ROMANIAN electronic music wizard, Mihai Popoviciu delivers his third album, Motion Manifold.
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Out today, he continues his relationship with Steve Bug’s impeccable Poker Flat Recordings with a long player that oozes the kind of sultry, deeply infectious grooves that we have come to expect from him. Each track is woven with his familiar texture and vibe.
Romania has produced some serious talent over the last couple of decades with Mihai being one of the country’s stand out artists, earning plaudits across the board with not only his releases on Poker Flat but also on tastemaker labels such as Highgrade, Dessous, John Digweed’s Bedrock imprint and his own label, Cyclic.
We caught up with Mihai Popoviciu this week and asked him to talk us through ten tracks that have shaped his career.
Beroshima – Electronic Discussion
“Frank Mueller a.k.a Beroshima was a 90s pioneer, and this is one of his finest. Stripped down and frantic with that squelchy bass line running throughout. A bonafide classic.”
Sesnsorama – Star Escalator
“Star Escalator is a track I must have listened to hundreds if not thousands of times now. It’s got that little off kilter rhythm that seems to be tripping over itself, and those beautiful pads and robotic voice. It’s very much of its time, but still sounds great now.”
Drexcyia – Lost Vessel
“This was on Tresor, one of the very best labels and a huge influence on me. Drexciya were instrumental in pioneering forward-thinking techno in the 90s and were the kings of the Roland TR-808!”
Bobby Konders – Let There be House
“Bobby was a huge figure of New York’s underground since the mid-’80s, throwing infamous parties, hosting radio programmes and basically being involved in the scene as much as he could, including making a mean beat like this one. A true legend.”
Deepside – French
“French is a masterclass in how melodies can play with your emotions. If anyone ever tells you that electronic music is soulless, get them to listen to this!”
The Sound Vandals – On Your Way
“Incredible early 90s deep house from the Sound Vandals, on one of the best labels of that time: Nu Groove. This is such a beautiful record and I don’t think as well known as a lot of the deep house around that time. Unjustly so – it’s so good.”
Dave Angel – Bump
“Dave Angel is another techno pioneer, this time from the UK, although clearly influenced by what was happening in the US. This is the perfect balance of that smooth, hypnotic groove along with the harsh percussion which still gets me going.”
UR – Electronic Warfare (take control mix aux 88)
UR were so hugely influential when I started going to parties and listening to electronic music. Discovering them was like listening to music from another planet!
New Order – Bizarre Love Triangle
“Pop and electro brought combine to make one of the greatest records of all time. They are an incredible band with a legacy that cannot be overstated.”
Jeff Mills – Pacific State Of Mind
“I had to include a record from the master Jeff Mills and this is probably my favourite of all – sitting just between house and techno before we started making such a fuss about genres. Respect is due!”
Mihai Popoviciu – Motion Manifold is out today on Poker Flat Recordings. Grab your copy HERE.
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