Planet Paradinas: µ-ziq on Planet Mu's Sacred Symbols

Record label Planet Mu is the brainchild of Mike Paradinas AKA µ-ziq (pronounced Mu-Zick). Creative and unique to the core, the label runs from a bedroom with Mike, ever the true devotee, spreading the word for intelligent dance music and illuminating some of the finest underground talent around. Hailing from South West London, Paradinas began operating under the name µ-ziq in 1992 whilst studying for a degree in architecture at Kingston. He eventually left before completing the course to concentrate all efforts towards his musical preoccupations on a more full time basis. Planet Mu was originally conceived in 1995 as an 'imprint' on Virgin Records (aka Hut Recordings in the UK, or Astralwerks in the US) on which to release µ-ziq, Leafcutter John, Tuskan Raiders, and many others artists. Mike set up the label independently in 1998 with its first official release Type Xero by Jega. Planet Mu's philosophy is risk taking, but with the emphasis on taking on electronic labels worldwide and pushing the genre forward.

As underground and renowned as the label is, it is no surprise that demos flood in. Mike is happy about this, but he makes no qualms about what NOT to send in, quoting dialogue from the continuous inventory of offenders: "I just started making this IDM stuff last month and these are my first tracks, they're kinda shitty but I thought I'd send 'em anyway... FUCK OFF. If we are prepared to invest a certain amount of time & money in releasing your pitiful electronic burps and squiggles, then at least send us your best burps & squiggles that you have practiced burping & squiggling enough so they sound, like, good." A point any burgeoning musical offenders should take on board.

This label does one thing that small, underground labels do not and that is to boast a wholly impressive and unique back catalogue. Releases on Planet Mu span from Mike's own solo projects as µ-ziq and other guises, to a wide-spanning and eclectic mix of jungle, electronica, free jazz and IDM. Many releases on this label are too good not to mention, from Jega - 'Geometry' (2000)or Kid Spatula - 'Meast' (2004). Kid Spatula is Mike's best-known alias besides µ-ziq: 'Meast' exhibits a rediscovery of the synth work that created the classic tunes Lunatic Harness, Royal Astronomy and Chevron - Everything's Exactly The Same (2005).

There are too many excellent releases on this label to mention, and if you can't find them in your local leftfield dance emporium, look out for the label's 100th release in early August, 'Sacred Symbols of Mu'. A follow-up to 'Children of Mu', released three years ago, the new compilation features exclusives and unheard material from Venetian Snares, Luke Vibert, Shitmat, Dykehouse and Milanese. If you missed out on Various Production's 'Cognac / Queen Bee' 7", then this will more or less be the only way for you to pick up Cognac's music for now, plus a smattering of new signings offer a fresh perspective on the Planet Mu sound. This compilation is a great addition to even the most mainstream of music collections - there is enough funk, melody and laid-back beats to keep the vibe chilled whilst also providing a selection of more banging tracks.

Planet Mu and creator Mike Paradinas continue bringing alternative and underground talent to the electro scene, giving the genre a much-needed boost in creative aptitude and an innovative ethos. Watch this space for more influential producers of twisted electro: Planet Mu's stable are sure to do it with ingenuity and style.