Take a journey to unveil who’s behind Beehive Presents & how it came to be
Mikey Da Roza has been a driving force in the local house scene for over 20 years
Mikey Da Roza, a driving force in Calgary's music scene, has built an impressive career as a promoter, DJ, and creative director. His journey began with his passion for electronic music, quickly gaining recognition for his energy and dedication to fostering the local scene.
Early Days and Aqua Audio Events
Mikey’s first notable venture was Aqua Audio Events, a promotional company he founded to bring high-caliber music events to Calgary. Through Aqua Audio, Mikey became known for his ability to curate events that highlighted both emerging and established talent, earning him a strong reputation within the city's electronic music community. This early success laid the foundation for his later ventures and leadership in the industry.
Through Aqua Audio, he was able to forge some long lasting relationships and achievements. Being first to market with artists like Kaskade, Skrillex, The Chainsmokers, Axwell, Benny Benassi, Pete Tong, Eric Prydz, Dada Life, Bingo Players, and many more, his vision for emerging dance music was unmatched.
Him and his partners also developed the initial Badlands Music Festival held at Canada Olympic Park, Northern Lights Music Festival held at the Shaw Event Centre in Edmonton & Summer’s End held at the Big 4 Building.
The inaugural Badlands Music Festvial (2013) at Canada Olympic Park
More than just a local DJ
Mikey Da Roza’s work as a DJ is as integral to his influence on Calgary’s music scene. Known for his eclectic and immersive sets, Mikey has consistently pushed the boundaries of house, blending deep, techy, and soulful elements with cutting-edge sounds. His DJing is characterized by a deep understanding of both crowd dynamics and music itself, allowing him to create a journey for listeners, whether in intimate club settings or larger festival stages.
With plays across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon & Toronto) and in the US (Seattle, Las Vegas, Miami), not only has he spent time on the road, but has had the opportunity to play Kaskade Sunday’s at Encore Beach Club to a swarm of cheering fans.
Mikey’s focus has always been on curating experiences that prioritize musicality and connection. His residencies at iconic venues like Skybar, Habitat Living Sound and events under his brand Beehive Presents have been platforms where he showcases not only his own evolving sound but also nurtures local talent, giving emerging artists opportunities to grow alongside international headliners. His Carte Blanche series, for instance, has become synonymous with deep, immersive musical experiences in Calgary, attracting a dedicated following.
Moreover, Mikey’s mixes, such as his Entre Nous series, are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, taking listeners on an emotional and eclectic journey through deep, progressive, and indie dance sounds. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres and moods speaks to his versatility as a DJ, a skill that has kept him at the forefront of Calgary’s electronic music scene for over a decade.
Through his DJing, Mikey Da Roza not only entertains but also educates and elevates Calgary’s music community, cementing his reputation as one of the city’s most influential and respected electronic music artists.
Top left to bottom right: Kaskade Sundays at Encore Beach Club (Las Vegas) / Mikey Da Roza at See Sound Lounge (Seattle) / Mikey Da Roza w/ Benny Benassi / The Chainsmokers Calgary debut (2014) / Snowbombing (2017) / Beehive Saturdays at Habitat Living Sound (2018) / Mikey Da Roza w/ Calvin Harris (Centre of Gravity 2014)
Contribution to Habitat Living Sound
In addition to his work as a promoter and DJ, Mikey Da Roza is also known for his influential role at Habitat Living Sound, a nightclub he co-owned with partners Cary Chang and John Liwag. Established in 2008, Habitat Living Sound quickly became a cornerstone of Calgary's underground electronic music scene. More than just a nightclub, Habitat was envisioned as a hub for local artists, DJs, and producers to come together and experiment with music, creating a vibrant community space that encouraged creativity and collaboration.
Habitat Living Sound was unique in its approach to nightlife and music. Unlike many larger venues, Habitat focused on intimacy and atmosphere. With its small, cozy interior, the club provided a personal connection between the audience and the DJs, making it a favorite spot for both performers and attendees alike. Mikey Da Roza’s creative direction helped shape the aesthetic and ethos of the club, ensuring that it remained true to its underground roots while also providing a professional and well-organized environment for live music.
Mikey’s role at Habitat extended beyond just talent buying and event promotion. He was deeply involved in the branding and visual identity of the club, which became known for its minimal yet striking design. Through his attention to detail in marketing and event production, Habitat developed a distinct personality that resonated with Calgary’s electronic music fans. His commitment to fostering a community-oriented space allowed Habitat to thrive for over a decade, becoming one of the city's most beloved venues.
Habitat Living Sound closed its doors permanantly in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic after a historic 12 year run.
Joining Blueprint Events
Mikey's career took a major leap when he joined Blueprint Events, one of Western Canada's most prominent entertainment companies, in 2014. He was instrumental in Blueprint's expansion into Alberta, where his expertise helped introduce larger-scale concerts and festivals to Calgary and Edmonton. As part of this expansion, Mikey worked on events like the multi-day festival ARRIVAL, which showcased some of the biggest names in electronic music. His role within Blueprint allowed him to help cultivate Alberta’s burgeoning electronic music scene and offer fans in the region access to top-tier artists and events.
Mikey’s tenure with Blueprint not only helped raise the profile of Calgary as a hub for electronic music but also demonstrated his knack for event production and promotion. He quickly became a cultural influencer within the region, contributing to Blueprint’s mission of fostering local talent while bringing international acts to the city.
Beehive Presents and Current Success
After years of success with Blueprint, Mikey launched Beehive Presents, an independent event brand that continues to elevate Calgary’s nightlife. Beehive Presents has become synonymous with underground electronic music and creative event concepts. Mikey's curatorial skills have shone through in Beehive events, which often feature a mix of cutting-edge local artists and international talent. Through Beehive, he has created a new space for the underground electronic music scene to flourish, further enhancing his reputation as a key figure in Calgary’s cultural landscape.
Beehive Presents hosts various regular events, including the popular Carte Blanche series every Saturday at Sub Rosa (200 8th Ave SW), which showcases a wide range of house and techno artists. These events have become a staple of Calgary’s nightlife, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience in todays club scene.
Legacy and Future
Mikey Da Roza's influence in Calgary’s music scene is undeniable. From his early days with Aqua Audio to his current role with Beehive Presents, Mikey has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s nightlife. His passion for music, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision, ensures that he will continue to be a central figure in the growth of Calgary’s electronic music community for years to come.
As Beehive Presents continues to grow, it’s clear that Mikey’s legacy will be one of innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the music that has defined his career.
To keep up to date with Mikey Da Roza, including his next gig, give him a follow: instagram.com/mikeydaroza
