The Belgium techno legend returns with a massive EP
Hi Marco, welcome to DMC towers. After a great 2011 with Dragon Man and two stunning EPs, you are back with yet another massive EP with Tom Hades – the ‘Stars & Shines EP’ on Bedrock with one track in particular destined, in John Digweed’s words: “to be a future classic”. Talk us through the EP and the big tune?
“You know I’ve been doing and making straight powerful Techno tracks for more than 12 years now. Since I did my first tune for John Digweed and his amazing Bedrock label 2 years ago, I found the space and right label to do sometimes something different than only straight Techno. That’s why I release from time to time a tune with a very nice melody with some mind-blowing sounds inside, which you can hear for example in this EP and also in this track “Stars & Shines”. For many months John has been playing it as the last tune in his sets and everywhere worldwide people love it, as they do when I play it in my sets. OH YES! It’s a perfect tune to close an amazing party or event with!”
You and fellow Belgian Tom Hades have been occasional collaborators for over a decade, ‘I Love Techno’ back in 2001 an absolute gem. Why do you two work so well together?
“Because we have been friends since we were kids, we live very close to each other and we bought also lots of equipment for the studio together. Being good friends for more then 15 years, it means something, it means more then just being a business partner!”
Looking back, are you happy with the reception your album received last year?
“Yes! You always have people who are pro and contra, I mean for me I am coming from a fan base with mostly only straight forward Techno lovers, many kids can’t understand or are not always open-minded as I would love it should be, but yeah, you cannot expect that everyone in the world loves your music, that’s impossible. I know producers and DJs who are playing for years and years the same music and style, I am somebody who likes different styles and this you can clearly hear in my album. There is Techno, downtempo, tech house, and more melodic stuff in there.”
Your own label MB Elektronics is firing at the moment, tell us about the releases coming out soon?
“Thank you, yes, with MB ELEKTRONICS I am releasing the most powerful techno tunes I make and get, there is currently a new one out from me with great remixes from Tony Rohr and Patrick Siech, called “The Sniper”. The next one is from a super Italian talent: Luigi Madonna, then Cristian Varela from Spain, then again a new one from me and then again a great EP from an Italian: Simone Tavazzi. As you see, lots of great stuff is coming on MB Elektronics, which will definitely kill the dancefloors! Check it out !”
You have just returned from America this week, why do you think the US has finally cracked electronic music?
“To be honest with you, I had some really great gigs, I just hope that Techno gets more appreciated in the States again and that people are not only open for Trance, but I had some great gigs and I think definitely the United States is again a great place to play!”
We know of your love of Japan, where else have been the highlights DJing this past year?
“Beside Japan, Space Ibiza – the nights playing together with Carl Cox are just amazing!!”
You will be returning to Asia in April with shows in Japan and interestingly China. We were over in Shanghai a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t get our heads around the lack of people dancing – obviously your slot at The Mixing Room will be different. Have you been over before?
“I played 3 times in Beijing, but never in Shanghai, it will be my first time in that city and I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
What is the current top tune you are spinning?
“There are a few: Marco Bailey “The Sniper”, “Stars & Shines”, Alan Fitzpatrick “Promotheus”, Calculus Colour Black on Octopus Records – a great label from mister SIAN, an excellent Irishman based in Barcelona!”
We interviewed Carl Cox a few weeks in the magazine, his love of bikes is well known, as is your once career in motocross – have you ever been to Carl’s place in Australia to check out the collection of wheels?
“No, never! I would love to go to his place and drive together!!”
After your bad accident that stopped any hope of a career on a bike – why did you opt for a career in music instead?
“Because I always was a big music lover and after my dream of being top in that sport fell down I started going out to clubs. Soon I was inspired by DJing, so not even 1 month later after putting my first step into a local club I was playing already as a resident in a local bar.”
Who were the early artists you were listening to growing up?
“U2, Simple Minds, Neon Judgement, Fad Gadget, Iggy Pop, Public Enemy, EPMD, Twin Hype, LL Cool J , De La Soul, James Brown, Billy Idol…so much good music mate!”
What did your father think of your new choice of earning your money? You have always said what a hard worker he was…
“He was completely against it in the beginning, I had a hard time from him, but after some time he started to “SLOWLY” appreciate it. He hated nightlife, he always did top sport, he was in the 50’s a professional cyclist so you can imagine what he was like a bit…”
Another mighty season in Ibiza last summer, how do you think the new blood did at Space last year and tell us about the Ibiza plans for 2012?
“I will again play in Space at Carl’s Night and look forward to it very much. Beside this, we will continue with our Pornographic Label Night at Eden, San Antonio. Last year our first year was already a great success and this year it will be bigger and better! Watch out!”
Not many people know this, but Marco Bailey is really good at…
“LoL…ask my girlfriend? Flight bookings and cooking a decent meal very fast.”
Who are your tips for breakthrough DJ / producer wise this year you’ve spotted out and about?
“Luigi Madonna & SIAN.”
What is the finest record you have ever played to a dancefloor?
“Guy Gerber – Stoppage Time (Bedrock).”
It’s your birthday party – what 3 DJs do you invite to play?
“Cristian Varela, Tom Hades, Redhead – my 3 best friends!”
And finally, what are the plans release wise from yourself for the rest of 2012?
“I’ll be making lots of tracks, especially on MB ELEKTRONICS! And playing at great festivals and clubs like: Creamfields in Spain, Tomorrowland in my own Belgium, Space Ibiza again etc etc!”
Thanks Marco. Appreciate your time.
“Thank YOU!”
MARCO BAILEY & TOM HADES – STARS & SHINES EP (BEDROCK) is out now!
LISTEN HERE: http://soundcloud.com/bedrock_rec
