NUDE072: Michelle Sparks

A fresh face on the USA techno scene, Michelle Sparks brings a unique forward-leaning sound infused with deep musicality and raw, stripped down minimalism. Atmospheric and futuristic, Michelle creates a sonic state resonating with underground rave aesthetics. 

An extraordinarily skilled artist intent on pushing the envelope in her productions and DJ sets, Michelle cultivates a modern sound and relentlessly fierce attitude forging her own path in dance music. In 2018 she signed to Octopus Recordings with her debut EP ‘Force Field’ and has since gone on to tour the USA with the Octopus Showcase & Warehouse parties as well as many international Octopus Showcases. 

In 2019 Michelle mixed and compiled the ‘Psychological Manipulation’ compilation on Octopus Recordings and also released an additional EP ‘Gloom’ later that year. Continuing to hone her unique sound the following year, Michelle released her single ‘Melt’ in 2020 which included remixes from Dusty Kid & Simina Grigoriu. 

Michelle adds to her already stellar career discography with an exquisite official remix for Dusty Kid’s iconic 2009 cut, WIWY. Due for worldwide release on Friday, June 11 via internationally lauded, LA-based imprint, Octopus Recordings – a label which she has come to call home over the past few years – Sparks pulls out all the stops for another landmark release, combining an expert amalgamation of luscious, rolling basslines, intricately layered drum patterns and sweeping euphoric breakdowns, to deliver a melodic techno weapon of gargantuan proportions.

Speaking about the upcoming remix, Michelle commented: “WIWY is a masterpiece and one of my all time favorite Dusty Kid tracks, so I was absolutely ecstatic when I was given the opportunity to create an official remix. I had to dig deep to take it to another level as I wanted to bring a fresh, emotional feel whilst still retaining that dancefloor groove, but I’m really happy with the end result. It really was an amazing honor to remix such a classic and bring it into 2021.” 

Sum up this podcast in 10 words…
A grooving journey through some of my past & present favorites.

What’s your personal favourite track on it?
One of my longtime favorite tunes is the track at the start of the mix, Confiara. It’s been in my crate for years and it’s always a total monster on the dancefloor.

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?
Maximum groove + some sprinkles of other worldly weirdness.

Tell us about your next EP?
My next release is a single coming out on Octopus, a remix of Dusty Kid’s WIWY, which is included in the mix today. My next EP is 2 originals though which are some heavy dancefloor groovers, I’m super excited to share it with everyone, stay tuned later this year!

What have you got coming up?

Finally able to announce some actual in person shows, which is so exciting! I’m playing an Octopus Warehouse label showcase in Los Angeles on July 24th and then A couple shows coming soon in Phoenix and one in Philadelphia and some other stops around the USA which will be announced this month. I also do a weekly live-stream residency on Wednesday evenings with the Octopus Recordings crew on Twitch which is super fun each week!
Music wise, I’ve got a couple original EP’s scheduled for this year that I’ll be able to share soon, keep a lookout!

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?

This past year has been a wild ride for everyone, I’m hopeful for what’s ahead this year and I look forward to reuniting with you all on a dancefloor soon!

Tracklist

Fabio Alampi – Confirara
Daniel Stefanik, Andre Galluzzi – Regulator (Original Mix)
Oscar L – Mutte (Original Mix)
Michelle Sparks – Corruption (Original Mix)
Indira Paganotto – Acid Dad
Michelle Sparks – Melt (Simina Grigoriu Remix)
Christian Hornbostel – Magister
Dusty Kid – WIWY (Michelle Sparks Remix)
Timmo – Reflections (Original Mix)
Simina Grigoriu – Contraband (Original Mix)
Mladen tomic , Miroslav Pavlovic – Destruction (Original Mix)