Mau P reveals reason behind rebrand from Maurice West

COVID lockdowns helped Mau P realize his true musical direction.

Electronic music producer Mau P, formerly known as Maurice West, has embarked on a transformative journey, redefining his sound and rebranding his identity within the industry. Originally rising to prominence in the EDM scene as Maurice West, he became known for big room, festival-ready tracks with a high-energy, mainstream appeal. Yet, as the industry and his personal interests evolved, Mau P found himself drawn toward a deeper, more groove-oriented sound—one that ultimately inspired his rebrand.

Reflecting on his days as Maurice West, he admits there was a disconnect between his own musical preferences and the expectations imposed on him. At heart, he enjoyed the more nuanced, driving beats of house music, but while touring, he often felt confined by the expectations of big-room EDM and commercial soundscapes. He mentions recalling instances where promoters would ask him to leave the stage if he began veering into house territory, eager for him to stay within the boundaries of big room tracks.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought large-scale festivals to a halt, Mau P took a step back to reconnect with the type of music he truly enjoyed. During lockdowns, he spent time at intimate gatherings and house parties, where his friends frequently played underground house and techno. Rediscovering the genres’ appeal in these smaller, immersive settings, he rekindled his passion for house music, eventually leading him to start producing tracks within the genre. The process was liberating, and he quickly realized this shift wasn’t just a phase—it was the direction he wanted to take his career.

However, the transition wasn’t without challenges. His management team pointed out that his established brand as Maurice West didn’t align with the image of an underground house DJ. With prior releases alongside names like Hardwell and tracks that leaned toward commercial EDM, it was difficult to place him on lineups with artists like Solomun or Chris Lake without causing potential confusion. Listeners seeing his big room discography might have found it challenging to anticipate the more refined, groove-heavy sets he now wanted to deliver.

The solution came in the form of a rebrand. By adopting the name Mau P, he was able to signal a fresh chapter in his career and redefine himself within the house music scene. The shift allowed him to embrace his new musical direction without the baggage of his previous big room persona. Now, as Mau P, he stands confidently among house and techno heavyweights, with his performances offering a stark contrast to his former self and a testament to his artistic growth.

Featured image courtesy of Mau P