Interview: Mick Park

Whether DJing or Producing, Mick Park has been an extremely influencial member of dance music's history.

 As half of Parks & Wilson and a third of Tilt, Killahurtz & Odessi, Mick's unique progressive sound has earned worldwide acclaim from anyone and everyone within the Industry.

Ahead of the much anticipated Cream Reunion on the 5th February in the Annexe at Nation, headliner Mick took time out to speak to us about what made Cream so special and his own personal memories.

How excited are you about headlining the Cream Reunion and what can we expect from you on the night?
 
I'm very excited indeed, to be honest I get asked a lot to do various Old School events and really it's not my thing. I'm a big believer in looking forward when it comes to music, but I could not resist getting behind those legendary decks one last time. I'm working on the set as we speak, I'm approaching it as if I was doing another Essential mix from Radio 1. They always took a lot of planning, so its got to be right!

You've graced the turntables at Cream on numerous occasions. What do you think made Cream during that era such a phenomenon?

It was a combination of ideals Paul [Oakenfold] had for his residency. He was always looking for the next big anthem and at the time he was really smashing it with big remixes. That can only inspire people to write music and we all (Perfecto/Hooj artists) made music so Paul could champion them at Cream. It was no different to what Graeme Park did at the Hacienda, they played every week to packed out rooms and made the tunes anthems. That's why people have so many fond memories of the place, it was something special we were all part of.

What's your most memorable Cream experience?
 
Wow there are so many, the two main ones were the first time Paul got us up to the Annexe and he played "I Dream" and "Butterfly". I remember looking at John Graham and saying "this is mental" after everyone chanting of "Oakey, Oakey". The other would be when we played the Courtyard for Paul as he was away and we dropped our cover of "Children" for the first time, just a great reaction from the crowd and we made Paul wait two weeks before he could have a copy, haha!

You're renowned for playing distinct and original progressive music. Where did your influences come from and when did it all start for you?
 
It's hard to say really, there was just that chemistry between us in 'Tilt' as Mick, John and Myself have very different tastes. Mick Wilson is into to his obscure tracks with just the maddest sounds you have ever heard. John is very much into his Hip hop and Rap artists and I was really into bands like U2, Chemical Brothers & Bjork. So it was a real meeting of minds in the studio. Its that spark of inspiration that ignites that creative flame, which im happy to say burned very brightly.
 
As a producer, alongside Mick Wilson, John Graham & Andy Moor, you've a back catalogue of classics that most producers would dream of. What record are you most proud of and what record has been your biggest success?

I'm most proud of working alongside those guys you mentioned and calling them my friends. They are all very different when writing music but super talented. I have to say "I Dream" really was something I'm personally proud of because everyone from Sasha - PVD - BT - Oakey raved about how amazing it was. Paul Van Dyk came to stay at my house for a few days so he could work with us as "I Dream" was one of his all time favourite tunes. The best success has to be "Invisible", it went top 20 and knocked Whitney Houston off the spot so we were delighted when they announced that on Radio 1 that Sunday!

And what's your all time Cream classic that you didn't produce?

BT "Loving You More". Brian's production was totally groundbreaking in those days, and still is in my opinion!

As Tilt, Parks & Wilson and Killahurtz you've been signed to such legendary labels like Hooj Choons, Stress, Baroque & Perfecto. It must have been pleasing to have Oakey champion your sound throughout that period, particularly during his 2 year residency?
 
Do you know what, without it sounding like I'm blowing smoke up Paul's ass, you could not have a better ambassador than Oakey supporting your music! Paul not only signs hits records, he signs the people that make them. What I mean by that is he has always been a big advocate of getting new up and coming artists, and pushing their tracks worldwide. He doesn't ever get enough credit for that in my opinion, and it's a shame. It it wasn't for Paul Oakenfold there wouldn't be Tilt, Killahurtz etc. It's that simple!

What made you decide in 2005 to leave Tilt and hang up your headphones with Mick Wilson?

I had a young family I wasn't seeing grow up, so I made the decision to call it a day.

You're still very much active in pushing new music, tell me about your band 'Terracotta Army'?

'Terracotta Army' is a new project which has totally re-boosted my faith in live music. It's going extremely well at the moment and we've had a lot of high praise from the Majors and even people like Alan McGee (who discovered Oasis) has said "we should be massive". It's alot of hard work, but then the best things in life normally are!
 

You have worked with some great vocalists in the past, including Dominique Atkins & Maria Nayler. You must be looking forward to reuniting with Maria at Cream?

Yes they are both great singers. I still stay in touch with Maria as we often cross paths musically. Maria is one of those people who is just beautiful inside and out. You can tell that by the way she sings the tunes she appears on. I'm really looking forward to hearing her belt out some amazing memories on the 5th Feb at Cream!

We all can't wait Mick! Thanks for your time and we'll see you in Liverpool!

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