solipsistic NATION No. 149: Planet Mu Records

Here’s something you don’t know about me: I hate talking over the songs I play on solipsistic NATION. On the other hand, I think talking over music is pretty useful because it has less impact on the flow of the show. It’s a dilemma. Take this week’s show.

Once a month on solipsistic NATION I showcase a record label that is putting out amazing releases that you need to know about. Recent shows have featured n5MD, Dragon’s Eye Recordings and Summer Rain Recordings. On this edition of solipsistic NATION we’ll talk with Mike Paradinas (AKA μ-Ziq), the founder of Planet μ Records and play select tracks from his label. And therein lies the problem.

Planet μ began as a subsidiary of Virgin Records but in 1998 Mike Paradinas made Planet μ independent of Virgin and Astralwerks. In the last 10 years Mike has released great albums from a roster of amazing artists like Luke Vibert, Benga, Mary Anne Hobbs and much more. There’s no way I can capture the scope of Planet μ in an hour-long show. All I can do is paint a picture for you with music but only in the broadest strokes. That leaves me with the unenviable task of choosing which tracks we’ll have to talk over.

For example, I love Luke Vibert’s “Homewerk.” The repeating riff in “Homewerk” is a classic electronica theme and has been sampled many times. How can I talk over that. And then there’s “Meinheld” by μ-Ziq. He’s my guest. That’s be just plain rude to talk over his track. I love, love, love just about everything Venetian Snares puts out and it would cause me physical pain to talk over “Twirl.” But as I said, I would rather talk with Mike over the music than not play music at all. Plus, that’s an extra track you otherwise would not have heard.

I’m really excited that Mike is on today’s show. Planet μ consistently puts out amazing releases and has garnered a lot of respect from people who love great music. A fan base has been created around Planet μ because of the label’s roster of talent and phenomenal albums. You’ll become a convert, too.

If you liked today’s show, mention it on your blog or give solipsistic NATION a quick one to five star review on iTunes so I can spread the virus that is solipsistic NATION further and wider!

  1. Luke Vibert “Homewerk”
  2. μ-Ziq “Meinheld”
  3. Venetian Snares “Twirl”
  4. Interview with Mike Paradinas, founder of Planet μ Records
  5. Meat Beat Manifesto “Less”
  6. Vex’d “Thunder”
  7. Interview with Mike Paradinas, founder of Planet μ Records
  8. Pinch “Punisher”
  9. Benga “Killers About”
  10. Interview with Mike Paradinas, founder of Planet μ Records
  11. Boxcutter “Bug Octet”
  12. edIT “Twenty Minutes”
  13. Interview with Mike Paradinas, founder of Planet μ Records
  14. Chevron “Going Out of My Head”
  15. Mrs Jynx “Dusty”
  16. Jega “Alternating Bit”
  17. Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble “The Nothing Changes”
  18. Interview with Mike Paradinas, founder of Planet μ Records