DJ Marky was instrumental in popularising the drum and bass scene in Brazil. He started DJing at age 12 and his first regular stint was at a roller disco in Sao Paulo. It wasn’t drum and bass at that point, but Sau Paulo was earning a reputation as the epicentre of Brazil’s club scene in the early 90s and Marky was one of the earliest ambassadors for the UK sound.
He’s collaborated with an astonishing number of other artists and his popularity has soared since first taking residencies with Movement International and The End (now The Den). In 2003, by then a well-established name in the scene, he teamed up with XRS to found Innerground Records, which since then has dually put out some incredible releases from genre heavyweights like Calibre and Total Science and helped to find and foster new talent both in Brazil and elsewhere.
Tomorrow night, he descends on South London, flanked by Calibre, Dillinja, The Invaderz, Transit Mafia, DRS, Lowqui and MC GQ. It’s an impressive coming together of talent, to say the least, and Marky was kind enough to talk to us a bit about what to expect.
How much say did you have in picking the lineup for this night?
I chose the line up with the soundcrash guys. Calibre and The Invaderz are regulars at DJ Marky & Friends nights.
How has the drum and bass scene in Sao Paulo and Brazil developed since you started playing it?
When I started out the D&B scene was non existent, but once I started playing it with some friends of mine it blew up. We had some great times, big festivals and that, but now we’re back to the underground. Still great but it’s on a smaller scale.
What is it that you particularly enjoy about playing in London?
Firstly, for me it’s the home of drum n’ bass. Secondly it feels like a home away from home when I play there.
Is there anyone you’ve yet to play alongside that you particularly want to play a night with?
I’d really like to have Halogenix and Break play at one of my nights.
What’s the latest news from Innerground records?
We’ve signed a few tracks by Saikon from Cambridge, Phase 2 from London, Dirtbag from Brazil and Collette Warren is bringing out an EP. Also I’m working on some new tracks and my new label will be launching in January.
Marcus Intalex’s passing was one of the most tragic losses in recent memory. I know you two were close and it must be so difficult, but what do you think of the community response following his passing?
Obviously it was a very difficult time for me and still difficult. But the love he got from everyone all over the world was overwhelming and it touched me deeply.
Given the mixture of old school and new school present in the lineup on Saturday, and the unpredictability of your sets, what can we expect?
I love to take the crowd on a journey so it’s difficult to ever predict what kind of set i’m going to play because I always try to read the crowds reaction. I love to educate them with the music that I believe in. As well as that, you can expect a great night.
Lastly, if you could play at any place on the world which you haven’t already, what would it be?
Cuba!
Tickets for DJ Marky & Friends are still available, but you’d better hurry.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.
