Miguel Migs

Salted, Om

2008.02.27 ::: Words by Andrew Reid, Pics by Photog

On April 22, world-renowned Bay Area DJ/producer Miguel Migs returns with Those Things Remixed. The CD features 14 unique interpretations of original tracks from Migs’ critically acclaimed 2007 album Those Things. The eclectic roster of artists recruited for remix duty ranges from British house duo Faze Action and Sade producer Cottonbelly to Swedish breakbeat artist Rasmus Faber.

Migs’ intimate knowledge of multiple instruments (trumpet, congas, saxophone, guitar and bass) combined with deft production skills and songwriting abilities results in a sound all of his own. While the basis for the music is electronic, shades of R&B, Soul, funk, reggae and Hip-Hop are evident throughout each of his productions. Adding a truly live feel to Those Things is a bevy of vocal collaborations from respected names including Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Lisa Shaw, Tim Fuller, Fred Ross (Sly and the Family Stone) and reggae heavy weight Junior Reid.

Those Things Remixed further diversifies Miguel Migs’ sound by offering new versions of album tracks from artists spanning the globe. UK band/DJ collective Crazy P offers a funkier, spaced-out take on “Sometime,” while retaining – if not enhancing - Tim Fuller’s soulful vocals. “Fire feat. Junior Reid” undergoes two drastic changes thanks to Cottonbelly’s signature killer bass lines and Faze Action’s Afro-Jazz inspired house rhythms. Australian producer Simon Grey adds a thick layer of funk and synths and perfectly complements Lisa Shaw’s vocals on the title track, while Lithuania’s Mario Basanov takes it down and deep on his remix “Can’t Get Through feat. Tim Fuller.” Eric Stamile brings a little wobbly electro funk to the table with his dub of “So Far ” before Alix Alvarez drops in a warm and flowing take on “Merzmerized.” Additional remixes on Those Things Remixed come from Rasmus Faber, Dolls Combers, J-Boogie, and of course, Miguel Migs.

Miguel Migs has been producing electronic music since 1998. While signed to Naked Music, he spearheaded the development of a new brand of West Coast house music signature with the label through numerous singles and EP’s created under his own name and his Petalpusher moniker. In 2004, Migs started his own label, Salted Music. Having been associated with an extensive number of labels throughout his career, he came to realize a desire to have his own base, a vehicle for building his own catalog of quality material.

As a remixer, he’s worked with major label artists such as Macy Gray, Lionel Richie and Britney Spears. Additionally, he has released numerous mix CD compilations on labels including Defected, Naked Music, Southport Weekender and NRK.

Migs can be found regularly travelling the globe as one of the industries top-leading DJs and with his new live band PETALPUSHER. The all star PETALPUSHER line up consists of multi talented players who have used the release of "Those Things" as the opportunity to hit the road and perform as a full 8 piece live experience. PETALPUSHER is Miguel Migs, Lisa Shaw, Tim Fuller, Jude Gold (George Clinton and P Funk), Jonathan Herrera, John Mader (Booker T, The Family Stone Experience), Sundra Manning (Prince, Michele Shocked and Michael Franti and Spearhead), and Tim Kvasnosky that make up this 8 piece band.

Those Things Remixed is released April 22, 2008 on Salted Music.

Nocturnal: On your last album, "Those Things", you worked with some incredible vocalists (Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Lisa Shaw, Tim Fuller, Fred Ross (Sly and the Family Stone) and reggae heavy weight Junior Reid). How do you go about collaborating with such talented people in crafting your music? Is the process organic or do you have a tried and true structure you follow?
Miguel: I just go at it very spontaneously. Timing and availability has a lot to do with it all... but I'm always open and excited to work with other artists that I respect, like all the vocalists you mention above.

Nocturnal: That same critically acclaimed album is getting a special reworked edition, "Those Things Remixed", which features 14 unique interpretations of the original tracks from a diverse group of producers. What can people expect from the disc?
Miguel: A diverse selection of remixes from a wide range of great artists. Some are more geared towards the dance floor, but over all it's a very easy listen on the ears for music fans of all kinds.

Nocturnal: Did you have a lot of input on who was selected for the remix duties?
Miguel: All of them... we had so many remixes to choose from, but in the end the final tracklist seemed to have a natural flow to it.

Nocturnal: Any one really stand out and/or surprise you?
Miguel: It was amazing having Stuart Matthewman do a remix. Of course I'm a huge fan of Sade and Maxwell so I have always respected Stuart's work. His song writing and production skills are simply genius so its an honour to have him on board.

Nocturnal: And why do you think your tracks strike a chord with house music fans?
Miguel: A lot of people appreciate quality music, good songwriting and melodies. People can relate to it on a more personal level so I'm happy that my music is able to inspire people on a deeper level than just a faded night out at the club.

Nocturnal: Further to DJing and the new album, you've also created an all star live act called PETALPUSHER. How did this project come about?
Miguel: I come from playing live so it feels natural to me. I love doing both so hopefully I never have to choose one or the other, but I'm excited about the live project.

Nocturnal: How has the experience been compared to DJing?
Miguel: I played in bands growing up and have always wanted to start a new live project, but I've just been so busy through the years I haven't had time although its been on my mind. So last year i made the effort and time to kick it off. We played a total of 14 shows last year and I'm really excited about pushing this project forward and possibly doing a full live album at some point soon.

Nocturnal: What does the future hold for the group?
Miguel: Well, when I'm actually back home and have the time later this spring, more rehearsing, some touring and possibly writing a new live album with the band.

Nocturnal: What's your current studio setup? Are you primarily software based or does hardware play a role in your productions?
Miguel: I have a basic set up and a nice rack of outboard gear so it's the best of both worlds.

Nocturnal: You also have an extensive knowledge of real instruments (trumpet, congas, saxophone, guitar and bass). Do you feel formal musical training or the ability to play real life instruments propel productions to another level?
Miguel: Well, I do what I can in the studio. I'm not a trained musician and although I do write my own music and play a bit of keys and guitar, it's just enough to produce and write music for the most part. A good ear is priceless but sure it helps if you can play some basic chords. Some of the best songs ever written are 3 chord progressions so it doesn't take much.

Nocturnal: What other remixes or singles can we expect from you in the near future?
Miguel: I just remixed Lisa Shaw's upcoming single on Salted called 'All Night High', as well as a a hand full of others I'm currently working on by various artists and labels.

Nocturnal: As the digital revolution continues to dominate, how do you see it impacting our industry going forward?
Miguel: Well, it's a mess. As we all know these are crazy times for the music industry and labels, record shops and distributors are shutting down left and right. Obviously digital sales will continue to grow world wide as the CD dies, so its a transition that will take some time, and it's not easy but we have to hang in there and keep pushing through the rough times.

Nocturnal: Any plans for WMC 2008?
Miguel: Our Salted event will take place on Wednesday the 26th at the Fifth Club. See ya there.

Nocturnal: Lastly here are some quick shots:
Nocturnal: CD/Vinyl/MP3?
Miguel: CD and vinyl.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for vacation?
Miguel: Spain, Hawaii, Bali, i could go on forever here, but the general idea is somewhere tropical or warm with nice beaches.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for performing?
Miguel: It's always changing year to year.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable item you travel with?
Miguel: Unfortunately probably my laptop.
Nocturnal: Do you continue to work the studio while touring?
Miguel: I have not been working on music on the road for a while. It's nice to take a break and go back in clear headed and fresh.
Nocturnal: Most emotional song for you of all time?
Miguel: That could take a while.
Nocturnal: Single greatest moment from your DJ performance career?
Miguel: Watching the sunrise on the beach while performing outdoors to great vibes, smiling faces and a bouncing dance floor.

::: Related Links

::: www.myspace.com/djmiguelmigs

::: www.saltedmusic.com

::: Essential WMC