Michael Paradinas (born 26 September 1971), better known by his stage name μ-Ziq (pronounced "music" or mu-zik),is an English electronic musician from Wimbledon, London. He is one of the pioneering IDM electronic music acts during the 90's, alongside Aphex Twin, Autechre, and The Orb. He is also the founder of the record label Planet Mu. His critically acclaimed 1997 album, Lunatic Harness, helped defined the drill 'n' bass subgenre and was also his most successful release, selling over 100,000 copies.
Links to Peel
In an interview with FactMag website, Paradinas mentioned listening to Peel when he was young:
"I listened to the radio. John Peel, Colin Dale and Colin Faver – Colin Dale’s Abstract Dance show. And Kiss as well. I could get a bit of pirate radio where I was in Raynes Park, but not the same as if I’d been further into London" [1]
In 1995, Paradinas set up the Planet Mu label, which sent many records to DJ's including Peel and in 2000, he did a session for his show. In 2004, Paradinas paid tribute to Peel by doing a 10 minute set on his tribute programme, broadcast on BBC Radio One.
Sessions
1. Recorded: 2000-02-10. Broadcast: 16 February 2000.
- Green Lanes / Toy Gun 2 / Johnson's Q Fab / Sunkist N' Vectif
2. Recorded and broadcast 16 December 2004, Peel Night tribute show.
- 10 Minute DJ Set
Other Shows Played
μ-Ziq
- 25 February 1994: ‘Vibes (2xLP - Tango N’ Vectif)’ (Rephlex)
- 05 March 1994: The Sonic Fox (album - Tango N’ Vectif) Rephlex
- 28 October 1994: Chinese Bakery (2x12" EP - The Auteurs Vs µ-Ziq) Hut
- 19 August 1995: Loam (12" - Salsa With Mesquite) Hi-Rise Recordings
- 12 January 1997: Urmur Bile (album – Urmur Bile) Hut Recordings 0170 4 661852 6 / Planet Mu PLUD3
- 18 January 1997: The Hydrozone (album – Urmur Bile) Hut Recordings 0170 4 661852 6 / Planet Mu PLUD3
- 08 February 1997: The Phonic Socks (album – Urmur Bile) Hut Recordings 0170 4 661852 6 / Planet Mu PLUD3
- 06 August 1997: 'Hasty Boom Alert (2xLP-Lunatic Harness)' (Planet Mu/Virgin)
- 21 August 1997 (BFBS): 'Hasty Boom Alert (2xLP-Lunatic Harness)' (Planet Mu/Virgin)
- 09 September 1999: Bass Bins (EP – The Hwicci Song) Hut
- 12 September 1999 (BFBS): Bass Bins (CDr-The Hwicci Song)' (Hut Recordings)
- 24 February 2000: Carpet Muncher (CD - Five Seconds To Spare) white label
- 18 December 2003: 'Johnny Maastricht' (LP - 'Bilious Paths')' (Planet Mu)
- 08 January 2004: 'Johnny Maastricht' (LP - 'Bilious Paths')' (Planet Mu)
- 09 January 2004 (BBC World Service): 'Johnny Maastricht' (LP - 'Bilious Paths')' (Planet Mu)
Kid Spatula
- 29 March 2000: 'Nordy' (LP 'Full Sunken Breaks') Planet Mu
- 06 April 2000: 'Nordy (CD-Full Sunken Breaks)' (Planet Mu)
- 03 May 2000 (Radio Eins): 'New School Bikes (CD-Full Sunken Breaks)' (Planet Mu)
Rude Ass Tinker
- 21 November 2002: Get Wicked (Various Artists Compilation LP - µ Allstars Criminal 02) Planet Mu
- 23 December 2003: 'Magical Digital (LP - Drug Skill)' (Deathchant)
- January 2004 (FSK): Magical Digital (v/a 2x12" - Drug Skill) Deathchant
- Planet Mu compilations
- 10 December 1997: Red Snapper: Get Some Sleep Tiger (Plaid Remix) (v/a CD - Mealtime) Planet Mu
- 21 November 2002: Rude Ass Tinker: Get Wicked (v/a LP - µ Allstars Criminal 02) Planet Mu