Mark Broom Interview: I'm always drawn back to techno

Image: Mark Broom

Manchester party starters Majefa unleash their first ever techno line up to accompany their main room trance leanings (check out their trance classics line up here) at their upcoming party at Sound Control on August 2nd.

Stepping in for headline duties comes one of the UK's longest serving techno fiends, the mighty Mark Broom, whose two decades in the business have brought to fruition countless defining releases and a number of trailblazing record labels - helping shape the underground scene we know today.

We caught up with the techno titan to find out more about how it all started, his most cherished records and what the future holds for him. Stream his belting vinyl rip mix below.

Hi Mark! Thanks for chatting to us. Are you looking forward to playing at Majefa in August? Is Manchester somewhere you particularly enjoy playing?

I always love playing in the UK and had some nice times in Manchester so really looking forward to this party.

What kind of set do you have in mind for the occasion?

The usual Broom set consisting of good quality Techno and some old school flavours thrown in the mix.

You’re now positioned as one of the true techno stalwarts from the UK. After so many years in the business what is it that still draws you to techno?

I've made many different genre style tracks over the years but I'm always drawn back to techno, I think it's the "do whatever you want" attitude to this music that draws me back every time.

How do you feel about the current crop of UK producers that are donning the techno mantle? Are there any that you particularly rate?

There has always been a great crop of UK producers over the years and exciting names keep appearing, I'm not gonna single out one but there is a really strong vibe going down right now!

How did it all begin? Was there a certain night you went to, track you heard, or DJ you witnessed that made you rush out and buy a pair of decks?

My story was a trip to Tenerife back in the late 80's, all the DJs were spinning acid house and I was hooked. I was lucky enough to go to many of the raves and acid nights back then and they all inspired me to do what I do. 

You’ve managed to keep up a prolific run of releases throughout your career. Are there any of your releases or collaborations that still have a special significance to you?

My collaborations with James Ruskin and our 'The Fear Ratio' project were really fun to do, I also have a collaboration with Gary Beck coming up which turned out well. The track of mine which gets requested at most gigs is 'Satellite' for some reasons this one really connected with the party crew

Have you any more releases coming out soon that we should keep an ear out for?

New stuff on my label Beard Man, Bek Audio, AFU Limited, and a possible release on Skam Records from Manchester!

What is your summer looking like? Any festivals or gigs you’re particularly looking forward to?

Playing at Tomorrowland in July and HeadQuarterz Festival in August, both in Belgium, as well as a run of club gigs through the summer.

And finally, hypothetical question… You have the power to throw the ultimate rave. You can play alongside any DJ from the past or present. Where would you have it, who would be on the bill, and what track would you play to define the evening?

That's a tough one of the top of my head I'd go with this line up:

Essex Rascals
Baby Ford (Acid House set)
The Fear Ratio (DJ set)
Autechre
Russell Haswell
Nyte Biscuit DJ Tag Team 

The track would be: Paul Rutherford's Get Real - A UK acid house classic!

Catch Mark Broom doing his thing when Majefa take over Sound Control for their biggest event to date on August 2nd. Grab your Majefa tickets here.

Tickets are no longer available for this event