For this week’s Global Vibe Radio episode we invite Lyric Hood, an artist in her own right, and one half of Floorplan alongside her father, Detroit Techno legend Robert Hood.
The mix is full of Detroit soul and perfectly captures Lyric’s sound, energy and mood, as she herself tells us in our exclusive interview, where we discuss her relationship with her father, life on the road while touring, favorite gigs and what she does at home when not working on music.
So, get your dancing shoes, press play, and be sure to read our exclusive interview with Lyric Hood below.
Hi Lyric, thank you so much for taking the time to chat and prepare this mix for us! Can you tell us a little about the mix first, where you put it together and your mood?
Thank you for having me do this mix and interview! I recorded it in my dad’s studio at home, but I wanted it to be a reflection of me. And I wanted the mix to be inspiring and energetic like a regular DJ set because I miss it so much. That is definitely the mood I was going for.
What do you hope fans feel when listening to it?
I know that it’s been difficult for everybody having to stay home and not go out to clubs and festivals, so I want anyone who listens to this mix to feel like they are at the club in their living room, kitchen, or office and to have a party and take a ride with me wherever they are.
That’s how I felt listening to it, so you certainly did a great job! Are there any tracks of your own that we can find in the mix?
A: Absolutely! You will hear my new music, ‘Everything’ and ‘Social Distance’ and you will also hear my older tracks like ’11:11′ and ‘Nineteen’. And you might hear some unreleased tracks as well…
It is no secret that your father’s passion for music in general, and electronic music in particular, was highly instrumental to developing your own love and passion in the music. I know you’ve discussed your musical upbringing in detail in the past, but I wanted to actually ask you about your time learning how to DJ. Were there any important pieces of advice that your father gave you when you were learning how to play and mix records?
Learning to DJ came naturally to me. I truly believe it is in my DNA. That’s what my mom says. He taught me new techniques and he told me to make sure I practice. The practice is very important. My dad taught me what tracks to play to set the right mood. And he also taught me to take my time mixing. I always remember when I DJed at Movement for the first time. And I played a mixture of everything from Martin Garrix to Katy Perry. Fast forward to now, I’ve definitely learned a lot from different experiences and I’m still learning as a solo artist.
Similarly about music production, your initial releases were Floorplan collaborations and since you’ve also had your own tracks released out to the world. What production wisdom did you get from sharing the studio with your father?
Dad taught me to always be myself. It’s so easy to get lost in what other artists are doing and what’s the latest trend in music. I try to stay true to my soul and sound when it comes to producing. I think that’s very important to remember as an artist.
I could be living on Mars and I will still represent Detroit. – Lyric
I love that. I read in an interview with your father that you have also been a positive influence on him, his production and what the label, M-Plant, releases. How symbiotic is the relationship between you two as Floorplan? Who holds which duties and responsibilities?
We like to switch up the roles as a duo. Sometimes he would have me make the beat for a new track or remix and he would lay down vocals and mix it. It’s always good to switch it up. When we DJ it’s always back to back. And we pra