Helping himself…
Mark, welcome to DMC. It’s been 15 years since ‘I Cant Help Myself’ first came out and became a clubland anthem, what have you been up to since then?
“Wow, that was a long time ago. I spent quite a bit of time producing and remixing tracks as Lucid. I later spent time as a writer/producer for a number of pop acts as I fell out of love with the whole instrumental dance culture for a while. After some time in the wilderness, I found my feet again and made tracks as The Lovefreekz and Rox & Taylor. In between, I also set up a commercial studio in Dublin and ran a small independent label. Over the past year or so, I helped to set up One More Tune Records and I hold an A&R/label management consultancy role there.”
Can you tell us some of the other secret dance tracks you have been behind in the past?
“My first record was released in 1992 on Network Records; ‘Closer To All Your Dreams’ under the guise Rhythm Quest back in the days of rave. I also produced tracks such as Loveland ‘Let The Music Lift You Up’, ‘I Need Somebody’ and ‘Don’t Make Me Wait’, Lovefreekz ‘Shine’ Rox & Taylor ‘Otherside’ and remixed all sorts of tracks. Some of my favorites were: Living Joy ‘Dreamer’, Jakatta ‘American Beauty’, D Ream ‘Shoot me’, C&C Music Factory ‘I Found Love’, Happy Clappers ‘I Believe’ and Barbara Tucker ‘I Get Lifted’
The remix by Tim Mason is amazing and captures the spirit of the original while giving it another big sound for today’s scene, how did the linkup with Tim come about?
“I was chatting with Tim’s manager who mentioned that Tim loved the original and would like to remix it. It’s sometimes good to hear new guys put their spin on your material. Tim is definitely going place’s.”
The tracks has had key support from big name players such as Tiesto and the Swedish House Mafia and of course the DMC Buzz chart, how does the promotion of a track differ now compared to the first release?
“Back in the day, we pressed up 12” vinyl and would drive to record shops around the UK and give a few away some copies in the hope of some support. We also mailed out to the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Sasha etc. always hoping that they would either start or end his set with your track. It was costly and took a while to build a track. These days you make a track on your laptop and send directly to DJs – it’s that quick which is sometimes a good thing, but sometimes I feel that you have to let track’s sit for a few day’s. It help’s with quality control. This time we Tim’e remix out to the like’s of SHM, David Guetta, Tiesto and fortunately they all loved it which was brilliant!!! The main difference these days is that everything is internet based and the reaction is very instant. Blog sites make a massive difference now as they inform everyone of who is doing what. You can’t keep a track secret these days. Sometimes you see more clubbers filming a track on their phone rather than dancing on the floor, which is quite disturbing.”
Lucid is the first release on your new MFU label, can you tell us what else to look out for from the label or if there’s a certain direction you want to take it?
“MFU stands for My Friends Underground. An idea that was spawned when I was asked to run a one-off event in the back room at the Warehouse Project in Manchester. I liked the idea of creating a platform that involved me and/or mates making tunes. This will evolve as I would like to hear what other people have to offer and maybe release some tracks. But it’s very early days and I don’t intend on just firing out loads of tracks just to stay busy. Just tracks that I like and think have a place in clubs. As for direction, I struggle with the whole style/genre thing. I love dance music in general. Be it house, prog,techno whatever. Any style works in most sets if its a great track. It just depends on how you present it. But if I had to put it in one bag, I would say prog. house. With a bit of house, err and techno!”
At a time when a lot of labels are struggling in the market why did you choose to start up a new label rather than looking to get it signed by a major label?
“I could sign this to a major and may still do so at some point. I just like the romance of building something from scratch sometimes. It brings you back to your roots.”
Has it been a challenge to keep it off the illegal download scene before it’s release?
“It’s a MASSIVE challenge. Unfortunately, it’s a part of life now. I e-mailed one or two sites who are supposed to be supporting the track, but then add a free download link. Some (only a minority) don’t realise that if I can’t break even on this track, there won’t be another release. And my missus will kill me when she realises that the wedding fund money is missing!!”
Who were the artists that first got you into the world of electronic music?
“I was sold when I heard ‘Rokkit’ by Herbie Hancock, ‘Buffalo Girls’ by Malcolm Mclaren, Mantronix ‘Needle To The Groove’ and later the likes of A Guy Called Gerald (who I ended up working with) and Derrick May (the reason that I signed to Network).”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“An airline pilot. You didn’t get that sort of opportunity growing up on a Manchester council estate!!!”
Have you ever been arrested?
“Yes once with a now deceased Manchester gangster friend of mine. I was thrown over the back of a patrol car by undercover police under the spotlight of a police helicopter. But then released when it was pointed out that I was actually a good boy.”
What’s the best piece of advice you ever been given?
” – Always trust your ears, not somebody else’s.”
What’s your biggest vice?
“Watching Man Utd. Wherever in the world and whatever I’m supposed to be doing.”
Who are your favourite DJs from around the world?
“SHM – pure party, Roger Sanchez, James Zabelia (couldn’t take my eyes off him when I first saw him and Nic Fanciulli play at Space) and my old Loveland pal Paul Taylor who could mix in a cement mixer if asked.”
What is the best dance and non dance record ever made?
“Dance track: ‘Strings of Life’, followed by ‘Voodoo Ray’.
Non dance: 10cc – ‘I’m Not In Love’ and a track, just for production quality, Grace Jones ‘Slave to the Rhythm’.
If we came back to yours after a club, what are the big 10 Back To Mine tunes you would spin us?
“Too many to mention, but off the top of my head – not in any particular order…”
Shuggie Otis – Strawberry Letter 23
Aphex Twin – Window Licker
The Sugar Hill Gang – Rappers Delight
Afrika Babaataa- Planet Rock
Public Enemy – Terminator X
Dubfire – Road kill
Groove Armada – Easy
Chic – Freak Out
Funky Green Dogs – Fired Up
Derrick May – Strings of Life
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“My hair. More please. Oh and time management skills.”
Best club and best festival you have been to in 2011?
“Warehouse Project and Creamfields. Although I’m scheduled for Space, DC10 and Pacha next week, so I’m leaving this one open.”
Who is the biggest star of dance music right now?
“David Guetta is ruling the world. Followed closely by Deadmau5 and SHM.”
What one record do you wish you had made?
“Again, so many. Probably the Sugarhill Gang – ‘Rappers Delight’. I would tell everyone at parties that I made it, whilst displaying my ‘Running Man’ moves.”
And finally what is coming next from your studio?
“Rising Damp. I hadn’t visited my studio in over two months until I called in 2 weeks ago and realised that due to the lack of air in a sealed room, rising damp had covered my equipment and monitors!!!”
Lucid ‘I Cant Help Myself’ is out now on Beatport
