Michael Hooker is a DJ, music producer, and the founder of Re:Sound Music. He has toured the world DJing for some of the biggest music brands in the industry, and his success comes from hard work, dedication, and extensive musical knowledge. In every one of his live sets or podcasts and you can hear the attention to detail, seamless mixing, and the musical maturity that he has become known for.
EG caught up with Michael Hooker to learn more about his upcoming releases, his own Re:Sound Music label, his origins in the music scene, and future endeavors.
EG: Hello Michael! We’re very happy to have you here with us today. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Michael Hooker: Thanks so much. I’m doing great. I’m currently in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.
EG: But, you grew up in Jersey Channel Islands, right? What was that like?
Michael Hooker: Jersey is only 9 miles by 5 miles, with about 120,000 people, so it’s small but it’s absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect place to grow up. A lot of my family and friends are still there.
EG: And when and how did you come across electronic dance music?
Michael Hooker: My school friend went to England and acquired a mixtape recording of a rave in Manchester. A group of us heard it and we were hooked. We copied the tape multiple times so we could all have one each. It inspired a few of us to start DJing. Another good friend’s older brother had some decks and he agreed to let us practice on them. I saved and eventually got my own set. The mixtape was most definitely the catalyst to my life in music.
EG: So, from Jersey Channel Islands to Re:Sound Music mastermind. How is the label doing at the moment? You have a label pool season starting June 5th in Arizona. How are preparations coming along? What can Re:Sound Music fans expect?
Michael Hooker: The label is doing great. We have hosted Re:Sound Music & Friends events for about 5 years now. We use bespoke and unique locations for our events (rooftops, pools, underground bars, etc) and we alternate them. It’s always worked really well for us. We showcase artists from the label or artists affiliated with the label. We are indeed heading back to the Hotel Adeline this summer for a limited series of pool parties. It’s such a beautiful location and we are excited to be back again.
“The label is doing great. We have hosted Re:Sound Music & Friends events for about 5 years now. We use bespoke and unique locations for our events and we alternate them.”
EG: We know you have an impressive list of releases ready to go, including names such as Deus Deserto, Jullian Wassermann, Kiz Pattison, Mattr, Emanate, and many others. Anything you can tell us on that front?
Michael Hooker: Yes, we have a stacked schedule of releases lined up for 2022. We have such a diverse range of artists signed from all over the world. It’s been great to be able to make connections with so many people and give them a platform to release their music. It’s also great to have some of them play our events too. It’s a win/win really.
EG: Speaking about releases, you’re looking forward to the release of two collaborations, ‘Surrender’ with Innocenti, and ‘All Night Long’ with Bryant Lamar. What can you tell us about these?
Michael Hooker: Yes, It was a pleasure to work with Bryant again on ‘All Night Long’ after the success of our last release on Desert Hearts Black. I have known Ellie (Innocenti) for over 15 years. She is an extremely talented vocalist/artist. I was stoked that she agreed to work with me on ‘Surrender’ as her voice fits the mood of the music so well. I feel these are two very strong tracks, perfect for summer.
EG: What does your studio look like at the moment? Did you pick up any new software or gear during these past few months that you’d recommend?
Michael Hooker: My studio is modest but suits me perfectly. I work 100% in-the-box and have done for a long time now. I use Ableton and my go-to plugins are Arturia, Soundtoys, Plugin Alliance, and Sonnox. My most recent purchase that has been a game-changer is Trackspacer by Wavesfactory. I love how simple and clean the interface is.
EG: What is your approach to the studio like? Do you have a sort of ‘blueprint’ for your workflow?
Michael Hooker: I start every track from a blank Ableton template. I try not to force anything and let it flow naturally. I actually like to source the vocal first and create the track around that. This has always been my preferred way to work.
“I just got picked up by an Agency for Worldwide representation and I’m very happy about that!”
EG: What’s next for Michael Hooker & Re:Sound in the next few months? What new milestones are you looking to celebrate?
Michael Hooker: For Re:Sound we have a consistent string of releases planned and more RM&F events scheduled.
For me, I have upcoming DJ dates in USA, Mexico, and Europe. I’m also going to be releasing music on Yoshitoshi, Sprout, and my own label Re:Sound Music. Oh, and there is one more thing, I haven’t spoken about this yet because I’m waiting for the official announcement… I just got picked up by an Agency for Worldwide representation and I’m very happy about that!
EG: Thank you for your time, Michael! We wish you all the best for the future!
Michael Hooker: Thanks so much, It’s been great chatting. Take care!
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