Mark Knight Interview: "The Joshua Brooks crowd can expect an odyssey"

With a career spanning three decades, Mark Knight is, without a doubt, one of the most influential artists in modern house music. Grammy-nominated and the second highest-selling Beatport artist of all time (with no less than ten No.1’s), Mark also founded one of the most successful dance music companies of all time in Toolroom, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. A legacy that recently saw him awarded with the Icon Award at the Electronic Music Awards.

This Saturday, Mark is heading back to Manchester, returning to his self-proclaimed favourite venue, Joshua Brooks, for yet another all-night-long set that having electrified the industrial basement before, will see Knight wobble it again with his masterful mixes.

In preparation, we caught up with Mark to get a glimpse into what Saturday will be looking like, his long-time time love affair with Joshua Brooks, Toolrooms continued success, as well as his new venture, Ballerz - a London football dome in collab with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Roberto Carlos.

Scroll down and read all about it, and if you haven't already, secure your tickets for his Joshua Brooks gig on Saturday, there's still some left, and you can find them at the bottom of this page!

Hi Mark, how are you doing today, you’ve just been in Miami what have you been up to over there?

"I'm good, thanks!

"Miami was all about connecting with peers, hitting the decks, and drawing as much inspiration from the place and people as possible. It's a vital pulse point for dance music, always reinvigorating my creative drive."

It’s been nearly a year since we last spoke, and that was also for a Joshua Brooks all-night-long show, like yours on Saturday, what can you remember about that last event?

"That last gig at Joshua Brooks was unreal—there's something about those all-night-long sessions that really lets you build a narrative with the crowd. It’s not just about playing tracks; it’s about creating an experience, something memorable."

Saturday will be your return to JBs for an all-night-long show, what can those in attendance expect?

"The crowd can expect an odyssey.

"I'm planning to weave through genres, tempos, and moods; aiming to keep everyone on their toes. These nights are special; they’re about crafting a unique journey we're all a part of."

Last time we spoke you said JBs is one of your favourite gigs in the world, we take it as you're returning that is still the case.

"Absolutely, it's a standout venue for me. The crowd, the atmosphere— it's got a vibe that's hard to match. There's a real sense of intimacy and energy at JBs that makes it a perfect place for an all-nighter."

You have also been at the Electronic Music Awards this year, where you were awarded the coveted Icon Award, how does it feel to receive such recognition?

"It’s a huge honour. Being recognized at that level, especially among so many talented peers, is both humbling and motivating. It’s a nod not just to past achievements but also to the future, pushing me to keep innovating and evolving."

It was a huge year for Toolroom too, we spoke about the label last time, but for it to be the biggest-selling label on Beatport in the year of its 20th anniversary must be pretty special, no?

"It’s incredible, really. Celebrating 20 years of Toolroom and seeing how far we’ve come—it’s a testament to the hard work of the entire team and our amazing artists. Being the biggest-selling label on Beatport is just the cherry on top, a sign that we’re doing something right."

When we spoke last time you’d just launched a few things with Toolroom too and I'd love to hear about where you’re at with them. How was the Music Matters tour? How is your new sister label Fool’s Paradise going?

"The Music Matters tour was a blast, and we really got to connect with fans across different cities, showcasing what Toolroom is all about.

"Fool's Paradise is taking on a life of its own, exploring new sounds and giving a platform to emerging talents. It’s exciting to watch it grow.

"We're having our debut label event in London this month which will be turning into a regular thing. It's massively encouraging that there's an appetite for the more soulful, vocal-led house music - it's what initially drew me to the genre so it's amazing to be championing it now."

Outside of music, you're making some cool moves too with Ballerz - a new hi-tech football stadium in south London - alongside Rio Ferdinand and Roberto Carlos, they’re some names! How did this come about and what is it looking to do?

"Ballerz is an absolute passion project. Linking up with legends like Rio and Roberto was a no-brainer; we’re all about creating a space that combines technology, sport, and community.

"It’s about giving back, creating opportunities, and, of course, our shared love for football. It's launching next month - I can't wait for people to experience it."

Just to finish off, if people can’t catch you at Joshua Brooks this weekend, where else will you be playing this year?

"There’s a packed schedule ahead—festivals, club nights, and some special Toolroom events in the works.

"Best bet is to keep an eye on my socials for the latest. It’s going to be a big year, and I can’t wait to see everyone on the dancefloor."

If you want to catch Mark Knight at Joshua Brooks this Sunday then you can find out all you need to know by clicking or tapping - HERE

If you want to cut out the noise and just secure those tickets asap, then you'll be able to find them at the bottom of this page!

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

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