Stunning ‘Saved’ EP smashing up dancefloors everywhere courtesy of the UK house don
Interview : Dan Prince
Hey Mark welcome to DMC. Where in the world are you right now?
“I am currently in Ibiza, having just got married to my beautiful wife, Claire. We’ve spent the past week and a bit here organising and celebrating with family and friends.”
Well congratulations dude! An incredible start to 2013 for you with some brilliant releases flying out. The new ‘Saved’ EP features ‘Presets’ and ‘Game Plan’ which are both doing serious damage. Talk us through the EP…
“The EP is made up of 2 tracks that I started working on late last year. They are both different sounds with “Presets” the more housey one and “Game Plan” the harder, more techy one. The feedback and support has been fantastic and it has been split between both of the records which I am happy about, as there’s something for everyone here.”
A big month coming up in June with your first North America tour. Miami WMC must seem like a distant dream now, what was your take on the Conference and the American scene in particular now that dance music is officially the biggest sound over there? Is it here to stay?
“The conference this year in Miami was great. I played two fun parties at the Surfcomber and Treehouse (which I’m returning to this month). The American scene is healthy with a rich underground and commercial following. In a couple of years I think the commercial side will start to slow down and the underground grow a little. The commercial side is a trend, which is hot right now and will change over time with some of the kids moving into the other side of the spectrum.”
Where in particular are you looking forward to play on the tour?
“I couldn’t pick just one date as I love America and am looking forward to each show.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning…
1 – Philip Bader – Crazy [Moon Harbour]
2 – Codec – Be Yourself [Black Butter]
3 – Mark Fanciulli – Game Plan [Saved]
4 – Davide Squillace – The Love Story Teller [Circus]
5 – Mark Fanciulli – Presets [Saved]
6 – Lars Vegas – The Game [Large Music]
7 – Heiko Laux, Diego – Chicken Understood (Truncate Remix) [Kanzleramt]
8 – Mark Fanciulli – Untitled [Forthcoming on Saved100]
9 – Ninetoes – Finder (Re-UP remix) [Kling Klong]
10 – Mark Fanciulli – Back To Front [Truesoul]
You work alongside Nic at Saved, I understand you are much more of the technical one when it comes to the studio side of things…!
“Saved is Nic’s imprint and I’ve had the fun task of managing it for him for the past couple of years. It’s a job I really enjoy as it’s taught me a lot of things and we get to work with artists who are up and coming as well as the established ones. I would say we are both quite technical in the studio. It’s conveniently located next door to the Saved offices and we are in there throughout the week. If we’re not working on our records I’ll be producing his monthly podcasts or watching the artists on the label jam.”
It’s the label’s 100th release this summer – what is the track to receive such an accolade?
“Saved100 will be coming in September and is a project that Nic and I have both been working hard on. There will be more details to come from us on this soon.”
What was your reaction when Nic wasn’t sure of your track ‘The Tide’ when you first played it to him?
“I was cool with it, sometimes people are into records and sometimes they’re not and at that time he wasn’t. I remember sending Joris the Tide along with a 2nd demo and thought that the 2nd would be more of his cup of tea – but it wasn’t.”
You have been playing at some cool clubs around the world these past few weeks, Ibiza, Germany and The Netherlands have all received the full Fanciulli treatment. Where have been some of the highlights?
“Recent highlights for me include Das Zimmer in Mannheim. It’s a really cool, intimate spot and has the right amount of everything such as good lighting, sound and more importantly the crowd. I always enjoy playing in my hometown of Maidstone when Nic puts on a Saved party and love closing up the main room. The 2nd to last gig I did back in March was in my opinion, definitely the best I’ve played in there. I got to push the BPM up and play across the board.”
You have just completed a month of taking care of business for your brother on his Worldwide Sounds radio show. How was it, did it give you a passion for more?
“Radio is something that has been of an interest since I started working in that field at College. In our first year the class created a weekly radio show where everyone would take on certain roles and come together to produce it. When the opportunity came up to do this for Nic it was real exciting as I got to utilise the skills I had gained from doing it at college. I would definitely like to takeover his show again and have been talking to friends about doing theirs as well.”
How was the island last week, you played at Sands whilst the IMS Conference was coming to a close – the island is already buzzing…
“The island was great and there was a real buzz in the run up to the opening parties. It was my first time at Sands and it was a fun party on the beach, I hope to return there to play again soon. The response from my set (b2b with Nic) has been good with a lot of people re-listening to it.”
What are your favourite memories from the white isle over the years?
“2013 was my 10th consecutive year over there and in that time I have experienced some great moments. One that stood out was going to space for the first time when I was 18 and then again when I got the opportunity to play on the terrace. I remember being very excited on my first visit, it was that buzz you get similar to your first clubbing experience. Then getting to go back many years later and play was a dream come true.”
What are the big festivals you are looking forward to this summer?
“This summer I am playing a few in mainland Europe. All We Want Festival In Germany along with 18 Hours Festival and Groen Als Gras in Holland.”
The person from history you would most like to have a pint with?
“I would like to have a pint with Liam Howlett, who in my opinion is one of the most talented producers in electronica.”
The song that means the most to you?
“Brian Eno – An Ending (Ascent). The track is beat less but the synths expand across all directions, taking the listener on a journey.”
The temptation you wish you could resist?
“Sometimes when I work in the studio, I am tweaking tracks more and more. I need to leave them alone and just leave them “finished”.”
Who are the producers from around the world you are giving high fives to right now?
“I am really digging the music coming out from Detroit Swindle’s Studio. On the tougher side, Truncate is impressing me with his raw, unique and sometimes trippy sounds.”
And finally, what is coming out next from the Mark Fanciulli studio…?
“Currently I am sticking to work on original productions rather than remixes. I’ve got a few collabs in the pipeline – one with Guti, who I love working with and is a good friend of mine.”
