Following a swathe of critically acclaimed releases on the likes of Octopus Recordings, Press Play, Weekend Weapons and DNCTRX over the course of her illustrious musical career, prolific US techno maven Michelle Sparks has got the production credentials to rival some of the best in the business. Now, and as she looks to continue her inexhaustible run of first-rate studio output, Michelle adds to her already stellar career discography with an exquisite official remix for Dusty Kid & Marascia’s iconic 2009 cut, WIWY. Out now via internationally lauded, LA-based imprint, Octopus Recordings – a label which she has come to call home over the past few years – Sparks pulls out all the stops for another landmark release, combining an expert amalgamation of luscious, rolling basslines, intricately layered drum patterns and sweeping euphoric breakdowns, to deliver a melodic techno weapon of gargantuan proportions. We sat down with the Arizona-based techno maven to discuss early influences, life before music, and her plans for the rest of the year.
Hi Michelle and welcome to DMC World! How are you today?
Doing great, thanks! Thanks for having me for the interview!
Starting at the beginning, how did you first get into techno music?
I originally was introduced to electronic music when I was in high school, someone gave me a CD which was an album from Paul Oakenfold or Moby one of the two, It totally opened my eyes to electronic music and dance music overall. Once I moved to NYC to go to college I went to a few underground warehouse parties where I really heard ‘techno’, it was minimal type stuff, Richie Hawtin, Magda those types of artists and it really just spoke to me from the moment I heard it. From there I guess you could say I just dove down the techno rabbit hole lol.
What drew you to techno over other genres of electronic music?
Really the powerful groove it had with so few elements I think. It is so infectious to listen to techno on a big system and hear just kick, bass and drums really guiding the dancefloor. When you listen to techno it kind of transports you to another place and time, like it’s a hypnotic soundtrack to your night at the club, a consistent chugging force that really challenges people to feel the music & vibe with those around them. It always was a so dope to go out to a techno event, even if you didn’t know anyone else who’d be there, and vibe with like minded people to a DJ weaving a super-sonic soundtrack for the night..
How would you best describe your sound?
My sound is kind of like a rave-meets-minimal techno. It’s a pretty powerful and energetic sound on the dancefloor, but kind of with a stripped back groove to it. I also like to incorporate a lot of trippy synth elements in it to kind of capture the psyche every so often.
Who were / are some of your biggest influences, sonically?
I’d say back when I first got into techno, artists like Magda, Richie Hawtin and Robert Hood were some of my heavy influences and really shaped the sound I play and produce today.
What were you doing before you decided to make a leap into the world of music?
I was actually in college studying Neuroscience & Psychology. I even worked for several years doing research for a lab where we studied stress & the effects it has on cognition. Music was always a hobby of mine throughout that time as well, but after graduating I delved head first into producing & DJing!
Congratulations on your new remix of Dusty Kid ‘WIWY’. What can fans expect from this release?
It was definitely an honor to remix such an iconic track, I felt like I wanted to make it a bit heavier and groovier but keep it’s emotive/ethereal type feel throughout. So it’s definitely a late night dance floor groover but really captures the emotions several times here and there.
What’s your connection to Octopus Recordings? Are you signed to the label exclusively?
Well several years ago I started working pretty closely with Octopus & Sian and the whole crew, so you could say I’m one of the core team-mates and roster artists over there. I’m not signed exclusively but definitely consider it my home base!
Do you have any other releases upcoming that you’d like to share with us?
I’ve got a couple new upcoming originals later this year so far, but can’t quite share the details yet, stay tuned though!!
Beyond releases, what do you have coming up over the course of 2021? Any exciting projects or touring you can talk to us about?
Well, during the lockdown I started doing some live-streams, so I do a weekly livestream on Wednesday evenings with Octopus Recordings on their Twitch channel. Besides that I’ll be playing an in person Octopus Warehouse Series party July 24th in Los Angeles which I’m super stoked about. Also some additional label showcases around the USA coming up later this year so stay on the lookout for more real life shows coming soon!
Do you have any final words of wisdom for our DMC World readers?
It’s been a crazy year this past year, but I think things are starting to take a shift, I know we’ve all missed vibing on the dancefloor together, and I can’t wait to see many of you guys at an upcoming show! Thanks for hanging with me for this interview! xx
Thanks for your time Michelle and we wish you all the best!
Thanks!
Dusty Kid & Marascia – WIWY (Michelle Sparks Remix) is out now via Octopus Recordings.
