| Interview with Tearrain ( 07.11.2006 - 16:35 GMT UTC )
1. Please introduce Yourself to the TranceSound.net comunity, who`s Mark Eteson as a person, as a producer, overal as an artist please
Mark Eteson: I’m a producer and DJ from the UK, resident at Godskitchen. I also design graphics build webpages and ogle over beautiful women ?
2. Why do You prefer EDM, specially trance over all other music out there ? It must be a reason, and we would like to know it mate.
Mark Eteson: I started listening to happy hardcore back in my school days but as I grew up I began to take a more serious interest in trance, probably because of Ferry Corsten who is one of my idols as a producer and as a DJ. I also used to listen to Judge Jules every Friday and Saturday; I guess it just stemmed from there. I don’t think there is any other type of music as clever as trance, that can fuse so many emotions; that one minute can be as beautiful as a piece of classical music and the next can be thumping 20khz of bass out of a speaker at 140bpm.
3. What system did you start with and how would You suggest for others to start ?
Mark Eteson: By system, I assume you mean my DJ setup ? I actually learnt how to mix on belt drive decks, which for anyone who isn’t well versed on turntables, are basically decks that are run by what can only be described as an elastic band! Direct drives, such as industry standard technics, I soon moved onto; and the pick up on these are much better suited and also they stay in time more consistently. I now use one technics SL1210 (the other is in the cupboard, I’m pretty much 99.9% CDs now), two CDJ 1000 MK2’s and a Pioneer DJM600.
4. How did You start and how long have you been mixing for ?
Mark Eteson: I sold my 17th birthday present of a car to start learning on the decks. It was the best decision I ever made ? So that makes it 7 years I’ve been Djing for now…only 2 of those professionally though.
5. What made You think of music to pursue as a career and if theres a song, person, or event that made You seriously consider music and can You share a little story with us too ?
Mark Eteson: My father is a musician and was in bands in the 60’s. He used to travel around the world, Europe and Australia singing. I guess it’s in my blood. I didn’t ever think anything would come of it, but I just couldn’t help myself from making it. It’s kind of like a habit, I don’t even notice I’m doing it sometimes, but literally its in my bones. I can be sat watching TV and unconsciously I’m tapping my feet to the beat!
6. Another question that many people ask again and again: What instrumentation, as in hardware are You using nowadays ?
Mark Eteson: I use almost solely VST instruments for my production as they are so readily available these days. They are also space saving and incredibly easy to manoeuvre. I will however be getting a Virus TI soon though, the only piece of hardware I have always wanted.
7. Looking back, do You like the electronic music of nowadays ? Don't you think that in any point of the path someone would had lost the right way ?
Mark Eteson: I think as can be expected music has evolved. It has got better in some ways but in others it has deteriorated. As there are so many new producers able to make tracks in their rooms these days, the quality of production has gotten worse, and a lot more badly made tracks are being filtered into the scene. However, on the flip side, talented producers who don’t have the money to go to a massive studio to record their song can still get it out there to the big DJs and get noticed as they deservedly should.
8. What kind of feelings do You experiment on a concert or club and what kind of locations do You prefer indoor/outdoor ?
Mark Eteson: I love outdoor gigs, it makes it feel more like a festival and there is a real feeling of power with the crowd; however this does mean that you are usually less able to connect with them, as can be done much easier in a club. I’m more likely to test new things out in a club than I am at an outdoor event.
9. Listeners of trance music in TranceSound.net forum may ask: "When are You willing to come over here for Your first concert in Goa and what do You think about Your Indian fans do You have any that You know of ?"
Mark Eteson: I don’t have any that I know of personally no, but I would love to think that some people out there enjoy my music and mixes. It’s amazing to think that my music can reach so far.
10. Another repeated question seems to be: What kind of music are You used to listen to before ?
Mark Eteson: I listen to absolutely anything. I grew up listening to rock, soul, pop; so my influences come from all angles.
11. I mean, music is an universal language and many artists transmit feelings with it, they actually want to "say" something. What about Mark Eteson ? What is his message to all his listeners ?
Mark Eteson: For me, my music has mixed messages. Sometimes my tracks or sets are all about power, energy and life and sometimes I throw in some sadness, a track which makes you reflect on things and sometimes its all about funky and dance oriented tracks. I love all sorts basically, sometimes I play brooding dark tracks and sometimes I play feel good music. Basically anything with a beat.
12. What are Your upcoming projects and do You ever use aliases and what are those if any ?
Mark Eteson: I have one alias so far which is JPM for harder edged tracks. Up and coming I have a track with a vocalist called Mary Leay, something to look out for.
13. Where did You played for the first time ? if You remember that, please state the location.
Mark Eteson: My first BIG set was actually warming up for Armin at Godskitchen. Talk about throwing me in at the deep end!
14. Which tune is Your favourite, according to so many nice tunes out there ?
Mark Eteson: I cannot possibly pick a favourite tune, but one that I always remember for getting me more into dance music is Gouryella. I still love to play that now and it still sounds ten times better than half the music out there at the moment!
15. What club from all over the world do You preffere, therefore there are plenty of them tho that You might have been to.
Mark Eteson: I love the UK clubs. I feel at home in them and there’s something quite special about connecting with a crowd who you have played to so many times before.
16.What is in Your oppinion the best female vocalist ?
Mark Eteson: I love Sarah MacLachlan, Ashley Tomberlin has come on leaps and bounds recently, but pretty much anything Anjunabeats, they have vocalists nailed.
17. What do You think about the people that come at Your venues, are they to young, or way to old ?
Mark Eteson: There’s a solid mixture to be honest, but its not about age, its about how they feel.
18. Which set/session was the most aprecciated by the fans ?
Mark Eteson: My set after Tiesto’s last Godskitchen gig was the most appreciated I think. I have had a lot of positive feedback from that, I just hope my set after him this coming fri 17th nov will receive such good praise!
19. What do You think about trance music, it will evolve or just plain simple for the next years ? Cause I have a feeling that will evolve to psy more and also funky..
Mark Eteson: I think it will continue to evolve as all music does. But I’m evolving with it too, and learning all the time. I’m actually loving some electro at the moment as well, I think trance will always be around.
20. Please state Your feeling about this interview and if You ever had knowledge this new trance portal before, I`m talking about TranceSound.net website and it`s comunity and also say something for Your fans within our forum.
Mark Eteson: I didn’t know about this portal before but I have been happy to answer your questions and hope to play in Goa at some point soon! To everyone who reads this, I hope to play for you soon, if you get the chance please visit my site www.marketeson.com where you can join my forum and maybe take a look at my official website
Interview made by Julian aka Digital Nature (TranceSound.net special guest)
Links:
Mark Eteson official website
Mark Eteson @ MySpace
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