The 15 year old Dutch sensation venturing into a world of global greatness…
Interview by Olivia Warnford-Davis
Mark welcome to DMC World, where are you right now?
Hi guys! Thank you so much for doing this interview with me! I’m in my studio/bedroom right now, working on new records!
Can you tell us about your latest single ‘Venture’
Last year, I spent a lot of time figuring out which direction I wanted to be heading soundwise. Melodies and big synths were kind of my thing those days. However, I wanted to do something new and refreshing for myself. When I started listening to more future house kind of styles, I became really influenced and enthusiastic by that genre. I still wanted to keep the uplifting, melodic feel from back when I was producing the more “harder” progressive house. In my opinion, Venture became the solution to this
You’ve released the single ‘Venture’ on Laidback Luke’s label Mixmash, how did that come about?
February last year, there was this big fair for producers/musicians in the Netherlands to gather and talk about music. Everyone had the chance to show demos to the labels. However, Mixmash was running out of time and I was so lucky to have my shot to let the A&R of Mixmash hear a new track of mine. He was surprisingly hyped and said that it was such a good demo. I was really blown away at that moment. A couple months later the label contacted me again and actually that’s when this whole adventure started for me.
You’re only 15 years old, how did you get into Djing/producing and how old were you?
I started producing in my bedroom when I was about 10 years old! I spent most of my time over the last few years messing around in FL Studio, watching tutorials, collecting new sounds, and downloading new plugins. I think the first moment I got into house music was when I heard Leave the World Behind by Swedish House Mafia & Laidback Luke. My actual first finished track was a bootleg of that one. In contrary to a lot of other DJ/producers, I didn’t start off DJ’ing. In fact, I only just started learning how to DJ. There’s a festival coming in Germany called Parookaville, which is going to be my first actual show.
What are your 5 big tunes in your box?
Oh that’s so hard! So many big tunes coming out lately! But here’s my top 5…
1 Lucas & Steve – Make it Right
2 Mark Villa – Venture
3 Toby Green – Every time
4 G-Eazy feat. Bebe Rexha – Me, Myself and I (Mesto Remix) - 5 Throttle – Money Maker
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of so far?
I think when I signed my first record Venture to Mixmash was one of those moments where I was like; Is this real life? It’s still surreal for me to be in this position and I’m so thankful to be experiencing this, in this part of my life! Also when Luke dropped Venture at Ultra Music Festival, I almost could not believe my eyes too.
Who would be your dream studio collab?
Mmmm…also so hard to decide for me because I aspire so many artists! But I think I would think outside of EDM etc. and into the more alternative, Disclosure or Duke Dumont would be one of my dream collaborations! Such talented and amazing producers! Inside the more electronic dance, my dream would be to work with Don Diablo, Avicii or Luke! Because total legends!
Do you have any upcoming tour dates?
This year I’m really focusing in the studio on trying to bring the best records and remixes! But I am definitely doing some shows this year because I love it! Not all of them are announced, but my first big gig will be on Parookaville (Weeze, Germany), on the 16th of July!
And finally, do you have any new music coming out soon?
I’m trying to finish off a lot of new records at the moment!! There’s a remix coming up on Mixmash for Inpetto, in June! Trying to release so many records the coming months! Plus… the follow up to Venture is in fact almost done! Coming soon…
https://www.facebook.com/markvillaofficial/
