Good Talk with Luke Hess

Music is a matter of science to Luke Hess. With a background in mathematics and engineering he has a scientific approach to the dance floor, using frequencies, tones and soundscapes to transform surroundings and mood.

It’s this approach that has made fans out of Detroit’s heavy hitters like Omar S, Carl Craig and Underground Resistance. From his first promo CD in 2003, Luke’s continued hard work in the studio and in his performances combined with his unyielding interest in technology and sound stimulates the boundaries of electronic music.

With releases on FXHE, Planet-e and his own label, DeepLabs, he continues to fly the flag for Detroit techno. He’s bringing the sound to Good Room this Saturday night, playing with the Detroit Sludge crew, Marshall Applewhite, the Friend and Shady P (Tickets available here). We asked Luke to share some of his favorite tracks, dancers and food ahead of the party.

What is your holy grail of records?

M-Plant & Axis Catalogs

Dead or alive, if you could pick anyone to dance to one of your sets who would it be and why?

My wife Rita – She always gets the whole room going.

Has dance music changed for better or worse since you got into the business?

Underground dance music specifically was less accessible in the late 80’s & 90’s. In my opinion, this made dance music a bit more fresh, pure, and inspired. There is a reason why classic dance records are continuously repressed and sought after by serious DJs.

However, competition can be healthy and standing out in an era where everyone makes music is a bit more difficult – especially if the music is discovered without spending loads money on marketing, and PR. There is also phenomenal dance music coming out every year as it’s technologically easier for any creative person to make it.

To me dance music is not better or worse than it used to be – it just takes longer to dig to discover the gems.

What would your last meal on earth be and to what soundtrack?

Fatty tuna, Kobe beef filet, mashed potatoes, perogies, mushroom gravy, fresh oysters, bacon cheddar cheeseburger, jets pizza, several Sazeracs, bottle of nice cabernet, raspberry cheesecake, and a bunch of chocolate. Symphony No.5 by Beethoven followed by the Hallelujah chorus.

Could you share with us five of your favorite tracks;

I’ll stick to just techno otherwise this answer could take days. Some techno tracks off the top of my head.

All tracks remind me in some way of the first years I was going to warehouse parties & record shopping in Detroit.