A huge new tune ‘Chased’ doing dancefloor damage as he heads off to Armada Captivating
Interview by Dan Prince
Mark a huge welcome to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are you right now?
Thanks! I’m at Schiphol airport right now, on my way to Ibiza!
The first piece of music you heard this morning after rolling out of bed?
A new remix I’m working on for Atlantic Records.
Cool. Well let’s kick off with your new collab with Andrew Rayel ‘Chased’ – a monster!!! Please talk us through the sound and history of the track…
Andrew and I have been talking about doing a collab for a while now. During ADE Andrew came to my studio and we started working on some ideas. We wanted something with an epic melody, but also a track that would work well on a festival. When Armin tested it out at EDC Vegas, we knew the mission was accomplished hahaha! We actually had a lot of ideas and this was the third thing we worked on, perhaps we’ll go back and finish the other two at some point!
How do you two bounce off each other in the studio?
As mentioned, we first started working on a track in my studio. We both use the same sequencer, Cubase, for producing so we could work fast. After that we kept sending ideas and project files back and forth over the internet, because we both were on the road a lot. That’s basically what we kept doing, while discussing over skype until it was done.
How has Ibiza been for you this year – many are saying it has been the best ever…?
The ASOT shows at Ushuaia are incredible this year, they took the already amazing production to a whole new level. Last year I was opening the show twice, but Armin promised me that this year I would get a better timeslot and now I’m playing right before him!
Your tune of the summer?
W&W – The One, such a feel good track!
Did you manage to check out any other clubs and DJs in Ibiza this season?
Unfortunately my touring schedule didn’t allow for that this season, but luckily I saw a lot of familiar faces at the ASOT shows!
One of the highlights of the year is just around the corner, ADE!!!!! I wanna mention the new Armada Captivating night that launches in Amsterdam at the event. A new name taking over Armada Nights promising a broader range of music and new fresh talent alongside tried and tested superstars. You must be excited to be part of Armada Captivating?
Definitely yes! I think we have a very solid line-up this year. Actually, my first release on Armada ‘Fade 2 Black’ was on the sub label Captivating Sounds, so I’m sure it will feel familiar to play there!
To some of our readers from around the world unable to get to ADE, can you try and explain just what makes this wonderful event so special…
First of all, everybody in the international dance industry is going to be there. Great for business and pleasure. You get a lot of big acts playing in relatively small venues. It can make for a really intimate feel. Of course the big shows are there as well!
Are you preparing a few special bombs for your sets?
Owww yessss!! I have a new vocal track coming up and I’ll definitely play that new remix as well!
Your favourite ever ADE memory?
When Armin came up to me saying that he loved “Character” and would like to make a track together. It took some time, but “Panta Rhei” was released this year!
What are the big 5 tunes in your box this weekend…
Armin van Buuren & W&W – Your House is Mine.
Straight up festival banger!
Darude – Sandstorm (Mark Sixma bootleg).
Timeless classic that I gave a little update!
Mark Sixma – Requiem.
The track that I’m most proud of producing.
Orjan Nilsen – Now We’re Talking.
I always play a lot of Orjan’s stuff in my sets, love it!
Andrew Rayel & Mark Sixma – Chased.
Love to play this one live!
Please give us a few words on some of your recent shows :
Space Ibiza in New York…perfect end to a very busy weekend!
Your weekend in India…intense and awesome as always!
Moscow…one of the best shows I did this summer, incredible energy in the crowd!
You have gone large on your pushing for votes for Top100DJs – how important is this annual poll for not only you, but any DJ out there in 2015? There are so many incredible DJs out there right now?
Armada provided me with a video for the voting, which was a great help! And of course we asked my fans to cast their vote. Regarding the importance, I feel I’ve had an incredible year so far, without being in the top 100. On the other hand, some promoters look at the list as a reference to who they want to book for their shows. Of course I’m hoping to enter, but regardless of this year’s results, I’m looking forward to things to come in the near future!
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
I’m close to finishing two new vocal tracks and I’m working on some remixes as well!
