Images courtesy of Marco V
As a producer and DJ, Marco V has never refused to settle for anything “average”. He has made a successful career out of being one of electronic music’s foremost innovators. Born in Heeswijk-Dinther, Marco V is credited as the man who incorporated the tech sound into trance, helping to take the genre to new dimensions.
The Dutch producer stormed onto the music scene in 1998 with partner Benjamin Bates, then known as the Southside Spinners. Tracks such as “Luvstruck” quickly caught the attention of fans as the sound whole heartedly had a different feel to it then the normal songs in trance at that point in time. Marco V released his debut single “In Charge” around 2000 and it’s been full speed ever since. In 2002, he dropped his debut full length titled “Con:Fusion” which again proved to be successful.
After a string of commercially successful mixed compilations for entities such as Mixmag and more, by 2005 Marco V started the sub-label In Charge which was home to his second album “200V”. A slew of hits was the result including “More Than a Life Away”. The In Charge label has released music by artists such as DJ Preach, Phatzoo, Ali Wilson, Cliff Coenraad & Thomas Hagenbeek and even more Southside Spinners work. Having collaborated with the likes of Sander van Doorn for the tune “Organic”, by 2009, Marco V dropped his third album “Propaganda” followed by “Propaganda V2”. The records embodied a wide spectrum of electronic music from trance to progessive and tech house, consistently showing the world that the producer refuses to be stuck in one box.
Marco V continues to raise the bar of innovation with his multimedia project T.A.O which not only includes the sonic aspect of the scene but pushes the levels visually, establishing tours and platforms that deals with the progression of multimedia, technology and social networking.
Marco V’s name and career is already set in stone but with a hunger for constantly taking the music as far creatively as he can, the years to come will only showcase the revolutions of not only the sound but the artist himself.
AJ-You have been ranked among DJ Magazine’s Top 50 DJ list consistently for a number of years now but people may not know that you’ve been spinning since you were a teen. In those early days what style of music were you spinning and when did you begin tapping into Trance?
MV-Well I have been quite consistent when it comes to producing and people have always boxed me into the trance genre. I personally find I have never truly been a full fledged trance producer/DJ but I would describe my style as a nice blend between Techno Trance and Big Room Progressive house.
AJ-When did you start experimenting with the more tech style which would become your signature tech-trance sound?
MV-I would say since the beginning and since I have moved a tad towards creating that big room sound.
AJ-Going back to your earlier work when you were a part of the Southside Spinners, the music definitely sounded a little different than many of the trance tracks that were out. Was that a conscious decision to go a different route with the sound than what was currently out at the time?
MV-Well it was a production that was more geared towards a broader audience. Not necessarily more commercial or anything like that but the track really got wings and crossed over. We felt it was a perfect combo between house, progressive and trance.
AJ-You’re playing a couple of nights at Judgment Sundays at Eden in Ibiza this year. What have some of the highlights been for you this year?
MV-Well those nights are always great of course I love playing for Jules. I have had some tremendous sets in Russia this year, South America and of course the Zouk, so much fun!!!!
AJ-Talk about your multimedia project TAO because you’re taking the whole concept of a label, sound and multimedia to another level.
MV-Well we have a bespoke show with synched visuals and I bring my own production (lighting/video guys) so we create an experience instead of just a party. We also do a compilation every year so people can enjoy the party vibe that I try to create at home too. TAO vol. 3 is on its way actually. I’m really excited about that!!
AJ-Finally, thousands of aspiring deejays and producers strive to reach your height of success. What advice would you give to them especially in this ever changing digital age?
MV-Just create an environment where you feel comfortable and at ease. Try to be and stay original, work on developing your own sound as much as possible, be passionate and work your ass off!