Zone-Magazine-Wally-Lopez-Issue-040

Hi Mike, thanks for agreeing to this
my friend. So first things first, what’s
going on in the world of Skirra at the
moment?
Hi ya Mark! It’s been crazy of late. But in a really
good way! We relaunched Mechanikal in February, after a
break from releases which has far exceeded anything I could
have hoped for. The relaunch E.P. was a joint release
between Carl Shorts and myself and got some really solid
support.
Since then, the demo box has been in meltdown,
but the quality of techno that’s being sent in is truly
amazing.
We also have some next level releases in the schedule from
some huge names in techno. I can’t say too much about
some of them but short term, expect music from artists like
Acerbic (A.K.A Chicago Loop), A follow up from one of my
favorite artists in the game right now; MarAxe. And a whole
load of new cuts from me.
We also decided to launch a podcast called The
Mechanikal Music Podcast at the beginning of the year. It
was an idea that I have had for a while. I’m really blessed to
be able to call a lot of the pioneers of the scene friends, so I
thought; why not get them on a call and chat nonsense! It
seems to be the sort of thing that people want, as the
Youtube numbers are really healthy! I’ve got absolutely
loads of artists, promoters, artist managers and DJ’s lined up
for a chin flap! So far, we just released the 7th episode and
have had people like Acerbic, MarAxe, D.A.V.E. The
Drummer and Michaela join me on the show. It’s fun man. I
love talking as most that know me know so it’s just a natural
extension for my lip flapping!
In terms of my own music, I’ve got some nice stuff
on contract for the year but I’m turning most of my new
material out on Mechanikal.
Describe your style right this second.
I’ve only got one mode man! Solid, driving,
16th note percussive party music! Having the break
away from the scene was such a tonic for me. I felt
like I was starting to turn music out like a sausage
factory. Instead of making 7-10 tracks a week and not
being 100% happy with them, I got out of the studio
and went to parties. I spent time on dancefloors which, if
I’m honest, I didn’t really do all that much before. It’s
amazing what being in a rave to enjoy it instead of working
does for your inspiration. I nailed how it was I wanted the
music to translate. I take weeks on E.P.s now. It might get
finished in a few days but I force myself to sit with it now.
The difference in terms of the appreciation I have for my
own records now is huge. I’m really happy with what’s
coming from my studio now.
But they have always been so much fun. Plus; it’s the law
that all DJ’s must have had bookings with empty dancefloors
isn’t it?
Best is also a hard one as I have loved every
minute of DJing. The biggest was Boomtown Festival. That
was amazing. Ayako Mori, D.A.V.E. The Drummer and myself
hosted the Hydrauli” takeover in what was quite possibly the
hottest marquee on earth! Didn’t stop it getting filled
though.
Of course, the Hydraulix parties are always
amazing. It’s like a family reunion in the green room. And of
course, I couldn’t go without mentioning the Collide parties.
Every single one I’ve played has been so special.
Tell us something interesting about
yourself?
Alright. I live with ten cats! No crap! We thought it
would be a good idea to let our two breed. Let’s just say, it
got out of control! Word to the wise! Neuter your cats
people!!
What’s the best piece of advice you
would give to any newcomer trying
to get into the world of Techno or
dance music in general?
Oh, this one is easy and not nearly enough people
understand the importance of this. Forget being the most
technical producer or DJ. Instead; put everything you have
into building real, meaningful relationships in the industry. If
your goal is to get a release on Drumcode before you’ve
even begun building proper relationships with your peers and
the people you are producing music for, then you may find
the wait is a long one.
If you build a network of people that you genuinely
care about and the relationship isn’t built on what that
person can do for your career, then the big name
connections, agents and promoters will soon come. The
underground scene is a very organic one. If you are genuine,
the rest just happens.
As for producers; one of the most crucial things you
can ever prioritise when writing any kind of music is to lead
with a story. Forget mix balancing, bus summing, EQing or
mastering. That comes over time, through experience and
good quality education.
If you don’t know how to tell a story, you will just
fall into the void of all the other thousands of releases that
get sent to labels each week. Understanding proper
phrasing, movement, creating emotion through tension and
release and then putting it all together to tell a story that
translates to a dance floor is what will put you out in front.
What were the best and worst sets
or gigs you’ve ever played?
Haha! Honestly, I haven’t really had what you’d call
a bad gig…yet! I’ve turned up to empty dancefloors, sure.
52 ZONE-MAGAZINE.EU