DJ Marky Interview

The world famous DJ Marky is weeks away from touching down in Australia, so we thought we’d catch up with him ahead of time to find out his favourite places to DJ, and what he’ll be up to in 2013.

Hi Marco, how are you today?
I’m good thanks! Nice weather here in Sao Paulo so just chilling.

What are you up to at the moment?
Well I just got back from touring Europe, so I am spending some quality time with my son and catching up on some rest in between shows and doing my radio show.

We heard your recent set for Womb in Tokyo went down a storm. What do you look for in the tracks you mix?
It’s got to have some funk and must be something I would dance to. I can’t play a tune just because people are saying it’s big or it’s by a big name producer. If it’s got some vibe and I feel it’s right for the time of the night and the way the crowd are reacting then I will play it.

Bryan Gee gave you your big break after he saw you playing in a club in Sao Paulo in 1998. How did you first get started as a DJ and what and who would you say were your main influences at the time?
Back then I was DJ-ing in a couple of places and was just moving from Techno/Hardcore sets into Jungle as it was really starting to pick up in Brazil. Before that I was playing anything from House to Hip-Hop so I have always had a really varied style. I actually started playing on reel to reel tapes way back when, which was really tough, but then moved on to vinyl in the clubs. I had a lot of different influences but I was really into Omni Trio, I thought they were fantastic. Also D’Cruze, Wax Doctor, DJ Krome and Mr Time, House Crew as well as DJ Hype, Origin Unknown and DJ Crystl.

You’ve had almost 100 releases in various forms throughout your career. In your opinion which has been most significant?
It has to be LK. That track gave me a massive launchpad, especially in Europe where I don’t think many Brazilian DJs had managed to really break through. It was at the peak for DnB as well and it was really different to the rest of the genre so it stood out. I can honestly say that my career would probably be very different now without that track. Not necessarily any better or worse, but different.

You were heavily involved in the Jungle movement of the 90s. How have your musical tastes changed and developed since then?
My tastes haven’t changed too much I don’t think. I still have a very varied musical diet so listen to a lot of soul and rare groove, I love playing a House set every now and then and I think your tastes tend to be your tastes, but you have to adapt them to the music that is available at any moment in time.

You’ve secured residencies in cities such as London, Tokyo, Paris and Sao Paulo. Where is your favourite place to play and do you adapt your sets for different countries?
I can’t say I have a favourite place to play as everywhere is different. Because everywhere is different the sets have to be adapted, not by much but slightly. For example I think the UK likes it much tougher and up front than say Brazil and Japan.

Do you prefer playing festivals or clubs?
I think clubs, especially the small ones. In the small clubs you get a real connection with the crowd and you can bounce off them and really get into it, especially when you play a long set. Festivals are great too, but I always only ever get to play for an hour, which isn’t long enough for me. I like to play long sets at least three hours so I can get into it and really explore everything.

What’s your favourite festival in the World and why?
Favourite for me is Glastonbury, even though I haven’t been able to go for a few years. Something about the UK in the summer.

You’re heading to Australia for the New Year. What do you like most about Australian crowds?
They know their stuff man, which is great and a little bit challenging all at the same time. They like to party as well so the parties are always good fun.

MC Stamina, who provided the vocals for your first UK Top 20 Hit ‘LK’ back in 2002, will be joining you on tour in Australia. What’s the best thing about working with him?
We understand each other really well and he has a great knowledge of the music past and present so can always complement the music by adding vocals when necessary and crucially letting the music do its thing when necessary too – this is something a lot of MCs forget, that you don’t have to chat all the time. Sometimes it’s best to just let the music breathe.

You’ll be at ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ at Werribee Park on New Year’s Day. What has been your most memorable New Year to date?
There’s been so many, but I had a mad ride around the UK a few years ago playing four or five gigs in one night which was really tiring but good fun.
You’re also playing at Chinese Laundry’s Garden Party at the Ivy on the 5th January which is probably Australia’s most famous day rave.

Do you change up your sets from outdoor raves to club raves? Is there anything in particular people should be looking forward to?
I always play to what I have in front of me, so really the rave will dictate to me what I play. I am looking forward to the Chinese Laundry Garden Party though as it is something truly special on the tour calendar.

And finally, what can we expect from you in 2013?
More music! I have a few tracks up my sleeve after my debut on Innerground for the 50th release so I’ll be throwing down some new solo tunes as well as some collars with some of my favourite producers.

Thanks for your time and we’ll be looking forward to catching you Down Under soon.
Thanks!

Check out the BBM Dance Music Podcast Featuring So Called Scumbags.