Michael Anthony said at the end of the interview as his final thoughts.

"There are so many talented artists out there trying hard to break through; if you genuinely like someoneโ€™s music, their brand, or who they are as a person, support them. It costs absolutely nothing to share an artist's post to your Instagram Story, but from an algorithmic perspective, it matters immensely. It breeds a healthy vibe in our industry. Shoot them a message. Send a track to a friend. Support your DJs, and support your local talent." - Michael Anthony


Interview Segment: โ€˜Either/ Or'

EDX or Nora En Pure?

EDX

Dosem or Dirty South?

Thatโ€™s messed up because Iโ€™m friends with both! But I have to say Dosemโ€”we just put out an EP on his label and I love what he's doing. We'll see if Dirty South answers the demo email I just sent him!

Open Air or Nightclub?

Nightclub. I love a sweaty, dark room.

Melodic or Progressive?

Progressive House

All Night Long or Back-to-Back?

Iโ€™ve actually never played an all-night-long set, so Iโ€™ll go with Back-to-Back.

Football or Futball?

Futball

Day Event or Weekend Festival?

Day events. I have a 20-month-old son, so Iโ€™m up at 6:00 AM regardless. Day events are incredibly cool nowadays anyway.


Article written by Meagen Surowiecki

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