Michal Menert is the first artist signed to Pretty Lights Music, after co-producing Pretty Lights’ debut album, “Taking Up Your Precious Time (2006)” and contributing to a handful of the project’s tracks afterward. With a new EP out, Michal has hit the road to blow people away with his new music.
We caught up with Michal before he hits Atlanta with Bassnectar this weekend! If you didn’t get your tickets to the show at the Tabernacle before it sold out, then make sure to catch Michal at the after-party at the Basement!
Who or what inspired you to become a musician?
Listening to music inspired me…growing up having my father expose me to abstract as well as straight forward music gave me a world for my imagination to roam in. The emotional range I was experiencing from music, long before I knew what love, loss and life was really like, molded my interpretation of the world around me. I wanted to contribute to that art form since I was a child.
You helped co-produced Pretty Lights’ debut album. How did you get into producing?
I think it started with a curiosity for how samples were used in hip hop. Taking that fundamental concept and expanding it by collaging several samples and adding instrumentation on analog synths, creating a hybrid of what producers like DJ Shadow was doing and the aesthetics of 70s synth fusion I grew up loving.
You recently released your EP, Elements, how does this EP differ from your previous work?
This one was created with deliberate destinations I wanted to take each track, as well as the project as a whole. Each of the four pieces represented an element from alchemy, but I didn’t want to make the elemental aspect obvious. I wanted the vibe to carry without making an album that sounded like Captain Planet.
What is your dream gig?
If you mean venue, I’d say Paradiso in Amsterdam. I went there in 2005 and saw Bright Eyes. The stage sits against a massive stained glass archway, painting the room with a kaleidoscopic wash of colors. Beautiful. If, on the other hand, you mean dream job/project, I would have to go with scoring films. Being able to craft the soundtracks and sound design for a film is one of my aspirations.
Who are your greatest musical inspirations?
Pink Floyd, Chemical Brothers, Beastie Boys, Native Tongues, the JBs, Mike Oldfield, Air, just to name a handful.
What artists/bands have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been really into Tame Impala, Mux Mool, Sean Price, and Twilight Circus (as far as contemporary music is concerned).
How do you connect with a crowd?
I connect with a crowd by becoming part of the crowd and getting down to my own music, from stage. I lose myself in my songs, because if I can’t, how do I expect any other person to?
What are your plans for the remainder of 2013?
I plan to release the limited edition Elements EP on vinyl soon, then I’m shooting for a fall release to coincide with a headlining tour in really intimate venues. I’m also planning a handful of collaborations for the near future. Just want to build an empire of sound.
Michal Menert will be performing THIS Saturday May 11 at The Tabernacle with Bassnectar & at The Basement for the Bassnectar after-party!
Get your tickets for the after-party HERE!
