Introducing: Mic Newman (murmur)

This summer, Mic Newman has been experiencing some serious musical feasts. From the grand-scale of Glastonbury, non-stop partying at Panorama Bar in Berlin to the best gig of his life at Zoo Project in Ibiza, he’s barely had time for a disco nap. Standing at the frontline of Melbourne’s underground dance music scene, Mic’s worked up budding relationships with high flying imprints, Tsuba, Fina Records, Dirt Crew Recording and with two storming murmur EP’s 'Sizzled Sally' -one of the highest selling releases on the label and the brand-new ‘Recorded In The Garage’, it’s no wonder he’s been hand-picked for the murmur takeover in Room Three next Saturday. We caught up with the Aussie talent ahead of the house & techno soiree alongside label boss Geddes and Simon Baker to talk about his rapid success, his ironic alias Fantastic Man and what’s hot in Melbourne’s music scene today. Hi Mic Newman, what have been your summer highlights so far? In the short time I've been in Europe, I've been lucky enough to experience some amazing musical feasts. Glastonbury being at the top of the list. I'm still coming to terms with the shear scale of the operation and vast array of acts on offer - madness! Notable party moments have taken place not surprisingly, at iconic institutions such as Panorama Bar in Berlin. I've also just returned from an eventful weekend in Ibiza where I was lucky enough to play one of the best gigs of my in my life at the Zoo Project and also Privilege, whilst also attending other great island parties like We Love @ Space and DC10, with barely a nap in between.I spent a relaxing post-Glasto week of relaxation in Montenegro, which was also a highlight. When did you first get bitten by the electronic bug? I've always been musically inclined. Not until I was of the age to go out clubbing though around 18, that I was really roped in to the full effects of dance music. So, like many wide-eyed kids, I saved up for a pair turntables and collected a load of vinyl. That was the beginning of the end for me. Describe the underground scene in Melbourne.What’s the house movement like &if we were to come stay, where would you take us out? If there was one word to describe the scene in Melbourne - it would be 'Niche'. Sadly, underground House and Techno haven't quite been accepted by the masses in the same way as in Europe. That being said, there is an amazing vibe in Melbourne at the moment. If you dig deep, and do your research, some excellent parties can be found. The most consistent of which (for me) is monthly party; 'C' Grade' at the Mercat Cross. Run by a bunch of local street rats. It’s a great showcase of Melbourne talent with a party vibe which stands up with the best of them. Also I do a weekly residency at infamous Melbourne clubs One Six One and Revolver which are awesome. Tell us about life in Melbourne? What are some of your favourite things to do away from the darkness of the club? The thing I love most about Melbourne is the people who live there, Family and friends alike. Sure, the amazing weather and beautiful beaches help too. But I find that the people in my life are the most important aspect of it. The thing I hate about Melbourne is that it's $2,000 and 24 hours away from Europe. How did you make your break in 2009...did you have any mentors guiding you? I've actually been producing for quite a few years, but in 2009 I made a move to London which was a big step as far as networking and exposure in Europe were concerned. I was lucky enough to play a few cool gigs and meet some great people, which all helped get the metaphorical ball rolling. How did you first link up with Murmur to release the 'Sizzled Sally' EP and the brand new ‘Recorded In The Garage’ EP? Pretty much the same way as anyone else in the infancy of their career would go about getting a deal. Hit n' Hope. Fortunately, Stu came back to me pretty much straight away with interest in signing an EP. We continued a good working relationship after that, releasing a collaboration EP on Tsuba and again on murmur. We want to know..who’s Sally? Let’s just say she's a Prawn. How does it feel to be joining Murmur boss Geddes & Simon Baker for the Room Three takeover next month? What’s your relationship like both on & away from the decks? fabric is one of the iconic clubs of the world, so to say that I wasn't a tad exited would be a lie. I've had the pleasure of really partying with these two fine men, so we'll no doubt be making a good night of this one, so I’m exited! You’ve had subsequent releases on Jimpster’s Freerange, Tsuba Records and 20:20 vision's sub-divisional; Fina Records. Which ones have really stuck out for you? Which have been the most challenging or the ones you’ve learnt the most from? My musical taste and direction has varied over the years. My sound is constantly evolving and moving forward, I'm actually quite proud of each of the four mentioned EP's as they reflect my creativity at that time. For me right now, it's supremely important to only release the very best music I'm capable of and to keep pushing outside my comfort zone. You’ve completed some big remixes for Mason, Chicken Lips, Dirty South, and Booka Shade. What do you look for when deciding whether to put your own spin on a track? I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to remix some big names, all esteemed in their respective fields. Usually if I get a vibe from the parts I'm given, then I'll roll with it. If it doesn't happen then I'll move on. Tell us about your alias, 'Fantastic Man’? Who is he and why is he so fantastic? He's just an egotistical maniac that likes to take the reigns every now and then, and he's not Fantastic, it's an ironic name. Right now though, It's an outlet for edits and downtempo type sampled things, although it may evolve into something more one day so don't quote me on that. What’s in the pipeline for the rest of 2011? I've had quite a prolific start to the year, with three EP's released on three different labels, plus two as Fantastic Man. I have three more remixes due for release in the next few months, including one for Vincenzo on Dessous as well one for The Bionics on Paper Recordings and something for the newly formed sydney imprint, Reckless. Plus a Fantastic Man remix for Francis Inferno Orchestra out on Join the Dots this month.I've been tossing around the idea of an LP but right now I'm honestly enjoying some studio free time whilst I spend these next few months in Europe. Finally, what’s your 3 favourite guilty pleasures? Strawberry Cider, 80's female pop artists and Ben & Jerry's Don’t forget our amazing fabricfirst offer every Saturday during August. 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