Artist: Mikey Collins
Title: West Coast
Format: Digital EP
Cat#: Fika064SG4
Release date: 30th November 2018
Bandcamp | Spotify
Following the release of his debut solo album Hoick earlier this year, ex-Allo Darlin’ drummer Mikey Collins announces a series of remixes, which will appear over two EPs. Guest remixers include Johnny Winfield, Nicholas de Carlo, James Yuill, Jolyon Thomas, Ghost Culture and Ian Button (Death In Vegas/Papernut Cambridge).
As Mikey explains; “I've always loved a remix. I remember buying singles in the 90s and loving the re-imagining of an original track into a whole new piece of art – sometimes more exciting that the original. Some were a bit crap, sure, but – good ones – have never really felt like 'just sticking a beat over the top' to me. I think it's fascinating seeing what other producers make of the same set of stems / lyrics / flow and taking a few elements to turn it into something that has a life of its own. Like watching your kid grow up or something! So, I always knew I wanted to try and get some remixes of the Hoick songs if possible. I gave every artist the option of which tune they would like to remix.”
The first EP revolves around the stand-out track “West Coast”, featuring the original album version plus three remixes. Jolyon Thomas is a music producer who has worked with U2, Royal Blood and Slaves. James Yuill creates folktronica and Mikey said; “I think it's amazing how he managed to make things sound modern and timeless at the same time”. Johnny Whinfield co-produced and mastered Hoick. He has produced and co-written several records with Jimmy Somerville and absolutely loves disco and EDM, which influenced the sound on the album satisfying both his “disco” and Mikey’s “indie” roots.
Hoick is the solo album from Allo Darlin’ drummer Mikey Collins, who combines his love of rhythm and joyous harmonies to create a fun and sonically varied record. He is joined by a crack-team of musicians including drummer Ian Button (Death In Vegas, Papernut Cambridge), Tom Parkinson on bass, Tigercats’ Laura Kovic on keyboards and vocals, as well as fellow former Allo Darlin’ member and lifelong friend, guitar maestro Paul Rains. The flicker of his previous band pervades much of the album, as Collins draws inspiration from the upbeat nature of their music but he also gives it his own spin, as well as gleaning influences from other sources including Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Rolling Stones and current artists such as Matthew E White and Night Works.