Here we go with second mix and interview from Re:Sound label boss, Michael Hooker. His first mix for us already dates back from June 2016. So we are glad Michael took some time to prepare a new delight.
On top, we got the chance to send him some questions and ask him how his hard work is paying off. You’ll be surprised what he is been up to and what’s cooking. Always evolving and striving for perfection. Michael has his mind focused on a positive future. The interview makes it all clear.
Enjoy the read below.
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First off, our best wishes for 2018! Now that we are at it, what can we wish you for the coming year?
Thank you! Best wishes to you too.
My main aim for 2018 is to further build the label and continue working on my own personal development. Last year I really worked on improving my productions by spending as much time as I could in the studio and this year I will be just as busy. I’ve already scheduled my releases for the year so I’m completely focused from the onset.
I was able to throw some amazing bespoke label parties and I have more planned this year but also some new concepts coming. I’ll also be partnering with other promoters both in and out of state. I’ll be working closely with our core artists such as M.E.E.O, Theo Schmitt, Norris Division, Marabou to really push the label as much as we can.
Let’s look back at 2017, what were some of the highlights for yourself and for your label Re:Sound Music?
On a personal level, I got to play some amazing gigs in 2017. I got to play with one of the true icons of English electronic music – Pete Tong. That was definitely a big highlight for me!
As far as the label goes it was also a really strong year. We achieved Beatport Top 100s in the Techno and Progressive House charts. We received ongoing support from Maco Plex for The Schmitt’s release ‘Techno Rausch’ and had footage sent from him DJing the track at several festivals. This was a single on Theo’s album ‘The Game’ which was the first ever album we ever released on the label. We also received ongoing support from John Digweed, Lane 8, Joris Voorn, Steve Parry, Betoko, Kolsch, to name a few which is all super positive and great exposure for Re:Sound Music.
You were definitely on a roll last year with some great gigs, locally and abroad. Tell us about it.
There were a lot of firsts last year and definitely all positive. I played in Mexico for the first time, I can’t wait to go back and hopefully visit other cities there too. I played on the main stage of a couple of big festivals and I’m already booked for more high-profile shows this year so I am looking forward to that.
As if things with releasing music and running a record label is not enough, you decided to throw events as well. The concept is called Re:Sound & Friends. Self-explanatory but our guess is that there is more to it than just a simple event?
You are right each event is more than just a party to me. The initial idea was to host sporadic parties in really cool venues where I ask people involved in the label to play and we showcase music from the label and music that really fits with what we release. I changed it to be ‘Re:Sound & Friends’ so that I could expand the DJs who play but I only book people who really fit with the style.
In the early stages of my career, I was a promoter responsible for organising events and booking globally renowned names and for 500 – 1500 people on a regular basis. I moved away from this to work on my DJ career and then started producing music. I don’t class myself as a promoter now but I am extremely happy with how the Re:Sound Music parties have grown organically which is great for getting the music I love to play out there.
Is it going to be a recurring affair?
Yah, I’ve already secured dates throughout 2018. They are on a more ad-hoc basis to keep them bespoke. Our events at Melinda’s Alley are always on the night before a public holiday and we have others but they’re not in a regular rotation either. It just keeps it more fun and helps to build the interest.
How do you manage all this? How does a typical day look like for you? How do you balance your music, label, events with other obligations like friends & family?
There are 2 main reasons how I’m able to balance everything: 1) is that I have a daily routine and 2) is that my Wife helps me a lot. I treat each day like a workday; The alarm goes off at 7:15 am, I’m in the gym by 8 am and working on music by 10 am. On days when I don’t have a gig I will be in the studio (with no access to the internet) for 6-8 hours a day. On days when I do have a gig I’ll use my time in the day to search for music, update social media, prep my radio show and work on sets. Any free time after that is normally spent with my Wife and my friends. It all sounds very regimented but it would be hard to balance everything if it wasn’t like that.
Let’s talk about the label. The first release of the year is from Theo Schmitt – ‘Lok up the house’- and is getting some nice response already.
Theo has been a solid member of the label over the past 12 months and his new EP ‘Lok up the House’ will be the first of a few releases from him in 2018. Both tracks are on the deeper side of the techno that Theo likes to make and are a perfect follow up to his album ‘The Game’. The support has been great so far. In fact, ‘Lok Up The House’ was played on BBC Radio One play by Kolsch this past weekend. The track will be exclusively released on Beatport on February 12th.
Let’s look at the future, beyond 2018. What are your plans and how would you like to see your career in music to look like?
Beyond this year my plan is to keep on going. I hope that my label continues to grow. I would like to see some of my own productions signed to prolific labels and be booked to play more high-profile gigs and festivals. Ultimately, I hope that I am able to continue to work how I am now splitting my time between DJing, making music and running Re:Sound Music. It’s hard work but this truly is my passion and I love what I do and I’m thankful every day to have my dream career.
Thank you Michael!