Veteran producer and Planet Mu label boss Mike Paradinas has been exploring the peripheries of electronic music for 35 years via aliases such as µ-Ziq, Jake Slazenger and Kid Spatula. His often visionary releases have mapped almost every corner of the electronic spectrum, while championing genres such as juke, footwork and IDM.
Best known for his µ-Ziq moniker, Paradinas’ latest album, Grush, is based on tracks created in hotel rooms prior to being road tested on stage. A vibrant collection, brimming with reverberating hardcore, jungle and footwork-laden beats, Grush is an effortlessly nostalgic kaleidoscope of melodic bangers illuminated by µ-Ziq’s unmistakeable signature.
Your Planet Mu label has been around for over 25 years now, which is an achievement in itself. How have you navigated the move from physical to online sales?
“It’s actually 30 next year. At the moment, it’s probably the most difficult it’s been for lots of record labels, which is probably more to do with the cost of living crisis. Global interest rates, manufacturing and postage has made everything so expensive that nobody wants to buys stuff at that price. Digital has been taken over by the majors and DSPs seem to be trying to squeeze the independents out somehow. You can sort of understand why they’re doing it, but artists don’t even get paid for the first thousand listens. When I was on a major I used to earn thousands and be able to make a living, but these days artists are earning in the
