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Kosmik Kommando (Rephlex, R&S, Machine Codes)
A member of the extended West Country experimental techno family (which also includes Reload, Aphex Twin and Matthew Herbert), Mike drew early inspiration from synth-based groups such as Kraftwerk and the Human League, as well as the American electro scene that was spreading like fire throughout the mid-80's London club scene. Although he has recorded for a variety of different labels including R&S Records, offshoot Diatomyc and his own Machine Codes label, the bulk of his material has appeared on Richard James' Rephlex imprint, mostly under the Kosmik Kommando and Chimera names.
Reportedly hooking up with the label after meeting some friends of Richard James on a train en route to a rave in Koln, Dred's penchant for relentlessly experimental acid and techno fitted neatly into the Rephlex vision and his first Kosmik Kommando EP was among the first records the label released. Since then, his discography has grown to include two full-length albums and five EP's, with releases on Diatomyc and Machine Codes numbering close behind.
He also made a big contribution to the legendary Universal Indicator project. Though all the contributors are not exactly known, Dred, along with Richard James, leant their production skills to the project. James performs under the alias Martin Tressider and Dred under Kosmik Kommando. In 2001, the full-length Dred mixed CD; Innovation in the Dynamics of Acid appeared via Rephlex.
These days his much talked about live sets are rare. He uses mostly classic analogue equipment and although some of his sequences are pre-programmed much of it is improvised on the spot depending on crowd reaction!
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