Who Is Mau P? The Story Behind Amsterdam’s Fastest-Rising DJ, Producer

Blog written by Mark Ashford

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The Story Of Mau P

Dutch DJ-producer Mau P (born Maurits Jan Westveen) is one of electronic dance music’s most compelling success stories of recent years. From his early days as Maurice West to his reinvention as Mau P, his journey ties together Amsterdam’s club culture, underground roots, and global recognition. Here’s a deep dive into who he is, how he got there, and why he matters.

Early Life & Musical Foundations

Born and raised in Amsterdam, Westveen grew up in a household with strong musical inclinations: multiple instruments, exposure to melody and rhythm, and an environment where sound was part of daily life. Gray Area+2Wikipedia+2
By his mid-teens (around age 14) he discovered dance music and began producing and DJing. Gray Area+1

During this time, he adopted the alias Maurice West, making his mark in the big-room and festival-ready house world. Under that name he released several tracks and remixes, climbed charts and played large venues. Wikipedia+1

The Reinvention: From Maurice West ➜ Mau P

While Maurice West served its purpose, Westveen sensed a shift was needed. In mid-2022 he re-branded as Mau P — a name that reflects his maturation as an artist and a narrowing of focus toward tech-house, underground energy, and authentic self-expression. exitfest.org

He described the change as “coming home to my true roots” after years of big-room and more commercial work. mixmag.com.br This transition was more than a name swap — it was a statement of intent.

The Breakout Moment: “Drugs from Amsterdam”

Under the Mau P alias, his debut single Drugs from Amsterdam (2022, Repopulate Mars) exploded on the scene. It hit No. 1 on Beatport’s main chart, became a global club anthem, and marked his arrival as a serious force.

In interviews he’s said the idea just popped into his head — and because he let go of fear and perfectionism, he was able to create something both fresh and genuinely him. mixmag.com.br

The track’s success opened doors: official remixes by names like Armand van Helden and Reinier Zonneveld, and mainstream acknowledgement (Billboard included it in its 50 Best Dance Songs of 2022).

Rising Momentum & Key Releases

Since that breakout, Mau P’s momentum has been relentless.

Some highlights:

+ Gimme That Bounce (2023) – followed the blueprint but pushed further.

+ Metro (with Kevin de Vries) on Afterlife – deeper melodic house & techno influence.

+ Your Mind Is Dirty, Dress Code, Beats for the Underground – each revealing a different facet of his style.

On stage he’s become a global presence: festivals like Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, major club residencies – the kind of reach rarely achieved so quickly

Artistic Vision & Sound Identity

What distinguishes Mau P is his ability to merge underground grit with broad appeal. His productions often feature raw grooves, heavy basslines, nods to house’s past, and a modern club energy that doesn’t feel safe or predictable. Mixmag described his sound as rooted in euro-dance, dubstep, progressive house, before evolving into a darker, more authentic tech-house identity.

He also emphasizes authenticity:

“Be yourself, don’t follow trends – be the trend.”
His weekly radio show, “XXX Radio”, and his show concept “Baddest Behaviour” further signal his commitment to a holistic artistic ecosystem — music, visuals, brand, community.

Why Mau P Matters for Electronic Music

+ Symbol of reinvention: Few artists transition so successfully. His shift from Maurice West to Mau P shows the value of authenticity over safe formulas.

+ Bridging worlds: He retains underground credibility while achieving mainstream club impact — helpful in a scene that often divides “underground” vs “commercial.”

+ Influence & inspiration: For up-and-coming producers, his roadmap illustrates how building from foundations (instrument training, production skills, DJing) then carving a unique identity pays off.

+ Club culture relevance: His stories and sound are tied to his Amsterdam roots — reminding us of the connection between place, culture and music.