Originally from Grand Rapids in Michigan, Myles Sergé aka Translate starts the production in the 90’s and is signed to significant labels such as Knotweed Records, Ilian Tape, FEROX, Caduceus Records, Technorama, Epione Records, Night Drive Music to name a few. His sound is minimalist, raw with influences from early Detroit and Chicago electronic music and highly effective for the dancefloor. Myles tells us more about his recent releases on his own imprint (MS), new projects and his connections with the Detroit and French techno scene, among others.

Where do you come from?

I’m from Grand Rapids MI, on the westside of the state. Most people outside of the US think I’m from Detroit but I’m not.

How was your life in Brighton and why did you decide to move to Berlin?

Life in Brighton was bittersweet. I moved there for love but that didn’t go so well… but during this time my musical output was massive! I have never lived in Berlin but I did have a 3 month stay in the city. Berlin is great, and it’s a great place to connect with like-minded artists and people.

Do you remember how you first discovered electronic music?

I first found Techno when I was 12 years old. The neighbor next door to my Grandmother in Flint was playing “Cybotron - Cosmic Cars” while washing his VW BUG. I have never heard anything like that, so I asked him what kind of music he was playing… He told me “Techno”. That was the moment that shaped my musical taste.

What about your own label (MS)?

(MS) is Me. I created it in 2013 to showcase my own works, besides a few remixes from my friends Lee Holman - interview here - and Rennie Foster all of the releases are all me.

Regarding the recent "Frequency of Gods" compilation, how did you manage to bring all these great producers together?

There was a large gap in releases on (MS) and I wanted to find a way to revive and bring more attention to the label, so I created the comp. I usually only work with friends so most of the people on the compilation are friends or people I have worked with in some form in the past.

What is the “Frequency of Gods” meaning for you?

I believe we are all Gods. If you look at this from the standpoint of an artist, we use our medium (in our case music) to transmit feelings, expressions, and philosophies via frequency.

What about the “Replacements Ep”? (streaming ci-dessous)

The “Replacements Ep” was the same concept as the “Frequency of Gods” compilation but on vinyl. Philippe Petit (Knotweed Records), Gonzalo MD, and Mike Derer (Northern Parallels) jumped onboard and I got Alan Oldham for the artwork, again all friends. It was the 1st vinyl release on (MS) in over 9 years, and It’s the first time I have ever done my own distribution. I could not get a vinyl distribution deal, no one wanted to take me on, it was Claude Young that told me to do it myself… So, I did it, so far it has been a learning experience. I am grateful for all who have supported me and bought the release from band camp or from the few select shops worldwide who stocked the release.

Do you prefer limited editions?

It depends on the project and the medium it's created. Limited runs of vinyl are great, the rarity of the project makes it that much more special.

What about 6ONE6 with Brian Miller aka Detroit People Mover? How did you decide to launch it with your friend?

6ONE6 was started by Brian, he later asked me to join. I can’t explain his philosophy behind the label but I will say that it was always quality, both in music and the ascetic. Brian is one of the most talented people I have known. A self-taught graphic designer and one of the most underrated producers in the game.

If I tell you Epione Records? How did you decide to work with Aurélie and PLURAL aka James Johnson? 

Aurélie is the best! She asked me to do a project for the label but at the time I didn’t know it was a split project. She later told me and then she said that James would be the other artist. I have history with James from 6ONE6 and we are good friends. It was natural and organic that the release came together.

What about its artwork? Could you tell us about your friendship with Alan Oldham? He also made the artwork for “Replacements Ep” …  

I was surprised that Aurélie got Alan for the artwork. It has always been a dream of mine to have a release of mine with his artwork. I’m not sure who the character is but I think it’s Aurélie! I met Alan in Berlin the second time I played at Tresor back in 2015 and since then we have been friends. My mom loves him! (laughs) I wanted something special for the “Replacements” release so I reached out. The best part is that he did it in full colour.

If I tell you Technorama?

Jerome and Celine! The French Connection. They are staples in the French techno scene and they have always reached out to me over the years, from my remix for Jonas Kopp and the project I did with my friend Sara aka Whim-ee; the 2 are the best.

Your favorite equipment in the studio?

My favorite piece of equipment in my studio at the moment is my Modular; particularly the Morphagene module by MAKENOISE. I recently put my rack together a few months ago and I’m still learning and experimenting but I’m having a blast doing so.

Detroit techno sound in one sentence?

Pure and RAW

Michigan for you?

Michigan, the birthplace of mass production of cars and Techno.

What are your favourite record stores?

Hardware (Berlin), Gramaphone Records (Chicago).

Which format do you prefer the most?

I prefer vinyl. I love to touch things. Although I play digital mostly due to convince there is nothing like the warm and fuzzy sound of vinyl.

Your top 3 venues in Berlin?

Tresor, Berghain, ://about blank

One of your tracks which best represents you today?

Myles Sergé “TU” [THEMA044]

The Dj that puts you crazy systematically?

DVS1

If you could teleport yourself for a few hours…

I would love to go to Japan. It has always been a dream of mine to play there. Hopefully one day this will come true. Hint Hint.

Your top 5 new releases?

- Danya “Got Heaven”

- Marian Mueller & Erlenbrunn feat. Emek “In the Distant Mountain Tops”

- Nicolas Vogler “Big Room Only” (Original Mix)

- Victoria Mussi “How do I know I'm right?”

- Developer “Hexican”

Your top 5 oldies?

- Thomas Bangalter “What to do”

- Bam Bam “Where’s Your Child”

- Trancesetters “Fly”

- Mike Ink “Playtex”

- Pancake “See The Stars”

Your projects?

Upcoming projects I have on (MS) are MS09 - Myles Sergé - FANPRO EP. This release will be on vinyl featuring remixes by Myk Derill, Ackermann, and Toxido Mask. FANPRO is me paying homage to both PROFAN and Basic Channel; both sounds that have shaped my production. I’m also planning two remix Eps for my tracks “Shoplifter” and “Yes the water is…”.  Outside of my label I have a joint project in the works with my good friend D-Knox from Sonic Mind Records, an Ep for Decoder’s Codec label, my second Ep for Bright Sounds in Berlin. I also have a few remixes coming. The first is for upcoming release on Mike Derer’s label Northern Parallels from Joshua Calleja & Semreh and   the second remix is for the one and only Tim Xavier (Manmade Mastering). I’m also trying to plan a few small tours for Europe and South America for early 2025.

What makes you proud today?

Being close to my family and friends.

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / Photo by Marie Staggat