| Interview with Miguel Migs ( 02.03.2008 - 02:40 GMT UTC )
I appreciate you taking the time to have this interview with me for TranceSound.net. You are truly a house music legend with a very unique sound that is recognized by your fans.
Miguel Migs: Thanks very much... I really appreciate that.
1. Where did the name Miguel Migs originate ? Was this a nickname given to you by a friend ?
Miguel Migs: Migs was a nickname my friends use to call me, short for Miguel, so when it came time to choose a Dj name, it just sort of stuck.
2. What is your cultural heritage ?
Miguel Migs: A typical American mutt! All mixed up...
3. I understand you are very talented with live instruments; what instruments do you play ?
Miguel Migs: Well, I wouldnt say that. I taught myself how to play guitar when I was a kid. I play enough to write create my own music. Some of the best songs of all time were 3 chord progressions, so honestly it doesnt take much. A creative mind and a great ear for melody is much more important, but playing a few chords can get you a long way.
4. What clubs and venues do you like to frequent ?
Miguel Migs: I tour the world every year performing at alot the same venues across Europe and Australia and Asia as well as The States, and Canada of course.
5. How would you describe the Electronic Dance Music scene is San Francisco ?
Miguel Migs: It's very diverse with alot of talented dj's and producers. You can go out almost any night of the week and here some good music. There is a lot of knowledge and support for the music here, and people pay attention and appreciate whats going on.
6. Will there be any new additions to the Salted Music label ?
Miguel Migs: I'm always into checking out new music from new artists and we have a lot of great releases on the horizion for this year.
7. How do you go about seeking new talent ?
Miguel Migs: People just give me demos on the road, and through email. If something catches me I try and inquire about picking up for the label.
8. Are you currently working on a new album ?
Miguel Migs: Not right now. I've been touring a lot, and just did a 5 week tour through Australia and Asia. I'm also really busy finishing some remix work and working on the label as well as pushing my new band Petalpusher, so I don't have the time right now. But I will most likely start on new material before the end of the year.
9. When you produce music do you use live instruments as well as production software ?
Miguel Migs: I try and combine and utilize the best of both musical worlds, so yea... in some productions I will use use more live instrumentation than in other songs. It really depends on the mood and the vibe of the track.
10. How was your band formed; and where did you meet the members ?
Miguel Migs: It's a group of people I have worked with quite a few times in the past for the most part. I've been wanting to start a new live project for a long time now as I used to play in bands when I was younger, so it's something I have been thinking about for years now. it was really just a matter of timing. Last year I put aside the energy and time to make it happen. It seems to be off to a great start so I will continue to push this project forward and possibly write a new album in the near future.
11. Who were some of your musical influences in the Reggae genre ?
Miguel Migs: Bands like Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs, Barrington, Alpha, The Roots Radics, and Sly and Robbie Productions. As well as countless others...
12. How would you describe your personal style of music as a Dj and producer ?
Miguel Migs: In that case im inspired by great melodies. I love and listen to all kinds of music, so I take inspiration from everything I listen to whether its hip-hop, dub, funk, disco, rock or whatever.
13. Your album covers are quite intriguing, who is the artist that comes up with these designs ?
Miguel Migs: It's usually someone different each time but the last couple were done by an artist named Chuck Anderson. We throw ideas back and forth at eachother and see what comes out. Unfortunately sometimes there isn't enough time so we have to rush and go with something on the fly.
14. Where are you currently touring and how would you describe the differences in the crowd's energy at house events abroad as compared to the U.S. ?
Miguel Migs: I just finished a 5 week tour of Australia and Asia. Now I'm gonna do The States mostly through the Spring. Then Europe for most of the Summer. Then South America in the Fall, so I cover alot each year, but I have to spread it out so I don't completely burn myself out. Over all the events and vibe, crowd and response is always great all across the globe no matter what country it is.
Interview made by Zaneta Soroko (TranceSound.net forum general moderator)
Links:
Miguel Migs official website
Miguel Migs @ MySpace
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