SUNDAY MORNING - 15 - Michna by Danny Daze

THE ARTIST: MICHNA http://ift.tt/1zs8zlq http://ift.tt/1TjbtrD Growing up in both NY and Miami, Michna (real name: Adrian Michna) is that unique breed of artist that draws from both the urban and the tropical. As a youngster, Adrian started DJing parties with cassettes and playing trombone in a band on the NYC bar circuit including the infamous Lion’s Den and CBGB’s. After moving to Miami in the mid-90’s, he co-founded the pioneering Secret Frequency Crew, who deftly mixed instrumental hip-hop and electronic into a coherent whole. Their appropriately titled 12” “Miami Eyes,” became an underground hit. SFC’s debut LP “Forest of the Echo Downs” also put Adrian on Ghostly’s radar as it was one of label founder Sam Valenti IV’s top LPs in 2004. Currently based in Brooklyn NY, Adrian Michna has become a staple in the NYC club scene, known for his chameleon like abilities. Outside of the club, he has been able to pursue interests such as building furniture, bicycles, skeeball and painting. Adrian found his stride as a solo artist by bringing together his myriad influences into a succinct sonic persona with 2008’s debut LP MAGIC MONDAY and well-received single “Triple Chrome Dipped”. It was the producers tightly woven musical amalgam of hip-hop, booty , electro and detailed process that made Michna’s debut album move. He followed up his debut with the EGGSTRA EP which leaned more towards a heady mix of hip hop beats and breakbeat. Four years later, we see a great leap forward in terms of both songwriting and production with a more futuristic house meets hip hop nod on the Moving Mountains EP. The wait was well worth it. THE MIX: Before Michna solo stuff I was in a group called Secret Frequency Crew. We started messing with 4 turntable DJ mixes around 1998. It was mad fun, usually 2 decks were a beat blend, the 3rd was an acapella and the 4th was whale noises/efx. In 2001 we honed in and rigorously rehearsed a set that would span from 90bpm and push up to 130bpm. Inspired heavily by Coldcut's 70 Minutes of Madness Mix and the legendary Blech mix by Strictly Kev and PC. In 2002 we finally recorded it live, after many many takes. I think we pressed 50 CD-Rs and gave them out to friends. Our Max Headroom obsession was growing so we called the mix "Max Headroom for President." It has never been uploaded to the internet.... until now! Enjoy!