ARTIST INTERVIEWSĀ – MICAH
Who are you, and where are you from?Ā
Hey there, Iām Micah Paul Lukasewich(Micah), and Iām from Calgary Canada .
How did you get into music, and who or what are your influences and heroes (DJ/producer/artistā¦)?
I was extremely sensitive to music at a very early age(about 3-4 years old). My parents were definitely into some interesting stuff which helped mold me as an artist. Some of my biggest influences have been Vangelis, Frank Zappa, Enya, Ween, Radiohead, Sneaker Pimps and on and on… One of my biggest heroes is definitely my Grandma Marg, she introduced me to the piano as a child and that instrument has always been my go-to ever since.
What other music styles besides electronic music you listen to, and at what occasions?
Iām insanely eclectic, and itās really hard to peg down exactly what styles I listen to, but I tend to head towards classical, chill-out and downtempo. Anything that stirs my emotions or calms me down. At home I donāt listen to much unless Iām writing, but I tend to just put on spotify at work and discover new stuff as I ho.
How would you define a good piece of music?
Multiple facets here for sure, the song needs to sound good first of all. I really didnāt think my music at the beginning sounded the best it could, so over the years Iāve made it my mission to learn to make it sound clean, clear and well equalized. I tend to gravitate towards songs at myālevelā or higher as far as sound quality is concerned. Aside from that, Iām really into anything that doesnāt sound like anything Iāve heard before. Originality is a huge factor in that. It definitely has to illicit some emotional response… though what emotion that is depends on the theme.
Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
A lot of the times I tend to spark my creativity with a new piece of gear or AU(logic), Iām not really walking around looking at birds and getting stirred to write lol. When I get a new bit of gear I just fiddle and experiment, that tends to lead to a song or at least a test version.
What artists would you like to work with if you would be given the opportunity?
Iām pretty picky on how my stuff sounds, Some may find me a bit TOO picky, but with our industry being inundated with so many artists I think it pays to have that kind of standard. Iām really impressed with Luke Brancaccio, he has expressed interest in collaboration at some point, but heās gotten really busy with some cool upcoming signings. I think heās the total package as far as creativity and sound design is concerned. Robot Koch is another, heās more cinematic Ā and chill, weāve chatted and there may be something some day on the horizon there.Thereās a few others, but anyone whoās willing to take direction and or be open to construction criticism to make the final product sparkle.
What are you passionate about outside of music?
Since Covid came about, Iāve really sunk myself into gardening of all things. I never thought I would be into it so much, but itās so therapeutic. Iām a big movie and videogame nerd too. Though quarantine has really exhausted my movie choices lol.
How would you describe your music in your own words?
Eclectic? Iām truly all over the place. One moment Iām writing a dark dancefloor behemoth, the next Iām writing chamber music, then onto some solo piano. However Iād say the underlying theme in most of my music is melancholy. I tend to thrive on the bittersweet vibes that stir peopleās emotions.
What is your first memory to music?
Definitely hearing my grandmother play her out of tune converted player piano. My family often reminisces on the time I was 3 years old and put āVangelis-Opera Sauvageā on the record player first thing in the morning all by myself haha.
What can we expect of you in the near future?Ā
Iāve taken An extended hiatus from production since quarantine, but Iāve got multiple projects underway including and original with kiz on pangea, and a remix of Alan Prosser for Pangea coming as well(really excited for that one as it may be one of my best). And more Pangea! Weāre talking about a big project that Iāll reveal at a later date. Iāve got a huge vocal track in the works with Kiki Cave, itās definitely going to turn some heads when itās done. Waiting on another remix to come out for Mango Alley, really happy with that one too, deep trippy space-odyssey type vibes. Iāve got lots lined up for Ruhnsong (my label ) as well, Including a continuation ep/remix package from my reforged ep from last year, just waiting to have the time to rekindle those projects. Iāve also got a ton of half finished tracks from the past 4-5 years Iād like to clear up soon.
What is your favourite piece of equipment you use in the studio or DJ’ing, and why?
Iām currently virtual only, I work in locic pro X, and my favourite synths have to be spectrasonicās ominispere and quite a lot of the NI products. I recently bought Frahmās Noir and itās much much more than a piano, canāt wait to diver deeper into it. I have a Maschine2, but Iāve found it quite difficult to integrate into my work flow.
As a DJ/Producer, what has been your biggest highlight?
I guess thereās two tiers there, my past achievements, and the ones Iāve made since my decade long hiatus from dance music.
In my past, my first signing , with Hook/UG label boss Chris Cowie, that opened so many doors when I started, it lead to Fade, Silverplanet/Secret planet and onwards. My bootleg of Bent-As you fall was a huge moment as well. Remixing the legendary Slacker(R.i.p Shem <3), getting on and touring for Global Underground was like a Dream come true . Finally any one of my many tours and gigs Throughout mexico etc. The highlight being 2007 nye in the jungle in tuxtla mexico.
My recent highlights would definitely have to be Sasha playing Beam of light nearly 6 months straight before its release on Seaman and Parryās Selador.
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