Dynamic duos. Doing what few could do alone. Making the world a greater place, one hilarious misadventure and moral lesson at a time.Then there's the solo superheros. Loners laughing at danger and paving the way to a better tomorrow. Melbourne's Michael Ozone and Michael Kucyk fall somewhere in the middle. Working alone Ozone has created Perfect Systems, and Kucyk has made a lot of noise in many heads around the world. Together they are a party force unlike any other. This Friday will be a rare reunion since Michael Kucyk moved to Sydney last year. The power of their combined record collections and extreme good taste will be unstoppable. But what are the truths behind the myths of these enigmatic figures? And what records will they be using to create chaos on the dancefloor this week? All shall be revealed.THUMP: How and when did you meet?
Michael Kucyk: I met Ozone when visiting Perth with friends in 2007. We gatecrashed a tacky fashion gala at the exhibition centre. I remember him full of adrenalin, running and jumping over tables stacked high with drinks as if he wasn't making a scene. Then he went back stage, loaded a road case with beer and carted it straight to his car for us to enjoy later on. A strong first impression.
Michael Ozone: That is an accurate recalling of events MK. I also remember a box of hair spray in the car as well…What were some of the records that helped you realise there was a strong musical link in your tastes?
Michael Kucyk: Back then probably Baldelli mixtapes, Theo Parrish, and New Beat staples like Mac Sample's "House Inspector" and Joy's "She And I (Elle Et Moi)."
Michael Ozone: Yes, and Afro/Proto-Teckno cross-over records. I would add Chris and Cosey to the mix, I know that is one of MK's favourite groups! Always blown away with the new and old stuff MK pulls out; world wide esoteric emotion!In Melbourne you worked together on radio and on other events. How have things changed now you're in separate cities?
Michael Kucyk: Still finding ways to keep it together.. Last summer Ozone helped us put on a nine hour live NTS broadcast from one of his CBD spaces.. He did his thing alongside Lovefingers, Willie Burns, Tuff Sherm, Suzanne Kraft, Jonny Nash, Andras Fox, Hey Convict and Mikey Young. I've invited him to play at a party of ours in Sydney next month. He jazzed up a cool flyer overnight.
Michael Ozone: The relationship has always been pretty Ying and Yang—I provide the raw energy and MK provides the brains and industry knowledge! The geographical distance has made the exchange of ideas and the possibility of future events more exciting! I definitely wouldn't be in the position I am today without the support and help of MK and Noise In My Head!!Speaking of which where are Noise In My Head and Michael Ozone at these days?
Michael Kucyk: At the moment I'm super vibed and trying to stay busy. Recording as many radio shows as possible, printing t-shirts, DJing with my friends Canyons, Pelvis and Steele Bonus. Actually just helped Steele publish "Odd Waves", a book and mix CD that chronicles this rogue Euro sub-culture of pop art punks and disco weirdos. I'm also preparing a tour for one of my heros later in the year. I'm realising I have more records than I need, taking a deep breath and enjoying them.
Michael Ozone: I'm based in Melbourne, working on some real-estate projects, trying to find time to finish tracks for Ozone EP and run a record label. Also selling T-shirts locally and internationally.What are you planning for this week's combined party?
Michael Kucyk: We're not that organised. It's been a long time since we played on the same bill so its going to be fun. I'm looking forward to taking a break from the usual zonked home listening.
Michael Ozone: I have been doing some online digging world wide! Trying to get my hands on some hard to find '90s CDs from South Africa, "Awesome CDS from Africa" (Trademark Pending). Discogs.com does not catalogue that shit, so you really have to hunt! On my label HOME LOAN RECORDS the next record is from Zanzibar Chanel followed by NoZU. Both crews are from Melbourne. In between that, I'll also be putting the finishing touches on some solo stuff and a collaboration I've been working on with MOON B from PPU!Michael Kucyk, any favourite records you could share to get us ready for Friday?
Michael Kucyk: Melbourne's unknown dance history is fascinating. This balearic piece was produced by Josh "Addicted To Bass" Abrahams and Braden Schlager for Monash University theatre show "Cyberbia" in 1991. Wow.
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Michael Kucyk: I met Ozone when visiting Perth with friends in 2007. We gatecrashed a tacky fashion gala at the exhibition centre. I remember him full of adrenalin, running and jumping over tables stacked high with drinks as if he wasn't making a scene. Then he went back stage, loaded a road case with beer and carted it straight to his car for us to enjoy later on. A strong first impression.
Michael Ozone: That is an accurate recalling of events MK. I also remember a box of hair spray in the car as well…What were some of the records that helped you realise there was a strong musical link in your tastes?
Michael Kucyk: Back then probably Baldelli mixtapes, Theo Parrish, and New Beat staples like Mac Sample's "House Inspector" and Joy's "She And I (Elle Et Moi)."
Michael Ozone: Yes, and Afro/Proto-Teckno cross-over records. I would add Chris and Cosey to the mix, I know that is one of MK's favourite groups! Always blown away with the new and old stuff MK pulls out; world wide esoteric emotion!In Melbourne you worked together on radio and on other events. How have things changed now you're in separate cities?
Michael Kucyk: Still finding ways to keep it together.. Last summer Ozone helped us put on a nine hour live NTS broadcast from one of his CBD spaces.. He did his thing alongside Lovefingers, Willie Burns, Tuff Sherm, Suzanne Kraft, Jonny Nash, Andras Fox, Hey Convict and Mikey Young. I've invited him to play at a party of ours in Sydney next month. He jazzed up a cool flyer overnight.
Michael Ozone: The relationship has always been pretty Ying and Yang—I provide the raw energy and MK provides the brains and industry knowledge! The geographical distance has made the exchange of ideas and the possibility of future events more exciting! I definitely wouldn't be in the position I am today without the support and help of MK and Noise In My Head!!
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Michael Kucyk: At the moment I'm super vibed and trying to stay busy. Recording as many radio shows as possible, printing t-shirts, DJing with my friends Canyons, Pelvis and Steele Bonus. Actually just helped Steele publish "Odd Waves", a book and mix CD that chronicles this rogue Euro sub-culture of pop art punks and disco weirdos. I'm also preparing a tour for one of my heros later in the year. I'm realising I have more records than I need, taking a deep breath and enjoying them.
Michael Ozone: I'm based in Melbourne, working on some real-estate projects, trying to find time to finish tracks for Ozone EP and run a record label. Also selling T-shirts locally and internationally.What are you planning for this week's combined party?
Michael Kucyk: We're not that organised. It's been a long time since we played on the same bill so its going to be fun. I'm looking forward to taking a break from the usual zonked home listening.
Michael Ozone: I have been doing some online digging world wide! Trying to get my hands on some hard to find '90s CDs from South Africa, "Awesome CDS from Africa" (Trademark Pending). Discogs.com does not catalogue that shit, so you really have to hunt! On my label HOME LOAN RECORDS the next record is from Zanzibar Chanel followed by NoZU. Both crews are from Melbourne. In between that, I'll also be putting the finishing touches on some solo stuff and a collaboration I've been working on with MOON B from PPU!
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Michael Kucyk: Melbourne's unknown dance history is fascinating. This balearic piece was produced by Josh "Addicted To Bass" Abrahams and Braden Schlager for Monash University theatre show "Cyberbia" in 1991. Wow.
Michael Kucyk: As Ozone mentioned, Chris & Cosey are one of my most important artists. CTI (Creative Technology Institute) was another project, with video art from John Lacey.
Michael Kucyk: Here's the sound of '90s New York house music sending a message of hope.
Michael Kucyk: I used to play this all the time until it fell through the cracks. I recently pulled it out.
Michael Kucyk: This is just Off.The.Chain_Hear Noise In My Head and Michael Ozone find the perfect balance this _Friday May 30 at Sydney University for_ THUMP Presents: Michael Ozone, Noise In My Head & Forty Love. Free entry, RSVP here._