DJ MaRLo has played the biggest stages Australia has to offer. Alongside the best DJ's in the world, he earned Australia wide respect and has gained great exposure from his Own club nights (Altitude/Halcyon), DJ performances/LIVE sets, Releases, Worldwide radio broadcasts, interviews for MTV and being on high rotation radio play on Nova 96.9.
As a DJ you can expect to hear an eclectic mix of chunky, phat and bass fuelled sounds which can only be described as the "MaRLo" experience. His sound is exciting, energetic, emotional and powerful. Marlo has refined his sound after years of performing LIVE and DJ-ing around Europe, Australia,and Asia. His DJ performances are a reflection of the atmosphere of the club and the attitude of the crowd. Having performed in venues ranging from huge warehouses, to sport arenas, to clubs all the way to VIP parties. He always ensures that the crowd is kept interested and excited, you WILL move to his beats, that is guaranteed
The next step part of his busy schedule is the highly anticipated 'Ministry Of Sound Trance Nation Tour' around Australia. The Adelaide leg will feature at Adelaide's home of trance, HQ. After playing to a packed out main room at The White part last November, MaRLo will once again work the crowd into a frenzy with a mixture of his unique melodic tunes.
Q. Hi Marlo, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for AdelaideClubber. How did you first discover dance music, or more specifically, trance?
I first discovered Electronic Dance Music, with acts like Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Aphex Twin etc. They had a big influence on me when I was 15 or so. I think my productions and DJ sets reflect that I'm quite eclectic and don't play just a "pure trance" set from start to finish. To me, the word Trance is more of a state of mind.. end result, created by certain music, visuals and an atmosphere. Trance to me is the feeling you get when you can release yourself and leave your worries behind. It's a total release of various emotions. So I don't limit myself to a "genre" type of thinking. However as a whole, I'd say my CD wallet is heavily dominated by big melodies and energetic beats. :)
Q. What came first for you, DJing or producing?
Producing came way before DJing. I started producing around 1999 and in 2002 formed a LIVE act called Liquid M with Michael Simpson, we played the keyboards live, had a drum machine, samplers, and even live vocalists. Things went very well and we were playing Main stage at big events and performing all around the place. After being a LIVE act for about a year we decided to learn how to DJ as well. In 2005 or so I decided to fly solo and to use my own name "MaRLo". (although I continued to release tracks and remixes under the Liquid M name simultaneously until mid 2007 or so).
Q. What do you enjoy most out of DJing and producing?
I enjoy both a lot, for totally different reasons.
The feeling of playing in front of people and sharing a moment of intimacy with complete strangers has something magical about it. Especially when you're playing your own music. On the other hand, sitting in the studio for hours is awesome too.
The feeling that you've created something that wasn't there before is great... it's like, first there is just a blank Cubase screen... and then after lots of hours of work, there is a finished song. It's a blast as well.
Q. What adventures have your musical skills taken you on?
Lots of travelling, meeting new people and sharing experiences with others :)
Q. What did you accomplish music-wise when living in Amsterdam?
From a production point of view, I really refined my music style and was influenced by a lot of different scenes over there. The underground scenes are very vibrant and colourful over there and helped me to create a unique MaRLo sound. I also had the opportunity to produce and remix music for Cirque Du Soleil. DJ wise, I performed at the massive Uitmarkt event in Amsterdam, Trance Energy (Holland 2008) and played around Europe in places like Germany, Belgium etc.
Q. Where does your Dutch background fit in to your productions; are your biggest influences the Dutch trance producers?
Actually interestingly enough, right at the start they weren't... At the start it was British groups such as The Prodigy and Aphex Twin that influenced me a lot. It was only later when I was producing Trance myself that I really grew to respect and love some of the original "Dutch masters". But especially in recent years the Dutch have been very influential across a lot of styles like Electro, Techno, Minimal, Trance, Hardstyle and Tech-House. I think for some reason the Dutch make kick ass music!
Q. What is the most fun event you have DJ’d at?
Hmmm they are all fun for different reasons. Sometimes the vibe in a small club is just electric. And sometimes the overwhelming sea of people at a big event can be very impressive too.
Q. Tell us about your alias Liquid M, how is that different to the MaRLo style?
Liquid M was myself and Michael Simpson, we were mainly a LIVE act... but musically, especially in DJ sets, I guess we were a bit more up tempo and melodic than some of the techier and chunky stuff I'm doing now.
Q. Do you have any funny stories from previous trips to Adelaide?
There was a guy kissing his girlfriend on the street near HQ (across the road from where I was walking)... and he waved at me whilst still kissing, then she pulled away from the kiss and he was yelling Marlo!! Marlo!! good set bro!! and I was like... dude, get back to what you were doing with your girl man hahaha She looked like she had no idea what was going on. That was pretty funny.
Q. What can we expect from your next set in Adelaide for the Ministry Of Sound Trance Nation tour?
Lots of my own tracks, lot of hands in the air moments, and plenty of techy goodness :)
Q. Anything else you would like to add?
An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it.
MOS Trance Nation Featuring MaRLo & TyDi @ HQ Complex - Friday 13th August
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