µ-Ziq

One of the premier names in the field of electronic home-listening music, Mike Paradinas' recordings retain the abrasive flavor of early techno pioneers and explore the periphery of experimental electronica even while coddling to his unusual ear for melody, the occasional piece of vintage synthesizer gear, and distorted beatbox rhythms. Mainly working as µ-Ziq, early LPs like 1993's Tango n' Vectif were based around ear-splitting buzzsaw percussion, with fast-moving though deceptively fragile synthesizer melodies running over the top. 1997's landmark Lunatic Harness helped define the drill'n'bass microgenre, and 2003's Bilious Paths flirted with breakcore. Later works like 2013's Chewed Corners have reflected his interest in other forward-thinking electronic styles such as Chicago's juke/footwork scene, while also looking back to his formative influences like the British rave scene and Detroit techno. He revisited his frantic, jungle-influenced side with several 2022 releases, as well as 2024's Grush.