A huge year awaits for the Berlin producer going all the way to the top
Interview by Dan Prince
Marlon welcome to DMC – where in the world are you today?
“Hey guys thanks for having me, I’m in my studio in Berlin producing some new tracks right now.”
A very exciting start to the new year for you with the release of your stunning remix of KRONO’s ‘Redlight’ swinging our way on Armada Deep. Please talk us through your re-work…
“When I listened to the original I thought it would be nice to create something that is as positive and happy as the original. I quickly decided to use a house piano and a funky base guitar to create a housey open air track. The rest happened in the process.”
You teased the world with some news that you have just completed the first mixdown on your new EMT 400 mixer for a track that features on your up coming Strictly Rhythm EP. Please, tell us more about the release…!!
“This EP on Strictly Rhythm has 3 tracks, two solo tracks and one with my close friend Goldberg, who is a very talented DJ from Düsseldorf. He now lives in Berlin and we’re trying to produce together as often as possible. The release will probably come on Vinyl and the track names are “Broadwalk”, “Clap Your Hands” and “Everything For You” (w. Goldberg).”
What is the current top 5 tunes in your box this weekend…
Tom Demac – It Grows Again
“I’m very much into poppy house music! My own productions are always with vocals and I think this track combines this poppy touch with the club very nice.”
Christian S. – Jagos
“This one is a perfect weapon to slow everything down for a bit…when you are up at the peak of your set you definitely need to drop JAGOS…”
Terrence Parker – Why After All This
“Classic / Sample house is what I love to play! It’s “good vibez DJing.”
Tom Trago – What You Do (feat Tyree Cooper) (KiNK’s Full Remix)
“This track is just about the combination: TOM TRAGO + TYREE COOPER + KINK = FUNKY CLUB BANGER at it’s finest.”
Chemise – She Can’t Love You
“Just a classic one that I started to play some weeks ago, and the crowd just loves it!”
What is the best and worst thing about living in Berlin?
“Hard to answer: I was born and raised in Berlin. So Berlin just feels like home! But I think the best about Berlin is the diversity. You have so many cultures coming together and it’s the perfect home base for musicians. Besides that you have so many nice restaurants, parks, lakes and everything else you need to live…especially in summer it’s sooooo beautiful!”
What is your flatmate Matteo Luis’s most annoying habit?!!?
“Honestly, there is no annoying habit about him. It’s a pleasure to have him as a flatmate. He’s a super talented producer, currently working on his album with another singer, so I am always listening to his new and adorable tunes when I’m home. Can’t think of something better. BUT if I have to say something annoying than it’s probably that Matteo always forgets to turn of the light when he leaves our flat.”
Give us some highlights from your tour of South Africa in December…
“I don’t know where to start. I was there with two good friends of mine and we were expecting something completely different. We made so many friends over there. I played at a party called “WeLoveSummer” and the crew was unbelievable friendly and now we three are already a part of the family. So I think the main highlight at this trip is that we met these guys and such a great time with them. And I am also trying to go back end of April for Africa Burn.”
In an interview last summer you admitted that if you told your grandmother that you were a DJ and producer, she would probably tell you to go and get a proper job! So, have you told her yet!?!?!
“I told her that I’m a musician and that I’m playing in clubs all around the world. She was super proud of me but I think my music is not really her cup of tea. But anyway, I’m doing what I like and I’m quite successful for this short time so I think she is very proud of me, and from time to time I send her some pictures from country’s I visit. She love’s that!!”
A celebrity you would not want to get stuck in a lift with
“Justin Bieber.”
Great answer. When was the last time you pressed rewind and listened to a track over again because it was so damned good?
“Two days ago I had that with Bastille feat. Ella – No Angels. And before that with Jack Garratt – Worry….these are my travel-songs at the moment.”
Tell us 3 bucket list adventures you wanna do before you die?
“I’m 20 years old, so I’m trying to not think of dying and a bucket list. But I really wanna travel to Asia. I’m so much into Korean and Thai food! I eat Asian about 4-5 times a week. I think it’s all about traveling. I will try to travel as much as possible and will make my adventures there…”
A DJ gig in your diary in 2015 that you cannot wait for?
“The Tube, Belgrad! It’s my first show over there and I heard so many good things about it. So I really can’t wait to play there.”
Early DJ/producer heroes?
“That’s difficult, my style has changed a lot so I am following many different producers and dj’s. But I can name some of them: Fries & Bridges, Tom Trago, KINK.”
Aside from the EP, what is coming up next for you studio wise?
“There is a lot coming up. I am going to release a Single with a Band from the UK on Deep House Amsterdam’s new label. There is another Single with HRRSN and a talented female singer on Armada Deep. And many Remixes e.g. for Greco Roman or Defected Records.”
True or false : you never listen to promos?
“FALSE: I’m not listening to all promos I receive and I buy most of the tracks I play but from time to time I listen to promos.”
Favourite ever festival moment?
“Fusion Festival some years ago. It was hot and I was drunk, listening to Solomun at Turmbühne. It was awesome.”
And finally, a piece of advice for the thousands of people reading this wanting to follow in Marlon Hoffstadt’s footsteps into the world of producing and DJing?
“Ableton, Youtube Tutorials, Vinyl & CDJ’s (no traktor)…and a lot time and practice!”
KRONO feat. VanJess – Redlight (Marlon Hoffstadt Remix) – Armada Deep
Release date: 02-02-2015
