INTERVIEW – MICHAEL HOOKER “DO YOUR RESEARCH WHEN SELECTING THE LABEL”

Let’s jump straight into your latest release where you have remixed Theo Schmitt’s ‘Good Times’. What was it that drew you towards remixing this one from his album?

I like all of the tracks on the album but ‘Good Times’ was the one that resonated with me most. I felt that it had the most elements I could work with to develop a great sounding remix. 

Do you have a set procedure when taking on a remix?

First and foremost I have to like the track. I wouldn’t take on a remix if I didn’t like the original. From there I’d listen to the parts individually, then I’d work with them to create something different but that still stays true to the original.  I try not to force creativity; it can be a harder process to work on a remix but over the years I’ve learnt to let things flow naturally. 

How is your studio currently set up? Was there any piece of kit or plug in which played a major role in this track?

I have created a studio within my home which has everything I need. On this track I predominantly used the V Collection from Arturia – I think their collection of synths is amazing and they’ve done a great job of making them easy to work with. I’m a big fan of the plugins from Sound Toys and the Span EQ by Voxengo which I also used on this track.

You are also a part of the label itself ‘Re:Sound Music’, do you feel that working on the other side of a label has changed your sound as a producer?

It’s the other way around and being a Producer has helped me with running the record label. The overall sound of my music has evolved and developed naturally over time. However, I strive to learn, for example, I’m constantly doing tutorials to try and become a better Producer. This in turn has made me a lot more proficient and confident in running the label. I know exactly what I’m looking for when artists submit music to me. It also helps if I have to give feedback too. Being a DJ / Producer / Label Manager all go hand in hand and this definitely gives me a more well rounded approach. 

Aside from this release can we expect any future original releases from you?

Yes, I will have music released in 2020. I’m track I’m working on now is something slightly different and I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait to see what people think when it is released. 

This EP also features a rework from Dead-Tones. From a label perspective what drew you towards getting Dead-Tones lined up for the remix?

I’ve worked with Kemel (Dead-Tones) on a few projects over the years, Re:Sound Music actually released his first track. He’s a perfect fit for the label and it’s been great seeing him grow both as an artist and a Producer. He’s extremely talented and I knew he would do the remix justice. 

Do you have any advice for upcoming producers out there who are looking to be signed to a label like Re:Sound Music?

Be professional – Check out the label’s page and follow any instructions they specify when submitting a Demo. Embrace constructive feedback – If a track doesn’t fit my label then I always try to give the artist a reason why in a positive way to help them. Not all labels do this but if you’re lucky enough to be given some advice then take it! Do your research when selecting the label – Check out the other tracks released and make sure your music fits. 

When looking back at 2019, what would you say your biggest achievements were?

As a producer having artists like Luke Brancaccio, Gai Barone and D-Nox remix some of my original music was a massive achievement. Having a track by myself and MEEO included on a Global Underground Compilation CD was also huge. By far though as a Label Manager, seeing the ‘Intoxication’ album by Theo Schmitt reach Number One in the Top 100 Techno Releases on Beatport was amazing! I felt extremely proud of Theo and seeing an album on Re:Sound Music charting above music released on some of the biggest labels in the genre was very humbling indeed.

Michaels remix of ‘Good Times’ is available to buy now.

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