In an age where music, and the tools to make it, are more accessible than ever before, standing out from the crowd and creating a niche is something only the true elite manage. Even within the sphere of underground dance music, the plethora of small-time labels and producers often mean that even the best can find it hard to make an impact. One unique musician, however, needs no introduction and has found his way into the hearts and minds of DJs and clubbers alike, from a whole variety of backgrounds - Nüw Idol.
Michel Spiegel, aka Nüw Idol, is an artist with unparalleled commitment, talent and dedication to his music and performances. You only have to witness one “Nüw Idol Live” appearance to experience his overwhelming enthusiasm, wild costumes and above all musically brilliant performance combining to form a heady combination that devastates dancefloors and ensures he is always in demand amongst promoters worldwide. His tracks appear on countless compilations for labels including Ministry Of Sound, Virgin, Moonshine, React, Media, and ID&T.
what : is : Nüw Idol "...the absolute knowledge that we are free, beautiful and that we are truly celebrating life in the most absolute and potent way; a pagan ritual if you like. Our god is us, and when we move as one to the same beat we invoke that spirit of love and celebration which I call the Nüw Idol.
Having established a London base back in 1988, believing it to offer a unique musical backdrop for anyone in the dance scene music, Michel rapidly gained a reputation as a respected producer/engineer, working alongside musicians such as DJ Sneak, The Shamen (3 lp's), Mr C, Killer Loop, Ian Pooley, Stacey Pullen, Kenny Larkin, Sourmash and DJ Dan...
Desiring recognition as an artist in his own right, however, the Nüw Idol alias was born, and along with it an entirely new evolutionary branch of dance music, destined to send hands in the air and shivers down the spine like nothing before.
After a series of releases across a number of labels, Michel co-produced possibly one of the most well-known and certainly widely-imitated dance tracks of all time - Binary Finary's '1998'. Ultimately, he wanted to create his own hybrid movement, detached from the restrictions of labels and their stereotypes. And so in 1999, he established WellWicked Records, an independent label over which he had full control. From the start, Michel's motive was clear: to manage a label that would become a stamp of quality, releasing only the very best music crafted to rip up dance floors everywhere. That aim remains true to this day, and the plaudits which are drawn from all over the globe stand as a testament to it and its sister label Dirt Trax.
Michel's music takes no prisoners - every track is full of dancefloor-storming mayhem. From the progressive tones of 'Have I Told You' to the pure mentalism of 'Polly's Pharmacy', his tracks are guaranteed a euphoric reception at any venue. His understanding of the way music blends together isn't confined to dancefloors, however. With the release of his debut album 'The Sound of Light' in September 2001, he bound together his musical inspiration and production talent to create a truly seminal album, capturing and preserving the energy of a live performance on a single CD.