Michael Woods on remixes, connecting with fans, and leaving Trance behind

Jasmine Phull speaks to the London born producer ahead of his Space closing party slot.

Playing the piano isn’t usually the sort of skill you’d attribute to a once trance now progressive techno DJ, which is why you should always expect the unexpected at a Michael Woods gig. Whether it be his live acappelas or his work with the London Symphony Orchestra, Hackney’s Michael Woods oscillates between a variety of musical sounds, engaging aural polar opposites at every turn. 

You’re founder of imprint Diffused Music. What are three things you look for when signing artists?

Great production, a good hook and originality.

You’re well known in the trance scene and have had much success with tracks such as ‘Warrior’ and ‘Into the Dawn’. How did you first make the transition into the trance world? Why was that the style of music that ended up taking over you life?

Trance was the first style of music I produced, but my style has changed a lot since the days of 'Warrior' and 'Into the Dawn' and carries a much more progressive/techno feel to it now. I'd say there are still elements of my sound from back then in the music I create now, but times change and with it my style changed; music progresses and artists have to progress with it. Trance will always be a big part of my life and has helped to shape me into the artist I am today. I wouldn't consider myself a trance artist now.

Is there someone from your youth that was particularly influential musically?

My dad who taught me how to play the piano at aged three, which lead me to play further instruments, without this skill I wouldn't be able to come up with the original music that is found in all of my productions.

You’re playing the Mondays Calling closing party at Space Ibiza. What type of person do you look forward to performing to? 

There’s obviously a mix of people on the floor: those who really appreciate what you’re doing, technically, those who don’t know who you are etc… The ones with their hands in the air! I just want people to have a good time when they listen to me play, whether that's because they are enjoying it technically or they just want to dance.

You’re very particular with your remixes. Do you think people have become to accept a ‘remix’ as more than just a take on someone else’s track? Have listeners come to appreciate the remix separately from the ‘original’ song?

Remixes can take over from the original track sometimes, but a remix would never be possible without the original, so even if people prefer a remix over an original, once they come to like it they will always respect the track as a whole.

Is there currently a track you like to end a set with?

I like to start my sets with a remix I made of one of my old tracks, 'Warrior', and I like to end on 'First Aid' - but nothing is ever set in stone.

Festival season has almost come to an end. When it comes to club gigs and festival shows, do you have a different approach for each? 

I may decide to throw in a few more accapellas at the more festival-type gigs, but apart from that they are pretty much the same.

You went to Music College and you know how to play a number of instruments, from the piano to the trumpet. What were your plans while studying? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to end up? Music College sounds like a whole different world to the one you’re in now. 

No, I just did it at the time because I loved music. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would end up making music professionally.

How important is the Internet to Michael Woods? Are you avid in connecting with fans online, whether via social media or simply posting tracks?

I think it's really important to connect with fans and share what you can with them - if it weren’t for them I wouldn't be where I am now. It wasn't as easy for us when we were younger, if you wanted to speak or have any contact with an artist it was only possible if you managed to catch them at a gig. Now it's much easier for fans and artists to connect, which is great. Why not take advantage of that and get involved with them!

What is your opinion on collaboration in music?

Everyone has their own style, which is what each of us is respected for, so a collaboration is always interesting because it's about merging the two sounds and creating something special with each individual’s input.

What’s next for you?

Watch out for news on my label, Diffused, we have some great stuff coming out on there from other artists and myself. You can check it out here: www.facebook.com/diffusedmusic

Interview: Jasmine Phull

Catch Michael Woods at the Mondays Calling closing party at Space Ibiza on September 26th. Tickets are available below. 

See all Michael Woods news and upcoming events at his artist page here.

Tickets are no longer available for this event