Industry News
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the DJ duo known as MAJA—composed of Munich, Germany native Mole and Salzburg, Austria, native Jean-Philippe—have redefined après-schi culture. Their exclusive, high-energy events combine cutting-edge house music with breathtaking alpine backdrops, creating a magnetic pull for a devoted international following.
What began as a small experiment has blossomed into a movement that now stretches across continents. From snowy mountaintop stages in the Alps to glamorous beach clubs in Dubai, MAJA has become synonymous with world-class music and unforgettable experiences.
We had the opportunity to sit down with MAJA over drinks and a traditional Weißwurst Frühstück—a Bavarian specialty consisting of white sausages, sweet mustard, and pretzels. The meeting followed their whirlwind weekend of events at the legendary Hahnenkammrennen.
During race weekend, MAJA and Afterwork Munich (AW) hosted three unforgettable parties at iconic venues: Maierl Alm, Neuwirt Rooftop, and Sonnenrast. Joining them was French DJ Nicholas Sasson, adding his signature style to the mix. The events drew national attention, landing them a feature on the national Austrian news, and even attracted high-profile guests like Zlatan, making the race weekend one for the books.
Humble Beginnings
Mole, a former finance professional, first experimented with DJing as a hobby. What started three years ago as a way to avoid paying high entry fees in Ibiza by playing for his wife’s 30th birthday soon snowballed into something much bigger. “It was just for fun,” Mole recalls.
But then, his wife said something that stuck with him: “If you were a DJ, I could travel around the world with you.” That simple phrase became a defining moment in his journey.
“But after that first party, I got more requests.” A month later, he DJed his sister-in-law’s birthday in Munich, where a bar owner took notice. “You’re a great DJ, who are you?” they asked.
“Before I knew it, I was playing in clubs, hosting events, and building a community.”
Around the same time, Jean-Philippe was making waves as a DJ and event booker for clubs in Salzburg and Kitzbühel. His journey began 14 years ago at the age of 19 when he played his first event at a high school prom. With little idea of what he was doing, he simply transitioned songs from one to the next—often stumbling along the way. Despite the challenges, he knew instantly that this was his calling.
Growing up with a self-employed mother, Jean-Philippe realized early on that the traditional 9-to-5 life wasn’t for him. Instead, he poured every ounce of his energy into building his dream. Fast forward to today, and he’s grateful for how far he’s come, transforming his passion into a thriving career.
From Munich to the Mountains
MAJA’s story began with a simple idea: to merge the adrenaline of skiing with the pulsating energy of live music.
After Mole responded to one of Jean-Philippe’s Instagram posts, the two met in January 2023. Their shared vision was undeniable. “We both wanted to elevate the party scene in the mountains and create something people had never experienced before. We realized we were on the same level,” said Jean-Philippe. “We wanted to create something special, something that combined our love for music and the mountains.”
The duo named their project MAJA, a name inspired by their own: Max (Mole’s real name) and Jan (Jean-Philippe’s birth name). What began as a passion project quickly evolved into a full-fledged movement. Within just eight months, Mole had transitioned from his audit job to working on MAJA full-time. His nickname, “Mole,” stemmed from a playful joke about his nocturnal DJ lifestyle and less-than-perfect eyesight.
At the time, Mole had already built a solid reputation in Munich with his Afterwork Munich brand (AW), while Jean-Philippe, who had been DJing for 14 years, was managing bookings for a club in Kitzbühel.
In March 2023, they took a leap of faith, hosting Afterwork Munich‘s first alpine party at Maierl Alm in Kitzbühel. The intimate gathering of friends grew into a larger affair, and soon they were renting buses to bring fans from Munich to the mountains. “The first bus sold out in five minutes,” Mole remembered. “We knew we were onto something special. That party at Maierl Alm—300 people, incredible energy, and viral videos—marked the beginning.”
Building a Movement
By the end of their first winter season, MAJA had already become a phenomenon. The duo hosted a tour with 30 stops, each one more successful than the last. From small alpine venues to larger-scale events, they developed a reputation for creating exclusive, high-energy parties that blended music, nature, and a close-knit community.
“Our stage is the mountains. We are in harmony with nature,” Mole said. “Every venue feels unique. Some require cable cars and 25-minute hikes to reach, but that’s what makes it so special. People love the adventure.”
One of their most memorable events took place at Hornköpflhütte, a remote mountaintop venue accessible only by ski lifts and hiking trails. “When the party was over, people slid down the ski runs without skis. It was pure magic,” Jean Philippe laughed. “The energy was unreal. Girls in Moon Boots, everyone smiling—it’s moments like those that define what we do.”
The duo also experimented with more unconventional venues. One summer event in Vienna transformed a beach on a lake into an open-air dance floor. “It was a beautiful 30-degree day,” Mole recalled. “Then a sudden storm hit. People grabbed sun umbrellas to protect the dance floor. Even when the power went out, the energy didn’t stop. That’s the kind of community we’ve built. Moments like that show how much people love what we’re doing.”
Mole’s favorite story, however, came from this past New Year’s Eve, when Toto Wolff was in attendance. After exchanging numbers, Mole invited him to an afterparty in the town of Kitzbühel. The night was filled with incredible memories, but as the party wrapped up, Mole noticed four missed calls on his phone. “Never in my life did I think I would [miss] calls from Toto Wolff,” he admitted. “I would do anything to go back and pick up.”
Exclusive, Global, and Growing
MAJA’s events stand out for their exclusivity. Attendance is often capped at 300-500 people, creating an intimate, high-quality experience. “We want to cater to a special community,” Jean Philippe explained. “Our parties are for people who value exclusivity and authenticity. The size of the events helps maintain that vibe.”
Despite their intimate feel, MAJA has grown into a global brand. Viral videos, word of mouth, and strategic partnerships have propelled them far beyond the Alps. “At first, the idea was to only throw winter parties,” Mole explained. “But after last winter, the hype was so big we had to do something in the summer.”
In the past year, they’ve performed in Dubai, Vienna, and Tulum, with upcoming shows in Miami, New York, and Mont Tremblant. “We’ve never done paid ads,” Mole said. “Everything we’ve built is organic. It’s about creating experiences people want to share.”
The duo credits their loyal community for much of their success. Fans travel from around the world to attend MAJA events, with some even forming friendships through their shared love of the music and atmosphere. Mole recalls one group of American tourists who stumbled upon a MAJA party in Austria and became instant devotees. “They saw one of our videos, showed up, and had the time of their lives. That’s the kind of connection we aim to create.”
“For us, it’s about more than just music,” Jean-Philippe added. “With our souls filled, bringing the vibe to the people, we’ve been able to create something truly special—a global community connected by unforgettable experiences.”
Looking Ahead
As MAJA gets deeper into their second full season, the future looks brighter than ever. This summer, they’re set to take their high-energy vibe to new heights with an upcoming residency that will be announced this April. The duo is also working on original music, with plans to release tracks on Spotify in 2025, marking yet another milestone in their growing brand.
“We want to bring our vibe to the world’s most iconic party destinations—places like Ibiza, Mykonos, and Aspen,” Mole said. “But the Austrian Alps will always be our home. When you think of high-quality parties in the Austrian Alps, you need to think of MAJA.”
Their ambitions don’t stop there. Recent talks with Red Bull hint at even bigger collaborations, including potential performances at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. “We’re constantly pushing boundaries,” Jean-Philippe added. “Our goal is to be the number one name in alpine parties.”
With their sights set on expanding to the world’s premier party destinations, MAJA is poised to leave a lasting legacy—both in the Alps and beyond.
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Party
MAJA is more than just a party—it’s a lifestyle. The duo’s events are designed for a specific kind of crowd: people who appreciate exclusivity, high-quality production, and the beauty of nature. “We keep them small and intimate, usually around 500 people. It’s about creating a vibe that you can’t find anywhere else.”
This approach has earned them a loyal following, from young ski enthusiasts in Austria to international jet-setters in Dubai. “All the young people in Austria know us now,” says Jean-Philippe. “But we’re also seeing people from all over the world come to our events. It’s amazing to see how far this has gone.”
The Power of Networking
Both Mole and Jean-Philippe credit their success to relentless networking and a hands-on approach to their craft. “When you’re not a big superstar, it’s all about networking,” Mole said. “I’ve reached out to people who downloaded my music just to say thank you. Those connections have opened so many doors for us.”
Jean-Philippe, who handles much of MAJA’s social media and graphics, emphasizes the importance of authenticity. “We’ve never done paid ads,” he said. “Our growth has been organic, driven by the community we’ve built. That’s what makes MAJA special.”
Join The Movement
For MAJA, it’s not just about the music—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a mountaintop rave, a lakeside dance floor, or an exclusive club in Mykonos, their events are a testament to the power of community, creativity, and connection.
“We started in the mountains, and it’s where we’ll always belong,” Jean-Philippe said. “But our dream is to bring that same energy to the world. When people think of MAJA, we want them to think of the best parties, the best vibes, and the best memories.”
Whether you’re sliding down a ski run in the Austrian Alps or dancing under the stars in Dubai, MAJA is more than just a party—it’s a lifestyle. With their infectious energy, stunning locations, and commitment to exclusivity, Mole and Jean-Philippe are redefining what it means to après-schi.
So, the next time you’re planning a ski trip, keep an eye out for MAJA. Because when the mountains call, their events answer.
*Follow MAJA on Instagram @maja.event and catch them on their 2025 tour, including North American stops in Miami, New York, and Mont Tremblant this March.*
