Marcus Fink from Berlin’s Get Physical Music talking about one of the strangest albums you’ll ever hear…
Marcus, can I just say what a brilliant, ingenious and quirky idea this is for an album. An album where huge artists choose the track they want playing at their funeral. Where did this brainwave come from?
“Cheers, mate. It originally came from my mum in fact. We listened to a radio station back at my parents house when suddenly a Dire Straits song was aired” thats the song that Dad wants to have played on his funeral”, she said. I was pretty baffled since I didn’t even want to think about my Dad’s death. Subsequently I thought about what song I would choose. Then in January 2007 I was hanging out with a colleague of mine and we were talking about new compilation concepts when this old idea came up again. Thats when ‘Final Song’ was born.”
What record do you want to be played whilst you are lying in a box?
“That would be ‘Makings of You” by Curtis Mayfield.”
Some amazing artists on the album, Garnier, DJ Hell, Chloe, Coldcut… how easy was it to get these legends on board with such an off beat idea?
“Well, our list contained a couple of dozens DJs, of all genres. All of the DJs that eventually participated really like the idea from scratch. Others felt offended, weren’t able to come up with their final song or just weren’t into the idea.”
Which song chosen by one of the artists really brought a tear to your eye?
“I think Peggy Lee’s ‘Is That All That There Is’ is a real beautiful song. Very touching. But I also love Chloé’s track a lot. Overall, I think they are all special, especially in conjunction with the stories behind them (check the booklet !!!).”
So, working with M.A.N.D.Y, Booka Shade and DJ T – how has that been?
It’s great, but at the same time difficult occasionally since most the boys are on the road constantly and it can be hard to get in touch with them (even in the days of skyping etc). Other than that it’s been a real pleasure working with so many talented artists under this roof. The Booka studio, for instance, is on the first floor. It’s always very exciting to see how new songs are being developed and produced in their lab.”
DJ Magazine over here in the UK, voting you Label of The Year in 2005 and then the US’s XLR8R putting you on the front cover, a couple of proud moments for you huh?
“Very proud moments, most definitely. But at the same time a challenge for all of us to maintain that level in the future also. Press has been treating us really nicely in the past, but we all know that this is not a guarantee whatsoever. Bottom line is, that these voting’s make us work even harder.”
Over the years, sites such as beatport.com and iTunes have sited you for your huge sales… what have been the biggest 10 tunes from your label ever?
“Hmmm, I’d say…
‘Body Language’ of course.
‘Heater’ by Samim
‘Les Djinns’ by Djuma Soundsystem
‘In white rooms, Night Falls and Mandarine Girl’ by Booka
‘Freemind’ by DJ T.
‘Zinga’ by Italoboyz
‘Roar’ by Patrice Bäumel
‘I Dont Know’ by Chelonis R. Jones
What’s next for your label in 2009?
“Tonnes of exciting stuff coming up in fact. We gonna do a DJ Koze remix compilation coming up in early March, followed by Bronnt Kapital Industries (Nick of Gravenhurst is involved in this one) out of Bristol in early April. In May we will release Damian Lazarus’ new album which is going to be huge. In June, Sis will be doing the new Body Language installment followed by DJ T.’s new album. Then Booka will be releasing their new long-player in September alongside Raz Ohara, plus another Body Language volume coming in October. Puh…”
Best festival you have ever been to?
“That would be Melt Festival @ Ferropolis. But I heard only good things about Bestival in fact. Thus I hope I will make it over there this year.”
Tell us about clubland in Berlin? What are the best clubs and DJs out there?
“Best thing would be to come over to Berlin and find out for yourself. There have been some new clubs popping up lately. WMF re-opened. In respect to DJs, nowadays so many DJs and producers moved to Berlin because it is still a very cheap place to live. British invasion, I guess…”
Which 1 artist in the world of music would you most like to sign/have signed?
“Curtis Mayfield, of course”
What other German labels do you respect?
“Several. I always loved Karaoke Kalk, Morr Music, Dial, Ladomat among many others”
Your Label Management Assistant Annabelle looks a big cute on your web site…
“HELL YEAH. She is gorgeous. Don’t even think about it…”