How was 2019 for you?
Michael The Lion: It really flew by. Music-wise, I spent a lot of it getting my new projects with Amy Douglas into shape to drop at the end of the year and all through early 2020. I laid a bit low to take care of my new baby daughter, but I enjoyed spending more time DJing in my hometown of Philadelphia than I had in previous years.
Highlights?
I rebooted my Funk Train party a bit this year, taking it to NYC, DC and Philly. Our guests were amazing: Recloose, Pontchartrain, Shyvonne, Elvin T and Shawn Ryan.
Lowlights?
The world is full of negative vibes right now. I grew up a block away from Tree Of Life Synagogue. Although that massacre happened in October 2018, I’m still trying to work through that and how it’s affected me. Amy and I have always tried to focus on really hopeful songs and themes, so we’re trying to do our bit for our audience. We’ve always tried to work that way as a bit of therapy for ourselves.
Song of the year?
The Vision feat. Andreya Triana – “Heaven”
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Encourage people to vote in the 2020 U.S. elections and get more sleep.