Hey Michele, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Thanks for thinking of me! I’m happy and hot. It’s a scorchingly beautiful day in September and I am finishing last minute prep to go and perform with Shpongle at the Twistival.
As you are heavily involved at the cutting edge of dance music, how have you noticed the dance scene change over recent years? What have the changes been?
At the end of the ’90s there was divergence; the solid, dark British psy scene seemed to break apart as Matsuri put out their eclectic beats, Hallucinogen gave way to Shpongle, X-Dream introduced us to Ariel’s vocals & Total Eclipse split into separate projects.
Koxbox was my favourite and they too splintered into different projects. I thought Psy would die then, but a fresh wave of artists like Wrecked Machines and stalwarts GMS & Dino Psaras ushered in the millennial sound. Around 2005 it was all moving bass lines and vocals – recognisable “hits”. Then a backlash as the ’90s revival took over!
Now with EDM and artists like Infected Mushroom, Astrix and Skazi breaking out creatively from the restrictions of 145bpm, it is and always has been an exciting scene to be involved in, ever adapting and eating itself. Music is my science of choice.
You’ve performed your ‘PsyVocal’ trance, electro and chillout live shows all over the world. For those who haven’t been, what are they missing out on?
Well JOMO (joy of missing out) has replaced FOMO this year I’m told. I hate to think of anyone missing out so in true hippy style I would say my shows go out to the ether with pure intent and love in an attempt to share who I am with you. They are totally accessible if you want to dream on them, but if you actually show up? I’m going to rock your socks off, surprise you with musical and metaphysical tickles and share in a unique moment of dance, magic and feels.
You’ve lent your vocals to numerous recordings for many compilations and artist albums. Is there one that stands out that you really enjoy?
Featuring on Alan Parson’s album on the track Return to Tunguska with David Gilmour on guitar was something I knew would blow my dad’s mind but the reality is that I didn’t get to meet either of them. When I was at Uni and I first heard Shpongle I voiced the thought that someday someone would sing over that music and they would be the luckiest girl in the world. Destiny has been dancing with me for a while and the dance has revealed that the sweetest sessions – the ones that mean the most to me – are the ones with heartfelt connection between the collaborators. Sometimes that collaboration is from my mouth to your ear y’dig? It’s personal, it can be life changing. My work with Infected Mushroom catapulted me into a career in psy carving out my miche niche only by following my passion for the music I loved. I’ve been invited to so many different studios around the world. I feel incredibly lucky and hope each time that I can deliver something that makes us all happy.
What’s the process like for you to see how someone else perceives your voice?
This summer at Ozora festival, for the first time ever, I had an inkling of what I might be doing to people when I saw Juno Reactor and the mutant theatre live. The two incredible vocalists blew my mind and when Taja Devi came out front in a pink wig and ridiculously foxy costume I utterly melted and fell instantly in love with her. I was transported. I had no idea that it affects some people like that. Powerful stuff! Up until then I really had not thought about it. I live it, breathe and believe it, it is not my intention to mess with you but if you feel any love then please pass it on.
You’ll be heading to earthcore in a few months time, how does it differ to those you played around the world?
Earthcore is special, there’s something about the vibe, the collective, the combined histories, the fantastic locations, the dedication of the team to source music that is both cutting edge and true to the psychedelic nature of the scene, the colourful people. It is more psychedelic than other festivals I have played at and I feel a deep river of shamanic consciousness runs through it that we all tap into not only during but all year as the global family grows, stretches and gets excited about what is to come.
How do Australians compare to the rest of the world, do we know how to party?
Aussies have an amazing sense of humour..something i totally connect with.. when that humour and joie de vivre spills over into a party anything could happen! i’m surprised you’re asking me if you know how to party but if you want to be told.. you do it hard, you do it full on, and you do it with a love and passion that is utterly contagious. You’re the Spooge of the party scene so get ready for my money shot!
When & Where: Earthcore, pyalong – November 24-28