From: “Miami, Florida.”DJ style: “Melodies from across the board that touch the soul.”Best known for: “Global DJ Broadcast and open to close solo setsWhat’s the next new big track? “The new Way Out West album, or if it’s one that is recently out - Hilight Tribe ‘Free Tibet’ remixed.”Breakthrough DJ/producer of 2016: “Solid Stone.”If, over the last three years, Markus has been consciously trying to outfox the pigeon-holers, 2016 may be his magnum opus. The German-born/US-based musician once again split the artistic deck and diversified, managing since last year’s Top 100 to put away not one, but two albums. ‘The City Series’ collection serviced his probably best-known-for trance end, while April’s ‘Watch The World’ was anything and everything but. “I rediscovered my affection for creative writing,” says Markus “and for the first time applied it to songwriting and creating personal stories for the music.” In terms of fan engagement, it’s a gamble that seems to have paid considerable dividends. It may also have left them wondering what other hitherto unknown aptitudes he has secreted up his sleeve. ‘Watch The World’ — the album — pre-empted its tour, which again saw Schulz display his inexorable desire to OTC his way around the globe. Sound Academy, Toronto, Avalon, LA, Ministry, London, Mandarine in Buenos Aires and most recently Melkweg, Amsterdam are just a few of the spots that’ve played host to his set-pieces. The summer also saw his Coldharbour label clock up its 250th outing (duly marked by his own ‘Sestertius’ release). Next up is ‘Watch The World’’s remixed edition, and relatively early next year an album return for Markus’ much-admired, techno-tipped alias, Dakota. Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art form? “No, and nor is the art of DJing and the ability to read a room. It must survive for future generations.”As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ? “Depends on logistics — whether it’s a big festival or an arena show, an open to close solo set in a special venue and city, or a regular gig.”What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events? “Spread awareness, with an emphasis on personal responsibility. We should all be able to go out to enjoy a night, and live to tell the tale with family and friends the next day.”How can we increase diversity in dance music? “Encouraging the generation that’s come into our world through EDM to explore the layers beyond the entry-level, to find something that captivates the imagination and broaden your palette.” WORDS: TIM STARK
From: “Miami, Florida.”
DJ style: “Melodies from across the board that touch the soul.”
Best known for: “Global DJ Broadcast and open to close solo sets
What’s the next new big track? “The new Way Out West album, or if it’s one that is recently out - Hilight Tribe ‘Free Tibet’ remixed.”
Breakthrough DJ/producer of 2016: “Solid Stone.”
If, over the last three years, Markus has been consciously trying to outfox the pigeon-holers, 2016 may be his magnum opus. The German-born/US-based musician once again split the artistic deck and diversified, managing since last year’s Top 100 to put away not one, but two albums. ‘The City Series’ collection serviced his probably best-known-for trance end, while April’s ‘Watch The World’ was anything and everything but. “I rediscovered my affection for creative writing,” says Markus “and for the first time applied it to songwriting and creating personal stories for the music.” In terms of fan engagement, it’s a gamble that seems to have paid considerable dividends. It may also have left them wondering what other hitherto unknown aptitudes he has secreted up his sleeve.
‘Watch The World’ — the album — pre-empted its tour, which again saw Schulz display his inexorable desire to OTC his way around the globe. Sound Academy, Toronto, Avalon, LA, Ministry, London, Mandarine in Buenos Aires and most recently Melkweg, Amsterdam are just a few of the spots that’ve played host to his set-pieces.
The summer also saw his Coldharbour label clock up its 250th outing (duly marked by his own ‘Sestertius’ release). Next up is ‘Watch The World’’s remixed edition, and relatively early next year an album return for Markus’ much-admired, techno-tipped alias, Dakota.
Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art form?
“No, and nor is the art of DJing and the ability to read a room. It must survive for future generations.”
As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ?
“Depends on logistics — whether it’s a big festival or an arena show, an open to close solo set in a special venue and city, or a regular gig.”
What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events?
“Spread awareness, with an emphasis on personal responsibility. We should all be able to go out to enjoy a night, and live to tell the tale with family and friends the next day.”
How can we increase diversity in dance music?
“Encouraging the generation that’s come into our world through EDM to explore the layers beyond the entry-level, to find something that captivates the imagination and broaden your palette.”
WORDS: TIM STARK
