Brassica

Brassica is the recording name of Michael Anthony Wright, a UK producer and DJ from Kent, born in 1981. His work sits across electro, electronica and experimental music, and his sound develops from a wide background in electronic manipulation, improvisation and dance music.

Early musical development

Wright starts by modifying electronic equipment as a child, reworking turntables and tape recorders and making tape collages from sources including De La Soul and his own voice. As a teenager, the rise of rave culture gives him an entry point into music beyond his home environment in Kent, and he later plays bass in a three-piece covers band with school friends.

He goes on to study at a local music college, learning to use a range of music technology, before applying for Sound Design at LCC on his uncle’s recommendation. There he expands his interest in sound and begins improvising with the London Sinfonietta at the Royal Festival Hall using custom-made software. His work appears in improv settings and is also broadcast on Radio 3.

Move into production

After becoming dissatisfied with parts of the experimental scene, Wright turns towards house and disco, including nights such as DJ Fonteyn’s Computer Blue in East London. Encouraged by former university friend Ali Renault, he starts making synth music. One early track attracts the attention of Dissident Distribution boss Andy Blake, who releases it.

Brassica releases and style

Wright begins releasing as Brassica, with a wider breakthrough coming in 2009 through The Centre, a single-sided 12-inch. This release helps establish him within synth-oriented production. He later releases the Hayat Zor EP on Civil Music. His music draws on rave, new wave rock, synth music, experimental work, ambient music and disco, combining these influences into a left-field dance music style.