Don’t know Micah Lukasewich? You will. He’s one of the most exciting up-and-coming DJs/Producers in electronic music, appearing on such labels as Fade, Silver planet, Method and more. His new originals are on Aurium and Baroque, with remixes released on labels like Lost Language and Global Underground.
I sat down with Micah to gain some insight into this up-and-comer’s thoughts, perspective, and future plans for the electronic scene. It’s clear that he’s got the motivation and talent to truly take his art to the next level – and for those of us who love genuine artists following their own path, this is great news. Micah is someone to keep your eyes (and ears) on for the future.
Adam Singer: You’ve been making and playing music for quite some time, and have been around long enough to see the electronic music scene go through many changes, trends and fads. What do you think of the current electro/minimal approach we can’t seem to get away from? Where do you think EDM is headed next?
Micah Lukasewich: Releasing music since 2003 is not a long time, but I have been a fan and have been writing electronic dance music since first hearing it (and liking it) back in '97. I think there is good in every genre, and just like in every musical vein, there are good artists and bad ones. I think the reason that many people are getting sick of some sounds is due to the massive amount of new producers and net record labels who are pumping out insane amounts of bland, un-original and just plain bad music.
I remember back when I was just starting out, a record label was a dream, something to be strived for, it really felt unattainable and once I landed my first record I was in shock that I had made that step. Now, with the advent of the internet, the record label for dance music has become somewhat of a joke as it seems every "average Joe dance music fan" owns one. There are no standards left, as any person with a computer and an internet connection can download the software to write music and there will be a net label waiting to put their song up on Beatport, the problem is(and this is a guess), 98% of these people are not musicians.
Bottom line, the market is over saturated and it makes it really hard for one genre to stay fresh when so much stagnant air is being pumped into the room, it's only natural when this happens that things will change. I think the fans of dance music need to learn to accept this fact, adapting and evolving with their artists , as in my eyes, it is our job to take what's in and make it better.
Where is EDM going? Hopefully somewhere without an internet connection as file sharing has really made it pointless for someone to even attempt a living off of straight producing. I'm hoping more people will take Trentemoller's unsung advice and go the live band route, it would give the music more credibility in the world scene and would really make shows more exciting (plus weed out a lot of garbage producers).
Message-boards and electronic music are without a doubt synonymous – at least for the die-hard fans. What are the positives/negatives you find about them as an artist?
I love them, and hate them in equal amounts. I love them for the obvious information and free promotion, but I'm a very emotional guy and I take any criticism good or bad quite seriously. No where else but on the internet is there an outlet for any asshole to state his mind unchecked, I'm not against free speech, but you cannot zap a complete idiot who is just trying to stir things up for no apparent reason.
Definitely staying true to your art, you’ve continually pushed your sound in a direction that is emotionally moving and fulfilling, following your own style. Why do you think it is many artists are so quick to jump on board the “what’s hot now” bandwagon? What has inspired you to keep pushing a unique sound?
First off, it is very difficult for one to just simply have their own sound, the natural progression is emulation, I don't see it as "band wagon jumping" but more of a spring board to success and notoriety. Most artists are free to express themselves after they've "done the rounds" so to speak
Second, I thank you for the "own style/unique sound"compliment, it's been a very hard road staying on course with the music I write as I've never wholly kept to one genre, but recently I've had to move with the trends to stay afloat just like every one else, though they may be more subtle, I feel my adaptations have been necessary. For the most part, I've wanted these changes, and seeing that I have always tried to stand out, I’ve been able to inject my own spin into what is going on...I don't know if I'll ever fully fit in or have a place of my own, but as long as I am creating from my heart, I'm content (though a return on my investment would be a much appreciated outcome from all of this).
What artists/genres are inspiring you most in the studio right now?
No specific genre does any more for me than another, I'm really just into new ideas and concepts within the electronic music realm. Some of the guys that have been around for a long time are really exciting to me again. Nick Warren, Jody Wisternoff Slacker etc., they all move really well with the times and all have their own sounds. For new guys, Roel H is to me the modern equivalent of Mozart, that kid scares me with his immense musical knowledge and production skills. Austin Azua is fantastic and can write some crazy dark techno one minute, then jump the most beautiful serene ambient I've heard the next.
All people I have involved with my record label in one way or another are really keep me motivated: Joel Armstrong, Jaytech, Gerwin Koudijs, Dustin H, Peter McCowan, Sonic Union,Umut Gokcen, Dumb Dan, Baltic Sound. aswell as my good friends Shiloh, Beaumont Stanford, Funk Harmony Park, and Kosmas Epsilon and many others.
You have many upcoming releases – any you are especially excited about?
I've managed to get Shem (Slacker) Macaulay to agree to release remixes of his hugely influential tune "Psychout" on my record label- Ruhnsong, I've done one mix myself, I am still deciding on if I will do another or have some one do the second remix, maybe Shiloh.
I've also just signed a new tune for my own label by one of Peter McCowan's project names "Alucode", the song is called "What level". The original tune is a dark breaks song with incredible production and a hilarious robotic vocal; it will be coming out with a super funky remix by dumb dan and one by myself.
You’ve got an absolute knack at production – have you ever considered an artist album?
Yes!, I am currently in the works of writing my first album for which I am very excited, I've enlisted some amazing talent to appear in my songs including the amazing vocal talents of miss Kathrine Heath of "Bent-As you fall" fame, among many others. The album will challenge any preconceptions of what a "Micah" album might sound like.... I've really been pushing my boundaries and opening up my mind for this, it's going to be something pretty special to me and my fans
I’ve heard your mixes/CDs, and find them all very compelling, but unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to hear you gig live. Can you give some insight into what people can expect hearing you live? Any unique tools/techniques you’re using at the moment?
Well, I actually only started mixing with vinyl/CD's back in 2003, so my knowledge of the equipment is limited, but that does not mean I cannot mix, on the contrary I've had many people baffled at how far I've come in 3 years. If the crowd is right, I get really into it, jumping, singing, even playing air piano and guitar.... I have a lot of fun which really makes an impact on people who are there to dance, I've received quite a few emails from people who say I've put on some of their favorite shows ever... that(for me being so new to the mixing) just feeds my addiction to performance...I love DJing
Any of my mixes you've heard were all done live on CD decks, I can see the amazing applications of software like Abelton, but find the CD turntable to be my weapon of choice.
What’s the best advice you can offer those DJs and producers who are new to the game?
DJ's: Keep practicing and playing the music you love, the more honest you are with your sounds, the more people can feel it when you play.
Producers: Stop producing and take some music lessons, if you find them to hard or too boring, chances are your music will not have a very original feel to it and this will be a mediocre career decision
Your future goals as an artist?
I'm really pumped as Janice(my fiancée) and I are moving into a new place where I will be building a real music studio, from there I plan to form a band to tour with me performing my album live, if that works, then I may just keep at that. I am really hoping 2007 recognizes me a little more so I can focus on the music 100%, I would love to DJ more in other countries and eventually do compilations for the big labels etc, I think given the chance to show what I can do on a larger scale, I could make a pretty deep impact
Tell us what’s new and on the horizon for the future...
I recently signed on as a DJ with "Global Underground World Tours". This is a new venture for GU for which I am very excited to be a part of. For tour info and bookings please contact: tours@globalunderground.co.uk for a one off gig, please email bookings@ruhnsong.com.
For more Micah, visit www.ruhnsong.com/micah, or www.myspace.com/micahlukasewich.
And for more Adam Singer, click here.