Originally a UK music scholar, O'Brien was deeply influenced by the Detroit techno sound of the likes of Underground Resistance, a sound which made him decide to start recording his own music. This feverish 'Mad Mike disease' had him producing tracks first in conjunction with Asad Rizvi under the Memory Tree moniker and then on a solo basis for a variety of UK Techno imprints.
1997's [m16519], the man's masterpiece, is still considered a landmark release by those who cherish the kind of Tech-Jazz pioneered on the Galaxy 2 Galaxy EP.
Two more albums for UK Peacefrog records followed, and in 2013 two new albums 'I was there' and 'Understanding Is Everything' were released on Japan's Ultravybe records and Ian's own label Ian o'Brien Productions. In stark contrast to his earlier work, 'Understanding Is Everything' relies almost totally on live performances and improvisations, with Ian playing keyboards, synths, guitar, bass and percussion as well as contributions from guest artists.
He lives in Tokyo, Japan.
2025
2024
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, MP3, 320
2023
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, MP3, 320
2021
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
3xFile, MP3, EP, 320
2020
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, MP3, 320
2014
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, MP3, 320
2013
Octave Lab
CD, Comp
2013
Octave Lab
CD, Album
2013
Octave Lab
CDr, Ltd, Promo
2013
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, WAV
2013
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, WAV
2013
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
9xFile, ALAC, Comp
2013
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, MP3, 320
2011
2009
Octave Lab
CD, Comp
2009
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
CDr, Mixed, Promo
2008
Octave Lab
CD, Mixed
2008
Octave Lab
CDr, Mixed, Promo
2002
2001
Peacefrog Records
12", Smplr
2001
2001
2001
2000
Peacefrog Records
12"
2000
1999
Peacefrog Records
12"
1999
Toy's Factory
12", Promo
1999
1998
1997
1997
1996
Ferox Records
12", EP
1996
Ferox Records
12"
1996
1996
1996
Not On Label (Ian O'Brien Self-released)
File, WAV
2025
2023
2019
2016
Landline Records
8xFile, MP3, Comp, 320
2016
2015
2014
Edsel Records
3xCD, Comp, RM
2014
Edsel Records
Box, Comp + 2xCD, Album, RE, RM + DVD-V, Comp, NTS
2013
Phonographe Corp
File, MP3, Mixed, 320
2012
2011
People That Make The Music
18xFile, MP3, Single, 320
2011
Not On Label (Santiago Salazar Self-released)
File, MP3, Mixed, 192
2011
2007
Mule Musiq Distribution
CD, Comp
2006
Kanzleramt
CD, Comp, Ltd, Mixed
2006
2006
2005
Sugarbitz
Cass, Mixed, Mixtape
2005
2004
Most Records
2xCD, Comp
2004
Men's Style Australia, MyDj
CD, Comp, Promo, Car
2004
2003
Peacefrog Records
12", Ltd, Gre
2003
Mumo Records
2xCD, Comp
2003
2002
End Recordings
CD, Comp, Mixed
2002
Música Alternativa
2xCD, Comp, Mixed
2002
Laws Of Motion
CD, Comp
2002
XLR8R
CD, Comp, Enh
2002
2002
2002
2001
2001
2001
2001
2000
Tag Records (4)
CD, Promo
2000
1999
Victor
12", Promo
1999
Živel
CD, Comp, Promo
1999
1999
1999
1998
Pronto
CD, Comp
1998
1998
1998
1998
1997
Superstudio Röd
2xCD, Comp, Mixed
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1996
1996
1996
1996
2007
2004
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