1. Congratulations on your release, “The Art Of”! Were you excited to be kicking off the album and label’s first U.S. tour at Pacha in New York City ?
Marco V: Thanks very much! I was very excited to be given the opportunity by the crew at Pacha New York to launch my new compilation. The US and the American party people have always held a special place in my heart. I travel the world and have loads of fun playing my music, but the US crowds always go bananas like it is their last party on earth! For me as a Dj that is an awesome experience, I literally feed of that energy and it gives me a great sense of fulfillment after the gig. I had a great time and already look forward to returning to Pacha.
2. Was there any reasoning to start in New York ?
Marco V: Well it happened to be the first gig in the tour and the release date coincided with the date of my performance. So the people at Pacha went the extra mile to facilitate this and I could not think of a better place to introduce my TAO concept and cd release in one. All resulting in a best of both worlds scenario, a great ambiance and club, getting to play for some of the best crowds in the world.
3. Is there anything that you had gained from that evening’s particular set and what do you expect to gain from the rest of the scheduled tour ?
Marco V: As indicated I get so much energy from you guys it feels like I am on fire after performing. This to me is the ultimate pay off and privilege, being lucky enough to be presented with these kinds of opportunities. This energy results in loads of inspiration when it comes to producing my music and above all attributes to feeling great!
4. If you could, please tell us what “The Art Of” represents and where do you see this heading in the future ?
Marco V: We created “The Art Of” as a multi purpose digital and social platform. This in order to be able to excel in all areas of my career. I am a perfectionist and very ambitious too , so I strive to make the best of everything I get involved with. When speaking in regard to events, T.A.O. (The Art Of) sets out to put on an event where all show element seamlessly flow together lights, laser, visuals, big sound systems creating a general euphoric feeling making for an unforgettable evening. T.A.O. also allows me to get more involved with fans and Marco V aficionado’s aiming at creating as much of a personal bond with the crowds/fans as I possibly can on a multimedia level. It is important to me that I try to give back to all people that go through the trouble to come out and see me play all over the globe!
5. How were you able to choose your tracks for the compilation and do they have any special meaning ?
Marco V: Compilation is like a good book to me; you need to be caught off guard and swept away into the musical voyage. I maintain a very strict and demanding work ethic and vision when it comes to producing music, so I very carefully picked the tracks that feature on the compilation. I play music that moves me and is able to also create that special feeling, so it is hard and brutal task for me to compile tracks to a cd; I have a hard time choosing. There is loads of good music out there so it took some time and effort, that being said I am very happy with the result.
6. In terms of your success with your productions, shows, and label, “The Art Of”, where else can we say that you are heading next ?
Marco V: There are still dates left in my North American tour and end of October I am doing a small tour in South Africa. So yes loads of exciting gigs around the corner!
7. Despite all these major social media marketing platforms out there, what makes “The Art Of” stick out in a crowd and, in your terms, how does this create a strong fan base ?
Marco V: I am personally very involved with T.A.O., playing all night, designing the show and most of all interacting with my fans. I have lots of die-hard fans that have stuck by me throughout the years, I really think that is something special and I hope by keeping an open dialogue through for instance my social media, I can give back a fraction of what I receive.
8. Looking back, could you compare some of your highlights from when you first started dj-ing and producing to now ?
Marco V: As an artist I always try to push myself to progress in all areas of my career. There are loads of changes since I started out. Let alone the fact that producing has become a very accessible thing for the people, resulting in loads more music and competition out there, forcing one to stay on his or her toes all the time, which generally pushes overall progress to my opinion.
9. Were you able to see yourself in today’s shoes ?
Marco V: To be honest no. The life and career of an artist is a fragile existence. It can all be over in a second, something I always keep in the back of my mind, making sure I keep pushing myself to the best of my ability. So where things may go, who knows?? I will always keep making music as this is my passion and gives me great pleasure, picturing the life I lead today when I first started out was a dream, slowly but steadily becoming reality which is a blessing in itself.
10. Other than electronic music, were and are there any other genres or artists that inspire your productions and get you in the mood for gigs ?
Marco V: To me good music is good music no matter what genre it falls under, so I get inspiration from all types of music and use different elements in my productions.
11. Since summer is officially over now, do you have plans for the fall both in and out of the studio ?
Marco V: Really looking forward to closing off my South African tour with a holiday with my family. It has been a hectic summer so we could do with some quality time. Studio wise, no real big changes, when I am not doing gigs I am in the studio making music.
12. Before we wrap up, is there anything that you would like to add to your fans and readers here at TranceSound.net ?
Marco V: Yes, TranceSound.net does one of the longest, but insightful interviews, which I enjoy very much! Thanks for showing interest in all new things happening around myself! To all the fans and readers, I would like to extend my gratitude for your continued support. You guys rock!!
Interview made by Abigail Duran aka VeraNationGirl (TranceSound.net Head of PR)
Links:
Marco V official website
Marco V @ MySpace
Abigail Duran @ MySpace
