|
|
 |
Miguel Migs Interview: 07.07.08 |
With the imminent release of 'Those Things Deluxe' on the Hed Kandi label we thought we would catch up with the House music pioneer that is Miguel Migs.
Q: You are known and loved for your music - How do you describe your sound and what influences your music?
A: I'm influenced and inspired by all sorts of things, from people to traveling and all kinds of music. I love and listen to all different style of music so you can here elements of dub, rock, funk, hip-hop and soul in the music i create as well as music i play in my DJ sets. i really do not like categorizing, but as far as describing my sound, i guess it would be soulful, funky and melody driven.
---
Q: Where did you grow up and has music always been part of your life?
A: I grew up in northern california around the bay area and my parents were hippies so i was exposed to all sorts of great music my entire life. everything from hendrix to the stones, zeppelin, peter tosh, muddy waters and so much more. i used to go through my parents record collection and get turned on to all sorts of stuff that i still love to this day. also my parents took me to concerts and festivals when i was very young so i have always been around good music and an open minded mentality.
---
Q: Those Things is a classic album - How long has this taken you and how do you fit this in with your busy schedule?
A: I wrote the album in 2006, so basically i took a year to write and record in between all the touring that i do each year.
---
Q: You have featured Lisa Shaw, Tim Fuller and LT on your album. Do you prefer to work with the same artists?
A: I love to work with new and different artists of all kinds, and i had never worked with Tim Fuller before or written a song with Aya at that point. I take things very spontaneously and these were the artists i wanted to work with on the album at that time because we all are able to communicate well and write very efficiently together. and as it turned out we all connected in a very creative way so it was a pleasure working with people that are in the same mind frame. plus i really enjoy all of their different styles for various reasons and they compliment each other.
---
Q: Your music has a very live and organic sound - Do you play any instruments and when did you start making music ?
A: I taught myself how to play guitar when i was a kid and played in bands growing up, so i started writing songs on the guitar when i was a teenager. in the studio i play enough of the keyboard to write and record my own music but im not a keyboard player or a trained musician by any means. i create and write music by ear and vibe. i also have my new live 8 piece band called Petalpusher and i play guitar in the group.
---
Q: There are always different trends in electronic music, How do you manage to stay true to your sound ?
A: Well, to each his own, but in general people like to follow the sheep and follow the color of the season with music like fashion or something. trends come and go, but i think quality song writing and good music and melodies are timeless. i just do what i feel and i always have. i dont even think i would know how to follow the trends of making music if i were to completely switch my style and sound, but i can respect change and experimentation if the intent is pure and that usually shows with an artist.
however, there is so much i want to do though, like write a whole dub/reggae album, and a disco rock influenced album as well... the thing is i have always loved and listened to so many various kinds of music that i constantly have ideas and melodies running through my head. the problem is there is just not enough hours in the day to do it all. and for the last 10 years i have been focused on creating soulful edged, quality electronic dance music.
---
Q: Do you have favourite place that you like to play?
A: Its always changing. sometimes its Spain, or Australia or Canada or the US. Venues change and so do the crowds and promoters, so i cant just say its one particular place at the moment. but i can say i always love playing outdoor events in the summertime. if its by the beach and the weather is nice, im into it...
I'm definitely not much of a crowd pleasing dj, i just play what im into instead of the commercial dance hits that get the crowds jumping up and down. im more concerned with creating a vibe and turning people on to new music as well as making it fun for myself by playing stuff i want to hear as well, and generally i enjoy more laid back kind of music... its always different though and sometimes it really locks in and works and other times it doesnt. you gotta take that chance though to do your own thing and bring your won sound. anyone can play the hits but thats the easy way out.
---
Q: If you had a week off, what would you do with your spare time?
A: Hit the studio and write some music as that is my main passion. i rarely have time to do that these days in between the constant touring and running my label Salted Music. i also always enjoy to just chill at the beach or try new restaurants, check out a live show, hang with friend and family, or simply just go and see a movie... i like simple things.
---
Q: You are playing for Hed Kandi at Pacha in London on the 26th July - Do you enjoy playing in London how does the crowd differ to all the other places you play in the world?
A: I enjoy playing in London and have had some great gigs there. there is definitely a serious history and knowledge of music in that city and the people really seem to come out and support, so I appreciate that and look forward to coming back through.
---
Q: Where else can we see you perform this summer?
July 4th - Paris @ D'joon - Migs
July 5th - Romania @ River Deck By the Note - Migs and Lisa Shaw
July 6th - Rome @ Stabilimento Balneare Rambla - Migs, Lisa Shaw, DJ MFR
July 11th - Lisbon @ BBC - Migs and Lisa Shaw
July 12th - Exit Festival, Serbia - Migs and Lisa Shaw
July 18th - Barcelona @ Catwalk - Migs and DJ MFR - TBC
July 19th - Marco de Canavez, Portugal @ Posh - Migs and Lisa Shaw
July 21st - Ibiza @ El Divino - Migs
July 25th - Majjorca @ Lokita - Migs
July 26th - London @ Pacha - Migs
Album Review: Click Here
Buy Album: Click Here
Back to Headlines |
|
 |
|
