“I believe you always must find the silver lining in every situation,” says Enamour, summarizing the resilient and inventive spirit of this multifaceted artist. Michael Gold, known professionally as Enamour, has carved a niche for himself in the electronic music scene, blending deep house, progressive house, and dark techno. Raised near Washington DC, Enamour developed a passion for music early on, starting with the piano and guitar, then exploring jazz, indie, electronic, and eventually dance music.
Now based in Los Angeles, Enamour has garnered global recognition with releases on house and techno labels like Last Night on Earth, Get Physical, and Anjunadeep. His versatility as an artist shines through in his work, never confining himself to a single genre, but rather continuously exploring and mastering new sounds. “My process is organic; I let inspiration guide the project’s path,” he explains.
Enamour’s latest release, a remix of Felix Raphael & Fabian Sprungk’s ‘Close’, showcases his ability as a sought-after remixer and collaborator. The track embodies a little darkness, a touch of hypnotic trance techno, and resonates both on and off the dance floor.
In our interview, we talk about his creative process, the balancing act of touring, and how he turns challenges into opportunities.
Images by Paulo Faloni
Blue image by Lucas Klingner
You’ve just released an official remix of Felix Raphael & Fabian Sprungk’s ‘Close’. Can you tell us more about your creative process?
My approach to remixing is pretty consistent—I look for the strongest hook in the original and reimagine it to give the track a new life. I was drawn to “Close” because of the dark and brooding vocal and knew it could be paired with a harder-hitting instrumental. Coming up with the initial groove was straightforward, and I then started experimenting with the vocal in this software called Cecilia5, trying to get a glitchy, stuttering hook to use. Once I had that down, I didn’t want to complicate it too much more. I added one more melodic element to support the vocal in the background and then some crazy hi-fi bass sounds for the drop. And then it was just fine tuning and adding smaller bits here and there.
How do you maintain the essence of the original while imprinting your unique sound?
Preserving the original’s essence isn’t always necessary in my opinion; some of my favorite remixes are those that boldly redefine the original. Keeping the core vocal or melodic hook intact is sufficient though. It’s about finding those pivotal elements that define the original and weaving them in with my signature style.
With such a diverse musical background, from piano to techno, how do you decide which direction to take with each new project?
My process is organic; I let inspiration guide the project’s path, whether it stems from a chord progression, a rhythmic pattern, a unique sound, a sample, a technical concept, or an emotional state I want to convey. If a direction isn’t resonating, I’m not averse to starting over with the core idea. It’s about allowing the project’s inherent voice to emerge without forcing it.
“Seeing people connect with the music is profoundly fulfilling. Dance music is designed from the ground up to be played live for a crowd.”
You’ve mentioned the remix of ‘Close’ has been a set highlight over the summer. What is it about performing live that you find most fulfilling?
It’s the energy exchange with the crowd and closing the loop on a project you’ve spent so much time on in the studio, the whole while imagining the response it’ll receive. Seeing people connect with the music is profoundly fulfilling. Unlike any other genre, dance music is designed from the ground up to be played live for a crowd, so the aspect of playing the tracks for an engaged crowd is part of the creation process in my opinion.
You’re on tour right now, which can certainly be stressful. Does it affect you that way, and what do you do to maintain balance both physically and mentally?
Touring can be tough because of its extreme ups and downs (and how quickly you oscillate between them) but I just try to stay grounded and grateful—after all, this is what I want to be doing. I try to remember that no job is amazing 100% of the time—for DJs it’s often the traveling itself that is “the work” and the actual performance is the fun part that doesn’t feel like work. Luckily I’m comfortable being alone, and getting out and exploring the cities I visit is an amazing privilege. Maintaining my yoga practice while on the road helps keep me balanced as well. Sometimes just a few deep breaths can remove any stress you have in the moment from a long travel day.
Are there ever moments when you feel like abandoning everything and do something completely different?
Not at all! I quit my day job as a management consultant in August 2019 and despite Covid lockdowns 6 months later, where the future seemed very uncertain and bleak, I had no regrets. There’s nothing better than working for yourself, and getting to make music all day. No matter how frustrating the music business can be at times, I always remember I’m doing what I love and wouldn’t change it for anything else.
“I just try to stay grounded and grateful… Remembering that no job is amazing 100% of the time.”
In one of your Instagram posts you wrote, that you turned a potentially negative situation (annoying construction noises) into a creative moment. Is this a philosophy you apply often in your life and career?
Definitely. I believe you always must find the silver lining in every situation. It’s 100% about perspective and just enjoying the journey you’re on, regardless of where it takes you. I read and practice a lot of stoic philosophy, which helps me avoid getting too worked up about a negative situation.
So, what’s the most unexpected sound you’ve ever sampled?
Recently, my bathroom ceiling fan was starting to die—the motor was failing but it sounded like there were animals trapped inside (there weren’t!). The noises it made were so wild, random, and inconsistent. I sampled it for a few minutes each day and got so many insane noises that I’ve already used in a few upcoming tracks.
In a recent interview, you explained that yoga has had a significant impact on your life. Could you share a particular moment where yoga helped you through a tough situation?
Yoga is great for keeping your body active and limber, but the intentional focus on the breath is far more impactful. The ability to “breathe through” tough poses in yoga can directly translate to keeping calm during a tough life situation, like traveling on tour. Or if I receive some bad news or start comparing myself to someone and begin spiraling down a negative thought pattern, I’m now more in tune with the mind-body connection. With some deep, controlled breaths I can physically force myself to calm down which automatically deemphasizes whatever negative thoughts I’m having.
“I believe you always must find the silver lining in every situation. It’s 100% about perspective and just enjoying the journey you’re on.”
You’ve also spoken about your passion for cooking. Could you share your favorite dish to prepare? (smiles)
It’s such a tough one…I’m always asked this question and still don’t have a response. Lately I’ve been enjoying making spicy curries from scratch—finding all of the international ingredients and then dry toasting them before mashing them into the curry paste makes a world of difference in the final product. And there’s so much room for variation and experimenting with different flavors.
Ten years from now, you would love to…
Still be actively touring and producing, have my own record label, and a nightclub/restaurant hybrid concept with all-day breakfast and an intimate hi-fi room in the basement.
Thank you so much for your time!
