Rhythmism.comUnsound Festival Q&A w/ Mike Huckaby | The Bunker - Friday, February 12th
by rhythmism
Monday, Feb 1st 2010, 01:20 PM
The main thing you need to know about Mike Huckaby is that he has impeccable taste and the ability to see past petty genre divisions to bring together amazing sets that may cover everything from the deepest house and the darkest techno to classic tracks from 20 years ago that you didn't even realize existed. These skills have landed him endless gigs worldwide at huge clubs, and make him an ideal DJ for the Unsound Festival New York dancefloor. Although his talents as a DJ are well documented, do not forget that he is also a very accomplished producer of dub techno and deep house, with tracks on his own Deep Transportation and S Y N T H labels, as well as the Berlin-based Cache imprint. Mike will be part of an all star lineup on Friday, February 12, 2010 at The Bunker. He will be playing alongisde [a:rpia:r]'s Petre Inspirescu, Anthony "Shake" Shakir, DJ QU, Barbara Preisinger, and Eric Cloutier.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kuentz
You will be part of the inaugural edition of New York City's Unsound Festival. What is your familiarity with the festivals Polish counterpart and the values they try and convey?
Actually, this is my first time playing for the Unsound festival, although im told by several djs that have played the festival in Poland that it conveys a true commitment to underground electronic music. Out of all the places in the world I've played, i have never been booked in Poland. I really want to go there. I'm sure at some time this year, i will be asked to play, and i cant wait.
Surely you are familiar with the infamous Bunker parties. What are your thoughts on Bunker and their place within the New York City underground dance scene?
As far as the festival is concerned on behalf of NYC, it couldn't have been better facilitated by anyone other than the bunker crew. The bunker crew lives up to high standards concerning party promotions and events in NYC. They pay close attention to details such as the sound for an event, and everything in between. I'm just not too sure they always get that enthusiasm back from the crowd, but that's another story. They are DJ's themselves, so they know what is expected. The really make an effort to treat a DJ like a DJ would want to be treated.
Can you give us a favorite New York memory? It can either be from a gig or simply a visit.
It would have to be a tie between Louie Vega at the Sound Factory Bar, Body and Soul, and the Shelter parties. I'll never forget the night when Louie Vega debuted Kerri Chandlers remix of Inspiration, by Arnold Jarvis.
At Body and Soul it would be numerous times hearing Joe Clausell play, and specifically the night Danny Krivit played "Face It" by Master C and J.
The Shelter is the predecessor to all of those parties, so there is mad respect for the shelter culture and vibe in general. Shelter heads are the truest house heads on the east coast, and possibly in the world altogether.
The Unsound Festival is unique in the sense that it brings a very eclectic and diverse line up of electronic music artists to New York over a multi day span. What are some of the festivals events that interest you? Who are some of the artists that you are most interested in seeing?
I'm really glad that they decided to book Anthony Shakir. He is another long lasting player from Detroit. Furthermore, its even better that they decided to book the both of us on the same lineup for one of the nightly events. I also dig Vladislav Delay, and Pole, so I'm looking forward to that too.
You hail from Detroit, which many believe to be the birthplace of techno and the place where true techno was perfected. Others would argue that Berlin has perfected the craft. What would you say are the primary difference between the artists and sounds that emerge from both cities?
Ok, Here we go. This is the definitive answer to who started techno and house music. Techno as a whole was created through the influences of Kraftwerk. In America, techno was created in Detroit. Chicago created House music, and NYC is the pioneering city where most of the roots of disco came from. During the Disco era and much later, Nyc made a major transition from disco to modern dance music, while creating the concept of remixing at the same time.
The most influential relationships between Germany and Detroit were found primarily through Tresor,and Hardwax. These relationships were crucial concerning the music from Detroit being heard in Germany and beyond, and gave many DJs the ability to play in Europe to begin with. Germany has some of the finest mastering facilities, engineers for vinyl mastering, and clubs in the world. Therefore, these influences are manifested within the music you hear from Germany. Detroiters are best at one thing. Making something happen from little or nothing. This is the magic found within our music. We don't always have a lot of resources to produce the music. Currently, there is not a single record store in Detroit that sells Detroit electronic music on a consistent basis. Many Detroit DJs have realized this for many years and still remain dedicated to pressing records, and djing entirely with vinyl. That's the commitment you get from a Detroit DJ.
What is the current state of music coming out of Detroit? In your opinion, who are some of the major players in the modern era of Detroit techno?
Detroit has a steady stream of releases from many DJs that run their own house and techno labels right now. Artist such as Octave One, Anthony Shakir, Subject Detroit, Theo Parrish, Keith Worthy, Rick Wade, Patrice and Patrick Scott, and many others are steadily consumed with releasing Quality Detroit Music.
You are an active member of the Detroit community as a teacher of programs such as Ableton Live, and Reaktor to children. Have you always been involved/interested in teaching your craft to young people? Does there seem to be a general interest in techno with the younger generation of Detroit?
Yes. I came on board as a an Instructor at Youthville just shortly after their first year of being established. Youthville is the most significant thing that has happened in Detroit since the DEMF. I am glad to be there and to make a positive contribution within our city. This is the sole reason i have not move to Europe like so many others. Id rather be where i could contribute to someone, rather than just being in a place were popularity exist. This is a highly needed outlet for the youth of Detroit where many opportunities exist for them that they cant realize right now. Most students are into hip hop production, but I have had some exceptional students in my class such as Kyle Hall.
Besides being a DJ and producer you are also the label head behind two of the undergrounds very respected labels Deep Transportation and SYNTH. Which aspect of the scene (DJ, Producer, Label Head) gives you the most satisfaction?
Teaching Music production abroad in Europe gives me quite a big deal of satisfaction. Ive led Ableton workshops in Russia, Israel, Norway, Italy, and within many universities around the world. Im always surprised by how many people attend the workshops, while giving me feedback about my music and Detroit electronic music in general. That's one of the greatest highs that exist for me.
Outside of house and techno , what are some of the tracks and artists that have influenced you over the years? If you could pick a single artist that you have never worked with for a collaboration, who would it be?
It would have probably been Sun Ra, due to his highly advanced relationship, and orientation towards tonality and music theory. The answer to this question has changed over the years, but it is at a definite halt from this point on. Every aspect of jazz and beyond was encompassed within his music. The depth of your influences can highly affect your ability to do what you are trying to do, so its best to have good influences for good reasons.
What are some of your favorite cities and venues to perform in?
I love to play in eastern Europe. Countries such as Budapest are the most amazing places to play. The vibe, energy, and respect for Detroit electronic music is very appreciated there. However, my first visit to Russia really impressed me last year, so I'm favoring DJing in Russia the most right now. Its a completely uncharted scene with many things to explore. And they know the music.
Friday, February 12th, 2010
The Bunker & Unsound Festival New York present
Petre Inspirescu
Anthony "Shake" Shakir
Mike Huckaby
DJ QU
Barbara Preisinger
Eric Cloutier
Public Assembly
70 N. 6th St.
Brooklyn, NYC
10pm-6am,/21+
$25 in advance/$30 @ the door
www.myspace.com/mikehuckaby
www.beyondbooking.com
About Unsound Festival
Since 2003, Unsound Festival, Poland's most adventurous music festival, has brought a bold and uniquely modern program of music to Kraków. Now, with seven festivals in their native city under their belt (and outpost events further east in cities like Minsk), Unsound is coming west to New York for their first ever North American edition. Unsound Festival New York’s mission is to forge new links between music genres, between generations and even between artistic practices.
The driving force in the assembling of the New York program has been Unsound Festival's commitment to forms of music and sound art that involve experimentation and risk. Unsound Festival has made a worldwide reputation by breaking new ground while dealing with vibrant electronic, experimental, independent, post-classical and club music scenes from around the world.
Download Halcyon's Free Unsound Mix Here
www.unsound.pl
Unsound Festival New York is presented by Fundacja Tone, the Polish Cultural Institute in New York and the Goethe-Institut New York
Rhythmism.com is an official media partner for the Unsound Festival New York.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kuentz
You will be part of the inaugural edition of New York City's Unsound Festival. What is your familiarity with the festivals Polish counterpart and the values they try and convey?
Actually, this is my first time playing for the Unsound festival, although im told by several djs that have played the festival in Poland that it conveys a true commitment to underground electronic music. Out of all the places in the world I've played, i have never been booked in Poland. I really want to go there. I'm sure at some time this year, i will be asked to play, and i cant wait.
Surely you are familiar with the infamous Bunker parties. What are your thoughts on Bunker and their place within the New York City underground dance scene?
As far as the festival is concerned on behalf of NYC, it couldn't have been better facilitated by anyone other than the bunker crew. The bunker crew lives up to high standards concerning party promotions and events in NYC. They pay close attention to details such as the sound for an event, and everything in between. I'm just not too sure they always get that enthusiasm back from the crowd, but that's another story. They are DJ's themselves, so they know what is expected. The really make an effort to treat a DJ like a DJ would want to be treated.
Can you give us a favorite New York memory? It can either be from a gig or simply a visit.
It would have to be a tie between Louie Vega at the Sound Factory Bar, Body and Soul, and the Shelter parties. I'll never forget the night when Louie Vega debuted Kerri Chandlers remix of Inspiration, by Arnold Jarvis.
At Body and Soul it would be numerous times hearing Joe Clausell play, and specifically the night Danny Krivit played "Face It" by Master C and J.
The Shelter is the predecessor to all of those parties, so there is mad respect for the shelter culture and vibe in general. Shelter heads are the truest house heads on the east coast, and possibly in the world altogether.
The Unsound Festival is unique in the sense that it brings a very eclectic and diverse line up of electronic music artists to New York over a multi day span. What are some of the festivals events that interest you? Who are some of the artists that you are most interested in seeing?
I'm really glad that they decided to book Anthony Shakir. He is another long lasting player from Detroit. Furthermore, its even better that they decided to book the both of us on the same lineup for one of the nightly events. I also dig Vladislav Delay, and Pole, so I'm looking forward to that too.
You hail from Detroit, which many believe to be the birthplace of techno and the place where true techno was perfected. Others would argue that Berlin has perfected the craft. What would you say are the primary difference between the artists and sounds that emerge from both cities?
Ok, Here we go. This is the definitive answer to who started techno and house music. Techno as a whole was created through the influences of Kraftwerk. In America, techno was created in Detroit. Chicago created House music, and NYC is the pioneering city where most of the roots of disco came from. During the Disco era and much later, Nyc made a major transition from disco to modern dance music, while creating the concept of remixing at the same time.
The most influential relationships between Germany and Detroit were found primarily through Tresor,and Hardwax. These relationships were crucial concerning the music from Detroit being heard in Germany and beyond, and gave many DJs the ability to play in Europe to begin with. Germany has some of the finest mastering facilities, engineers for vinyl mastering, and clubs in the world. Therefore, these influences are manifested within the music you hear from Germany. Detroiters are best at one thing. Making something happen from little or nothing. This is the magic found within our music. We don't always have a lot of resources to produce the music. Currently, there is not a single record store in Detroit that sells Detroit electronic music on a consistent basis. Many Detroit DJs have realized this for many years and still remain dedicated to pressing records, and djing entirely with vinyl. That's the commitment you get from a Detroit DJ.
What is the current state of music coming out of Detroit? In your opinion, who are some of the major players in the modern era of Detroit techno?
Detroit has a steady stream of releases from many DJs that run their own house and techno labels right now. Artist such as Octave One, Anthony Shakir, Subject Detroit, Theo Parrish, Keith Worthy, Rick Wade, Patrice and Patrick Scott, and many others are steadily consumed with releasing Quality Detroit Music.
You are an active member of the Detroit community as a teacher of programs such as Ableton Live, and Reaktor to children. Have you always been involved/interested in teaching your craft to young people? Does there seem to be a general interest in techno with the younger generation of Detroit?
Yes. I came on board as a an Instructor at Youthville just shortly after their first year of being established. Youthville is the most significant thing that has happened in Detroit since the DEMF. I am glad to be there and to make a positive contribution within our city. This is the sole reason i have not move to Europe like so many others. Id rather be where i could contribute to someone, rather than just being in a place were popularity exist. This is a highly needed outlet for the youth of Detroit where many opportunities exist for them that they cant realize right now. Most students are into hip hop production, but I have had some exceptional students in my class such as Kyle Hall.
Besides being a DJ and producer you are also the label head behind two of the undergrounds very respected labels Deep Transportation and SYNTH. Which aspect of the scene (DJ, Producer, Label Head) gives you the most satisfaction?
Teaching Music production abroad in Europe gives me quite a big deal of satisfaction. Ive led Ableton workshops in Russia, Israel, Norway, Italy, and within many universities around the world. Im always surprised by how many people attend the workshops, while giving me feedback about my music and Detroit electronic music in general. That's one of the greatest highs that exist for me.
Outside of house and techno , what are some of the tracks and artists that have influenced you over the years? If you could pick a single artist that you have never worked with for a collaboration, who would it be?
It would have probably been Sun Ra, due to his highly advanced relationship, and orientation towards tonality and music theory. The answer to this question has changed over the years, but it is at a definite halt from this point on. Every aspect of jazz and beyond was encompassed within his music. The depth of your influences can highly affect your ability to do what you are trying to do, so its best to have good influences for good reasons.
What are some of your favorite cities and venues to perform in?
I love to play in eastern Europe. Countries such as Budapest are the most amazing places to play. The vibe, energy, and respect for Detroit electronic music is very appreciated there. However, my first visit to Russia really impressed me last year, so I'm favoring DJing in Russia the most right now. Its a completely uncharted scene with many things to explore. And they know the music.
Friday, February 12th, 2010
The Bunker & Unsound Festival New York present
Petre Inspirescu
Anthony "Shake" Shakir
Mike Huckaby
DJ QU
Barbara Preisinger
Eric Cloutier
Public Assembly
70 N. 6th St.
Brooklyn, NYC
10pm-6am,/21+
$25 in advance/$30 @ the door
www.myspace.com/mikehuckaby
www.beyondbooking.com
About Unsound Festival
Since 2003, Unsound Festival, Poland's most adventurous music festival, has brought a bold and uniquely modern program of music to Kraków. Now, with seven festivals in their native city under their belt (and outpost events further east in cities like Minsk), Unsound is coming west to New York for their first ever North American edition. Unsound Festival New York’s mission is to forge new links between music genres, between generations and even between artistic practices.
The driving force in the assembling of the New York program has been Unsound Festival's commitment to forms of music and sound art that involve experimentation and risk. Unsound Festival has made a worldwide reputation by breaking new ground while dealing with vibrant electronic, experimental, independent, post-classical and club music scenes from around the world.
Download Halcyon's Free Unsound Mix Here
www.unsound.pl
Unsound Festival New York is presented by Fundacja Tone, the Polish Cultural Institute in New York and the Goethe-Institut New York
Rhythmism.com is an official media partner for the Unsound Festival New York.
