In the world of deep house and underground dance music, he is considered a legend, and with good reason too. He is DJ, producer, sound designer and educator – an inspiration to his own generation and every other since.
Detroit artists aren’t good at faking things. They find it hard to be anyone other than themselves
His name is Mike Huckaby, and to the delight of all Maltese purveyors of electronic music, thanks to Batti Batti, House Rawyal and the US Embassy, the man from Detroit will once again be among us, this time not only to entertain us with his versatile blends of deep house and techno, but also to share his knowledge of the genre and how to get creative with it.
Known to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of music, Huckaby is a talented artist whose love of music was inherently developed. And how could it not? He does, after all, come from the city that gave us Motown and some of the most seminal and influential bands in rock, besides being the birthplace of house and techno.
An in-demand re-mixer, he also runs two labels, Deep Transportation and Synth, both well-known and revered among underground DJs worldwide.
He is also deeply involved in the Youthville project for young people’s development, introducing the wonders of technology in creating music to the children and youth of Detroit, with the assistance of Ableton and native instruments.
Huckaby spoke of this and more ahead of his visit to Malta later this week.
What have you been up to since your last visit here in 2008?
In a nutshell, I’ve had quite a few successful releases and remixes in the past few years on Tresor, Sushitech and my own label Synth, and the demand for workshops, remixes and my own productions has risen tremendously since the last time I was in Malta.
What makes the Detroit music scene unique, and what major changes have you noticed in recent years?
Detroit has been on an upswing for several years. The majority of DJs from Detroit that run their own labels also travel the world extensively. That’s just how it is – people are more interested in the music that a person outs on his own label than any other. This is something I’ve been noticing for over 10 years now. The city of Detroit is a blessing in many disguises; once you realise what some of them are then you can take full advantage of it.
In the past you have been reported as saying “music is a way out”. Why?
Opportunities for many people in Detroit can be very bleak. However, there is a strong musical heritage that has been a part of the city for over 50 years.
Musicians and producers have found ways to sustain themselves from Detroit music, when most other means of making a living proved futile.
Music is the only way out for many people from Detroit.
What is Detroit’s secret ingredient; that element that inspires so much influential and creative artistry?
Detroit artists aren’t good at faking things. They find it hard to be anyone other than themselves, so this level of artistic integrity shines not only through the music, but in the individual producing it.
What about: “Always do what your peers cannot do and will not do”?
I created this phrase, so I know more about it than anyone I suppose. Most of my pursuits follow this motto; the relentless study of synthesis, music theory and all aspects of musical production are manifested from this angle. Following this path has yielded some very rewarding experiences for me as well.
How did you come to be involved in the Youthville project?
I was blown away by Youthville and the possibilities it has created for the youth of Detroit. It resonated within me from day one and was something I wanted to become a part of immediately.
You’re well-known as a champion of Ableton and Reaktor.
I use both hardware and software. They are both learning tools in a reciprocal fashion. I don’t ever see myself not using a hardware synthesiser, such as Waldorf Wave, and I can’t imagine myself not using Reaktor.
Where do you think dance music is headed?
Dance music is here to stay. It has its ups and downs, but it always swings back towards a DIY, back-to-basics approach. Underground music will always survive, due to fresh and new ideas that flourish from traditional and new ways of creating music.
Apart from playing here, you’re also giving a lecture. What should we expect?
The workshop will be geared towards deciphering dance music and will focus on how music can be made through the programmes of my choice. It is intended to strengthen a person’s workflow while creating music.
On Wednesday, Mike Huckaby and Edwin Balzan of Duo Blank will be giving a lecture about Electronic Music Production in the KSU Common Room at the University of Malta. The lecture starts at 5pm and entrance is free. Huckaby will also be performing alongside Owen Jay, DJ Niki and Ssoker at Razzett L-Aħmar in Mosta on Friday. Tickets cost €13. For more information call 9989 4054 or send an e-mail to houserawyal@gmail.com.