In order to summarize Michael’s long list of productions and remixes we’d probably have to write a book, but don’t expect to see a long list of collaborators to add to his name. “I’ve done a few collaborations but not that many. I find it very … weird. I just prefer to work alone. I work best when I’m just sitting on my own, doing my own thing. If I’ve got someone sitting next to me it puts me off a little bit, to be fair.” The ones he has done, on the other hand, are nothing less than pure gold. He attributes the outcome of his more recent studio sessions with Chris Lake to friendship: “Me and Chris were quite lucky because we got in a studio and because we get along so well it’s very easy to just do what you do, but being in a studio with someone you’re not really feeling, it can get a little bit awkward.” Judging by the sounds of their 2013 hit Black Thong, no awkwardness was present during their studio time together.
Perhaps working alone in the studio may not be such a bad idea, as he is known for creating magic in his studio not only for himself but for other artists, as well. “I’ve done stuff in the UK with big artists,” he says when we ask him about creating more radio-ready productions. “I’ve worked with Example; Changed The Way You Kiss Me was number one for two weeks. I’ve done a track for Shakira’s new album and I worked with Ne-Yo on that. I was out in Los Angeles the other day and I met with one of the guys from Black Eyed Peas and he said he’s looking at some tracks we could work together as well.”
While world domination may not be too far off on the horizon, don’t expect a full- length album from him, just yet. “I don’t know if it’s worth doing an album to be fair; I’m not too sure people would rush out and buy it” he says. “The only album I’ve ever done was a mix compilation for the Ministry of Sound and I decided to put all my own stuff and made some exclusive material. That’s about as close to an album as I ever got. In terms of an actual artist album, I don’t know, not yet. Maybe if I ever have a string of really big worldwide hits, then yeah. Other than that, I’ll just keep on making singles;” a formula that’s worked out quite well for him, thus far. Although, he likes to compare his work against that of Afrojack, Deadmau5, and Skrillex; he doesn’t name a single source of inspiration for his constantly evolving sound. “I do enjoy going out to festivals and clubs and just kind of try to absorb all the music and when I get into the studio it all kind of comes out in one form or another. I don’t sit there and think I’m going to do this or do that, it’s just a case of sitting in a studio and seeing what happens,” he says of his creative process. The classically trained musician started his career as a trance artist, but these days he is known for his progressive bangers. “I started off making more trance stuff and now I’ve kind of moved on to more progressive stroke techno/electro, whatever you want to call that. There is a chance I may dabble back into the old trancey sounds. Trance is very musical and I’m a musician. Now when you listen to popular music it’s all about the production techniques and the beats and the bass line. It’s not really about the music anymore. It’s more about how loud, tricks and tips and production stuff. I want to get back to the actual core of music sort of things and trance is actually a good way to do that.”
Fast forward to his set, it’s Saturday night and the MID is packed from wall to wall with beat starved club goers ready to rage. Tonight they will not only hear Michael drop hits by the Bingo Players, Moguai, and Showtek, but they will also get to hear Michael’s unique and diverse productions such as Airborne, We’ve Only Just Begun, and of course, his newest hit, the euphoric Platinum Chains, all released on his very own label, Diffused Music. “It’s quite good because I get to find new artists and get the chance to put them on a platform and hopefully see them do well,” he says of his label which he started in 2010. “One of the first acts I signed was a group from Holland called NO ID, and they’ve made a record,” he says of their 2011 hit How R U Feeling Right Now.” I did a little bit on there, it went out as a Michael Woods Edit and they went on to do really well. Axwell supported the record and now they’re signed to Axtone. They’ve gone on to do really well off the back of that and I’m really proud
of them. I’m trying to do that with as many people as I can. I just found a new group in the UK, it’s two guys called Double Cream and they’re releasing their single Tripoli next week so looking forward to see how that goes.” With respect to his future plans he says, “I couldn’t even tell you what kind of track I’m going to make in the studio tomorrow. It’s just a matter of sitting down and seeing what comes out on the keyboard or whatever.” He has a track with Gareth Emery in the works and he’s thinking about developing one with GTA, but until then, “We’ll just see what happens,” he says, “Just live in the moment.” Both of these ideas seem to be at the core of Michael’s philosophy for life. Not afraid to conquer new sonic, artistic or geographical territories, he is the kind of road ‘warrior’ legends are made of. With 13 years of success under his belt, numerous hits, and a charismatic and friendly personality to back it all up, don’t be surprised if he’s still going strong 13 years from now. After all, he’s had the support of greats like Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, and Pete Tong all along. It’s about time he had yours too!
WORDS BY JAMES KABAT PHOTOS BY DANNY GERHARDT
www.djmag.ca
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