Markus Fix: Papa Sven and the Peruvian Appeal

Image: Markus Fix 

For many of us, something life-changing happens at our first rave. An irremovable hook is lodged into our psyche, one that spawns a seemingly endless fascination with dance floor hedonism and the music surrounding it.

That's certainly what happened to techno heavyweight Markus Fix, who's initial affinity with dance music was orchestrated by none other than 'Papa' Sven Väth and Frankfurt clubbing authority Omen. 

What's remarkable about Markus is, due to hard work and immense focus, he was able to make that moment his own, grabbing a residency at his native Helium club, Monza and later for Sven's formidable Cocoon Club. 

Still in unassailable form, Markus checks in at Building Six on Saturday 28th March for Cocoon London alongside an eagerly anticipated five hour set from Papa Sven. With that appearance imminent, we found it necessary to catch up with Markus. 

You're playing for Cocoon in London at Building Six, are you looking forward to that and what are your previous experiences of the city?

I can't wait to be back in London, the city has an incredible charm. My first gig in London was at the T-Bar with Shaun Reeves and I will never forget when I played for Fuse in the courtyard. London is musically a very interesting city.

And of course you'll be playing with Sven Väth, who's playing a five hour set. We know Sven was one of the guys that converted you to the techno world in your younger years, have you experienced one of his mammoth sets before? And what do you have up your sleeve for your set?

I've heard a number of Sven's "mammoth" sets and they are simply the best. The longer he plays, the better it is. I've no idea how many unforgettable moments I've had with his sets. For me, he's just the number one.

Apart from that I mostly prepare myself until two days before the gig, because you never know what sort of new tracks you will find. I am all the more pleased to do the warm up for Sven, which will be more groovy and not as much "put your hands in the air".

You where in Peru recently, and we're increasingly seeing more DJs over in South America. What's the pull over there at the moment and how did you find it?

The locals are celebrating, they are jumping around and they are very grateful to hear music that isn't as commercial. I love to play in South America, especially in Peru, hence why my fan base there is really high.

We also caught your video in the studio playing on an almighty modular synth, first of all talk us through that? Is the raw analogue sound something you favour in your production?

I am less concerned with the sound, because at the end I use digital recording. It's more about the haptics and handling. The modular system, for example, gives me the opportunity to make unexpected things easily. And I hate to look at the monitor all the time.

You're a man with quite a few toys at hand in the studio, judging by your Facebook page, which is your favourite and why could it never be replaced?

That's quite simply my Korg sampler. I am able to finish a groove in the living room, upload my own samples or use it for controlling my Midi Drum Machines later. For such little money, it's the best tool I've bought. I am already looking forward to the new Korg Electribe. Perhaps they'll manage to replace my current one?

How's your gigging schedule looking this year? Anywhere that you're particularly looking forward to?

First of all I am looking forward to the party in London. Before that, I am heading back to Peru and then again Chile in April. These are always special adventures which I wouldn't like to miss.

Your latest Epilog EP (below) has a real mixture of solid grooves and experimental elements, do you enjoy switching up styles and keeping people guessing? Is having variation in your style important to you?

For me it's very important to present different directions. Music is a matter of feeling and I can't sit in the studio every day to produce so-called 'to the floor tracks'. But I am convinced that my productions have recognition in any case.

Have you got any future productions on the way that we can look forward to?

Of course. Before the end of March my next EP will be released on Reboot's new label Noon Records, including a DJ Sneak Remix. I am especially looking forward to this. Furthermore, I will do another collaboration with my close friend Dorian Paic which will appear on La Peña Records.

Final question, and its a hypothetical one. You've been asked to throw your ultimate rave. You can have the bill on any DJ in history, alive or dead. Where would you have it, who would join you on the bill and what track would you play to define the evening?

Definitely Sven Väth. Because he was the first DJ I heard consciously. The perfect place I can imagine would be the legendary OMEN, accompanied by my best friends. Ugly Kid Jay 'The Day The Earth Caught Fire' (above) would round it up perfectly. 

Want to get in on the action? Tickets for Cocoon London can be found here.

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