Skiddle Mix 081 - Mark Jenkyns (Hot Creations)

Image: Mark Jenkyns Words: Chris Alderton

Having grown up in South Shields in the North East of England, it took Mark Jenkyns a trip to the White Isle to take the leap into the scene he’s always been passionate for.

Although so many are drawn to Ibiza and all it has to offer, only a select few display the raw talent needed to rise to the top - something which Mark undoubtedly has.  

Skiddle Mix 081 - Mark Jenkyns (Hot Creations) by Skiddle on Mixcloud

To this day, productions from Mark still encapsulate the character and essence that is closely associated with the island - reflecting the influence it had on him.

He’s released on some of the most prestigious imprints in electronic, namely Hot Creations and Crosstown Rebels, receiving with nothing but appreciation from party go-ers and industry talents alike. 

After becoming a regular feature at DC10 over the past year, Mark can officially regard himself as part of the underground elite. We got a mix from the man himself (listen above) and caught up with him ahead of his gig at Live Wire with SEFF at Gorilla in Manchester.

We know Ibiza had a huge influence on your decision to begin the career path that you now have, do you think it would have still happened without the trip to the White Isle?

Hmm, probably not. In fact I may have ended up a happy hardcore DJ or even better an MC. That was all the rage up my end when I was growing up. Especially the MC chatting loads of nonsense at a million miles per hour! Us Geordies are good at that. 

How have you seen Ibiza change over the years?

Some people roll with the times and some people are a bit more traditional and like it how it was. For me I like the new road system, but I preferred it when you had a bit more liberty to party freely and the time constraints were non-existent.

You could just go wherever, whenever. There's not as many naturally crazy people, now you just have people just trying to be crazy and it's not the same.

What's been the highlight of the season this year so far?

Playing three hours on the terrace at DC10 with Robert James at Paradise.  

The north-east is a hot bed for talent particularly within the Underground scene, why do you think this is? 

It’s either make pasties, rob cars or make tunes. The clever people make tunes! 

What are your thoughts on the current dance music scene in the UK as a whole?

I think the festival circuit is the market people are mainly looking at now. There are still some absolute banging parties to be had but there seem to be less and less each year, London for instance is down to the bare bones.

Are you currently working on any new material whilst gigging?

Yeah I have my 12 Stories project which I am excited about with Chris Sylvester. I’m always starting tracks no matter where I am. Finishing them is another matter.

How did you become part of the Hot Creations family?

I have been mates with them before it all started and it just progressed from there really. I made the right tune at the right time I suppose. 

What track is without fail making its way into your sets at the moment?

12 Stories 'Show Time'.

Like this? Try SEFF: I've definitely found my home with house and techno

Or Skiddle Mix 075 - SEFF (Viva Music/Hot Creations)

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