A rapidly growing force within the underground dance industry, Mikhail Akulich, has hit the ground running with an ever-expanding portfolio of tracks under his Michael A pseudonym. Now returning to Proton Music, he presents the three-track "Symbol" EP.

From Mozyr, on the Pripyat River, Michael A has continued to reach far beyond the borders of his Belarusian homeland. An artist who is the epitome of modern twenty-first century production techniques, benefitting from the world of social media and dissolving global barriers afforded by modern communication techniques, Michael A continues to cut an impressive figure.

Owner of the celebrated Genesis Music imprint, the Michael A name has consistently found itself allied to a plethora of blue chip labels. A regular on the likes of Balkan Connection, Superordinate and 3rd Avenue, Mikhail's work has also featured on Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music, with the February 2017 "Micrologica" EP. Over five-hundred production credits can thus be found next to the Michael A name in a short five-year span.

Particles accounts for a score of those credits that have included a wealth of original material, not least in the March 2014, "Behind the Moon" and 2017, "Sapphire" EPs. Remixes for the likes of James Monro, Huminal, and GMJ are a fine corollary and it was an honour to welcome Michael A to the ranks of the Proton Music roster with the highly accomplished "Bright Hope" EP in February 2017. A remix of Luc Angenehm's "Kaiserkraft" quickly followed in April as Michael returns to Proton with the outstanding "Symbol".

The title track revels in a rich percussive groove that clicks and pops its way across the upper frequencies with a wealth of clave and wood block effects. A delicious freeform melodic line waves a magical path in tandem with pulsating side-chained pads that come to the fore in a stripped back breakdown. As bass, rhythm and melody converge in the latter half, Michael A's productions skills are in full evidence.

"Orbital" continues the trademark Michael A groove as a driving beat provides the perfect anchor for an analogue bass line to fill the rhythmic space with consummate ease. A haunting melodic refrain finds its own space in the mid-point breakdown, continuing into the third movement with exquisite precision. Surrounded by stereo-panned effects that increase intrigue, a wonderfully developed sinister edge is inherent in the aural melange.

Final track, "Centaur" hits hard with its opening four-to-the floor beat as off-beat hi-hats, shakers and claves add a further sense of depth and percussive groove. Ethereal pads layer texture and atmosphere as a running bass line adds a subtle sense of dance floor energy. Undulating gently across the seven-and-a-half-minute voyage, Michael A's sonic architecture creates a vibrant and hypnotic work that is sure to find favour across the globe.

As Michael A creates a "Symbol" of impressive depth and variation, the musical vignette within is sure to find the key to success.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Michael A
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Symbol

Centaur (Original Mix)

Buy on Beatport

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Valentin has managed to carve a special niche in the field of progressive house, deep progressive and melodic sound.
Not just an artist, but a mathematician by training and a machine learning engineer, his unique background influences and elevates the very essence of his music.
From an early age, Valentine had an unquenchable passion for both math and music. Combining these two seemingly different worlds, he embarked on an extraordinary musical journey that brought a new dimension to the world of electronic music. 
His deep understanding of harmony combined with his creativity allows him to create mesmerizing sonic experiences that take listeners on a musical journey.
Contact: 
apovalov@gmail.com