Michael Hooker is the label manager for Re:Sound Music and also a highly accomplished producer and DJ, so we thought we would catch up with him following the release of his latest production, a remix of Theo Schmitt’s Good Times which dropped at 2019 came to a close.

 

Let’s jump straight into your latest release where you have remixed Theo Schmitt’s ‘Good Times’. What was it that drew you towards remixing this one from his album?

I like all of the tracks on the album but ‘Good Times’ was the one that resonated with me most. I felt that it had the most elements I could work with to develop a great sounding remix. 

Do you have a set procedure when taking on a remix?

First and foremost I have to like the track. I wouldn’t take on a remix if I didn’t like the original. From there I’d listen to the parts individually, then I’d work with them to create something different but that still stays true to the original.  I try not to force creativity; it can be a harder process to work on a remix but over the years I’ve learnt to let things flow naturally. 

How is your studio currently set up? Was there any piece of kit or plug in which played a major role in this track?

I have created a studio within my home which has everything I need. On this track I predominantly used the V Collection from Arturia – I think their collection of synths is amazing and they’ve done a great job of making them easy to work with. I’m a big fan of the plugins from Sound Toys and the Span EQ by Voxengo which I also used on this track.

You are also a part of the label itself ‘Re:Sound Music’, do you feel that working on the other side of a label has changed your sound as a producer?

It’s the other way around and being a Producer has helped me with running the record label. The overall sound of my music has evolved and developed naturally over time. However, I strive to learn, for example, I’m constantly doing tutorials to try and become a better Producer. This in turn has made me a lot more proficient and confident in running the label. I know exactly what I’m looking for when artists submit music to me. It also helps if I have to give feedback too. Being a DJ / Producer / Label Manager all go hand in hand and this definitely gives me a more well rounded approach. 

Aside from this release can we expect any future original releases from you?

Yes, I will have music released in 2020. I’m track I’m working on now is something slightly different and I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait to see what people think when it is released. 

This EP also features a rework from Dead-Tones. From a label perspective what drew you towards getting Dead-Tones lined up for the remix?

I’ve worked with Kemel (Dead-Tones) on a few projects over the years, Re:Sound Music actually released his first track. He’s a perfect fit for the label and it’s been great seeing him grow both as an artist and a Producer. He’s extremely talented and I knew he would do the remix justice. 

Do you have any advice for upcoming producers out there who are looking to be signed to a label like Re:Sound Music?

Be professional – Check out the label’s page and follow any instructions they specify when submitting a Demo. Embrace constructive feedback – If a track doesn’t fit my label then I always try to give the artist a reason why in a positive way to help them. Not all labels do this but if you’re lucky enough to be given some advice then take it! Do your research when selecting the label – Check out the other tracks released and make sure your music fits. 

When looking back at 2019, what would you say your biggest achievements were?

As a producer having artists like Luke Brancaccio, Gai Barone and D-Nox remix some of my original music was a massive achievement. Having a track by myself and MEEO included on a Global Underground Compilation CD was also huge. By far though as a Label Manager, seeing the ‘Intoxication’ album by Theo Schmitt reach Number One in the Top 100 Techno Releases on Beatport was amazing! I felt extremely proud of Theo and seeing an album on Re:Sound Music charting above music released on some of the biggest labels in the genre was very humbling indeed.

Michaels remix of ‘Good Times’ is available to buy now.

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