It’s no secret that this time last year the working relationship between strapping young overachiever Muscles and his equally successful record label Modular was looking a little tense. But that was then and this is now, because in late 2009 for Muscles it’s all sunshine and lollipops. And ice cream. “At the moment I just feel very blessed to be making music, let alone being signed to an amazing label, and them supporting me and wanting to help me with my music career,” Muscles explained to ITM recently. “It’s all in the past and I’m really excited about the future, there are a lot of exciting creative and amazing things.”

There aren’t many out there who could forget the oh-so-public fracas, when an irate Muscles began blasting Modular on his blog after allegedly being dropped from the Nevereverland lineup. However, all frowns have now been turned upside down with the news that Muscles has a new album ready for release in early 2010. “There was not so much bad blood really, but just a misunderstanding that got blown out of proportion. Everything is all good and ready to go, and I can’t wait to get out there and start playing shows again.”

If you’re expecting anymore controversial blog postings from the man, then you’re well out of luck. “The blog is dead,” he confirmed. “The blog will never come back. It was kind of a good idea in the start, but to be honest, I like being anonymous now… I’m just focusing on music; that’s my strength, and that’s all I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to write songs myself, I want to collaborate, to talk with other DJs and just tour, that’s my life and I love it.”

Muscles had enjoyed a whirlwind ride of success prior to the controversy late last year, with his smash debut album Guns, Babes & Lemonade and a touring schedule that saw him supporting the likes of Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers and Soulwax, and also playing mainstage at the Good Vibrations Festival. However, this year gave him a chance to site quietly and reflect. “Everything was going so good for me, probably too good, and maybe I needed to get put down a notch to kind of see where I was, and to now kind of build myself up again…”

“I’ve kind of got the knowledge and experience now and I know what to expect this time, whereas the first time around, the interviews and the whole process was new to me. I was managing myself and working directly with Modular and all of those business-y things stress you out a bit when you’re having to perform as well. So, just as a person I just feel really at ease with myself and very positive. I’m waking up each morning feeling lucky and blessed to be in the position I’m in.”

ITM sees big things for Muscles in 2010. Stay tuned for details on his new album and our full-length interview, and catch him in the flesh over summer at the following events:

Sat 19th Dec – Modular Xmas Party, Melbourne
Thu 31st Dec – Cargo Bar NYE, Sydney
Sun 3rd Jan – Solar Festival, Victoria