DJ Marky talks Brazil, BPM and Mint Festival

How did you first get into DnB? Is/was it big in Brazil?

I started getting into DnB through the many different styles of music coming out of the UK at the time. From Techno to Hardcore and then into Jungle, and then DnB. There wasn’t very much coming directly to Brazil so we had to import it from America to the record shop I worked at. I can remember the first time I played a Jungle set in Sao Paulo, it was crazy. At first the people looked at me like I was crazy, then after a couple of tracks they were really into it and from then on everyone only wanted Jungle sets from me.

And how is the Brazilian club scene now? We hear good things about it over here…

It’s really good. In fact the whole of South America is pretty good right now and there are some great nights happening in Argentina and Chile also. But Sao Paulo is where it is at for me in terms of DnB.

How has DnB changed over the years that you've been involved?

It’s changed quite a lot, especially the way it is made and the way it is consumed by people. It still retains a lot of the old vibe, but the sound has become slightly different.

Is it as healthy now as ever would you say?

I think so. There is so much fresh talent now that it is keeping a healthy chunk of the fan base, both old and new. It’s a really exciting time to be in DnB for sure.

Why did it have a bad time in the 90s? Was the scene too insular?

I think people’s perception of DnB was worse than it really was. Of course there were times when it was bad, but it wasn’t very often. The whole scene is a lot more friendly now and more open, and I think this is why it continues to be so strong.

Do you think things like Dubstep have helped broaden the horizons?

Not really. I think Dubstep has provided a new genre for people to enjoy, but in terms of straight up DnB I don’t think it has had much of an effect.

Is that a movement you have been feeling at all?

To be honest, I find the tempo hard to dance to. Of course there is some great music in there, but I can’t find a good rhythm to dance to. I guess I am too used to 175BPM!

What should people expect from you at Mint Festival?

Loads of new beats and an energetic show, as always!

How do you like playing festivals vs smaller clubs – do you have a preference?

Each is good for different things. You get to try out some of the really big and heavy tracks at the festivals, but you tend to get longer to work with the crowd in a small club.

What do you make of Leeds and its parties generally? Good vibes?

Always good vibes in Leeds! I love playing there.

DJ Marky plays at Mint Festival, Lotherton Hall, on Saturday 29th September. 

See the full Mint Festival line-up

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