DJ Marky: I play tunes because I genuinely love them

Since the early nineties, DJ Marky has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of Jungle and later drum 'n' bass. A long time fixture of Sao Paulo's clubbing scene and now a well establised world leader in his field, MJ Marky remains a drum 'n' bass tastemaker, staying ever on the cutting edge, whilst maintaining his unique passion and dedication.

We catch up with the Brazilian legend ahead of his performance at this years eagerly anticipated Nass Festival to find out more behind the man, the current state of affairs in drum 'n' bass, and what's next for DJ Marky...

Your Sounds of the Innerground compilation is now out. What makes the compilation different from others in the drum and bass spectrum?
I like to think that the compilation showcases a lot of things. It gives people who might not know the whole back catalogue of the label what we are about - our sound. It also gives fans access to new producers they might not have heard of before. But mostly I think it is a great snapshot of where DnB is at the moment and how we as a label operate and try and find the best music out there. The mix from Random Movement was superb too, there was no way we couldn't have put that out. He really got the whole catalogue and made it sound great in the mix.

Listen: DJ Marky - Sounds of The Innerground

What’s your opinion of the state of the genre as a whole; is it in rude health?
The scene seems to be pretty good at the moment and I would say that it comes from a bit more stability. A couple of years ago you had a new label popping up every day and it was a really hectic place to be with releases all over the place of varying quality. Now that seems to have slowed down and what you have is a lot more serious labels putting out some really great music. There are some new producers coming through with a really fresh sound and I think that is helping.

One thing you’re renowned for is your energy when performing. Why do you think people connect so well to that side of your character?

 When I first came to the UK it was straight out of the Jungle era and there were a lot of DJs who just used to turn up and slide a crossfader from one side to the other then leave. What I wanted to do was to make sure people felt what I was feeling when I played a tune. The vibe, the energy, the emotion. People recognise that I play tunes because I genuinely love them, not because of who made it or if there is hype about it and I think they appreciate that and the fact that I show outwardly my appreciation for the music.

You’ve just done your DJ Marky & Friend’s festival back in your native Brazil. How did that go?

 Absolutely incredible! One of the best parties of my life. The crowd were insane and the vibe inside the place was fantastic.

How has the current situation in Brazil, with the mass protests ahead of the football world cup, developed into any musical movements? Do you believe in music as a political power?

Not really. I think it can help raise awareness about a situation, but it is unlikely to change it. There's no way I could make a tune today and play it on the radio that would make people in Rio turn round and say "Actually, what the government is doing isn't so bad."

Watch: DJ Marky - Live in Mixmag Studio

You’ve been a fixture on the European club scene now for well over a decade, during that time a lot of other South American DJs have also established themselves across a wide variety of genres. It’s not uncommon to see the likes of Hernan Cattaneo, Dinky, Guti and then Djs with South American heritage like Ricardo Villalobos and Luciano on line-ups in this region, how much have you seen that change over your time as a DJ? And how has that shaped the club scenes back at home?

South America as a region has become more popular over the last 10 years, and with things like the Olympics and football World Cup coming it is only going to get better. It's an exciting time to be in Brazil and South America in general.

You’re due to play at the Nass festival which celebrates BMXing and Skateboarding alongside music. Are you a participant in either recreations? 

 NO! I can ride a bike, sure, but I am not going to get on a half pipe on a skateboard or a BMX thanks. It's probably the easiest way to seriously hurt yourself. I love what those guys do though, so does my son, and I have maximum respect for them because it's really dangerous if you get it wrong.

You’ve also just clocked up twenty years as a DJ; congratulations! Did you ever envisage it being a role you would retain for so long?

 Quite honestly, no. I always wanted to do this and every day I am just very grateful to be in the position I am, being able to do a job I truly love. 20 years is a long time, but at the same time it has gone by really fast. It only feels like yesterday I was heading to Brixton for my first show in the UK!

And finally what else lies in the future for you?

 Plenty more shows, more tunes and collaborations and loads more tunes on the label, Innerground.

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Check out more on DJ Marky here

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