Push: "I Want My Music to Become Part of People's Memories”

Most artists look ahead when making a new album. Mike Dierickx decided to look backwards.

For ‘Known Universe’, the man behind Push didn't just revisit the sound that made him one of trance's defining producers; he painstakingly rebuilt the hardware-driven studio that shaped his earliest records. Old synthesizers, unpredictable machines, and a workflow that demanded patience once again became the foundation for a record that feels unmistakably Push, not because it chases nostalgia, but because it reconnects with the creative process that started it all.

As 'Known Universe; arrives as the eighth Push album, we caught up with Mike to talk about returning to his roots,rediscovering the joy of making music the old-fashioned way, and why some ideas only become more meaningful with time.

Q: A lot of artists spend years trying to recapture the magic of their early work. You actually went back to the same tools and workflow. Was it what you expected, or did it take you somewhere completely different?

A: For me, it's all about workflow. Tools are important, but they're only part of the process. What really matters is finding your own sound and staying true to what you believe in creatively.

I've never been interested in following trends or copying someone else's success; that's already been done. Going back to my original workflow didn't make me recreate the past; it reminded me why I fell in love with making music in the first place. It gave me the freedom to focus on originality instead of chasing what is popular.

Q: People often say limitations make you more creative. After making this album, do you agree?

A: Yes and no. I think it's less about limitations and more about your workflow and how you're feeling creatively. Inspiration can't be forced.

For me, creativity develops over time. Sometimes stepping away from a track and coming back with fresh ears is just as important as the time you spend creating it.

At the end of the day, it's about finding a workflow that keeps you inspired and allows your ideas to evolve naturally,rather than rushing the process.

Q: The "Push sound" has stayed true to itself for decades, yet it still connects with new listeners. If someone heardPush for the first time through the 'Known Universe', how would you describe what makes it... Push?

A: I think the most important thing is that you have to evolve. As an artist, that's something you simply cannot avoid. Every generation of listeners discovers music differently, so while you want to stay connected to your long-time fans, you also want to inspire new people who are discovering your music for the first time. For me, being Push has never been about following trends. It's about creating timeless music that feels authentic, whether you've been listening to my music since the beginning or Known Universe is your very first introduction.

Q: You've always made albums that are meant to be experienced from start to finish. How did you shape the journey of the 'Known Universe'?

A: That's very true. I've always believed that an album should be a journey rather than just a collection of tracks. Every year, every chapter of your life, and every experience you go through influences the music you create. Those moments shape the emotions and the direction of an album.

With 'Known Universe', I wanted listeners to experience this evolution from beginning to end. I never want to be stuck repeating the same formula. Every album should reflect where I am creatively at that moment while still staying true to the essence of the Push sound.

Q: This album moves between classic Push emotion and a more modern, club-focused energy. How did you find that balance without sounding like you were trying to recreate the past?

A: I've always tried to stay away from formulas. The moment you start trying to recreate the past, you're no longer creating, but you're repeating yourself.

I constantly look for inspiration in new genres, rediscovered music, and different styles. Those influences naturally find their way into my productions while the core of the Push sound remains the same. That's how you evolve without losing your identity.

Q: You’ve said 'Known Universe' was made for people who still enjoy listening to an album from beginning to end. In today's playlist-driven world, why does that still matter to you?

A: I think an album should tell a story. It's about taking the listener on a journey, where every track has its own place and contributes to the bigger picture. That's something you simply can't achieve in the same way with a playlist.

I hope they're curious enough to experience the entire album. That's where they really get to understand who I am as an artist and what the 'Known Universe' is all about. Creating albums is about building stories, creating journeys, and giving both longtime supporters and new fans something they can experience from beginning to end.

Q: Was there one track that really tested your patience? What made it so difficult to get right?

A: Not really. There wasn't one particular track that stood out as being especially difficult. The album did take a little longer to complete than usual, but that's all part of the creative process.

Sometimes ideas come together quickly, and other times they need time to evolve. I never want to force a track just to meet a deadline. If a piece of music needs more time to develop, I’m on it till it feels right

Q: Now that you've revisited the world that shaped your sound, what's the biggest thing you're taking with you into whatever comes next?

A: Time. More than anything, this album has reminded me how precious time really is. It goes by so fast, and before you know it, those moments are gone. That's why I believe it's important to enjoy life, spend time with the people who matter most, and make every moment count.

Musically, that's exactly what I hope to create. I want my music to become part of people's memories. If a track can transport someone back to a special place, a festival, a road trip, or an important chapter in their life years later, then I've done my job.

At the end of the day, music is timeless. It has the power to connect people, create emotions, and leave lasting memories. That's what I want to keep taking with me into whatever comes next.

Get it on Beatport