Daniel Carter speaks to Michael Woods.
He took the home turf with all guns blazing, but now the promising future of British progressive house has set his sights on global domination in a bid to bring the tough but uplifting sound that has shaped his name to an international audience. Whilst America falls head over heels for the Brit who has already conquered essential spots in the UK and Ibiza, Michael Woods stands as an overall champion for 2010 and the undeniable ‘one to watch’ for 2011.
Without a doubt 2010 has been an incredible year for Michael Woods. With a handful of anthems to his name on labels such as Mau5trap and Toolroom Records, the year has seen Michael’s name firmly founded on the global clubbing circuit. Taking his elegant blend of tech-driven house on a whirlwind tour of North America whilst dipping into Canada for a spat of exclusive shows, it is clear that the appeal for Woods’ music will not be limited to the British Isles. He explained, “The tour has been incredible and it is amazing to see so much support out here across the Atlantic for my music. It is pretty cool to come half way across the world and find out that people are just as familiar with me and my music as they are at home in the UK.”
Storming the American club scene with an arsenal of his finest uplifting offerings, this intense tour of the States allowed Woods to test run his latest instalment ‘No Access’, which has recently hit the digital world with a now-customary force through his signature imprint Diffused Records. Establishing a fresh and relevant take on his celebrated scope of sound, ‘No Access’ marks another progression in the development of Woods’ dynamic music as he develops Diffused Music as the essential British outlet for tech- and big room house. He explained, “This track is a little different to my usual style, but I am always making music that I think goes well in to my sets and this sits perfectly,” adding, “It has been received so well out here in North America, every time I play it I'm always being asked what tune it is, which is always promising for a new track that drops whilst you are touring.”
With the sweet taste of success placed firmly on his tongue, this triumphant American outing adds to an already crowded list of achievements for Woods this year. After an incredible run of dates on Deadmau5’s UK tour and an explosive residency for Cream at their summer home, the legendary Amnesia in Ibiza, Woods was also allocated as a resident for the hub of the London’s vibrant club scene, Ministry of Sound. Having spent his youth as an avid patron of the original super club, Woods has been thrilled to bring his signature clubbing experience to the home crowds of London alongside a host of the industry’s most established players. He explained, “My residency for MOS started two months ago and so far it has been amazing. I got to play with Fedde Le Grand on my last date and this time I get to play alongside Funkagenda, who is one of my favourite DJ/Producers right now as his sets never fail to impress me.”
Setting the standard to an all time high as the essential British DJ, producer and label head for 2010, Woods plans to pull out all the stops for 2011, using his new imprint to inject the industry with his unique sound whilst conquering the global industry with that distinguished force that only Woods seems capable of. Whilst absolutely thrilled with the years work, Woods recognises that there is plenty more to be done for 2011. He explained, “2010 has been a pretty good year for me I have to say; a lot more people know who I am and are now familiar with my music. It has all been one big achievement really as so much has happened since the Deadmua5 tour. I intend to up my game for 2011 with Diffused Music and a bunch of new tunes for the new year, plus I am really keen to hit Australia, Asia and South America, as I haven’t really toured there yet.” He added, “There is no chance of a quiet year for me, but I am truly excited to crack on and show the world what I am all about.”
Turning the American dream on itself and extending its scope to the international market, Michael Woods has taken the seat that every aspiring producer can only dream about: global ambassador for British house music and the fresh face of an imprint that promises nothing short of stone cold stunners to clubbers across the globe.
