Tonight, be ready to scream with glee

Voted No. 8 on DJ Mag's Top 100, US-based DJ Markus Schulz takes to the console to spin melodic progressive trance tunes so good, you will have to try hard to not have a good time. Bhairavi Jhaveri chats him up after his gig in Bangalore

Digital Import
Voted No. 8 on DJ Mag's Top 100, US-based DJ Markus Schulz takes to the console to spin melodic progressive trance tunes so good, you will have to try hard to not have a good time. Bhairavi Jhaveri chats him up after his gig in Bangaloreu00a0

How was your experience performing in Bangalore?

DJ Markus Schulz performed at Fuga, Bangalore on May 10. Pic/Satish Badiger

It is my first time in India, so, I was surprised to see how knowledgeable the crowd here is. They know their music well, and that felt incredible. I looked at everybody's faces and they all had this expression that said, "Wow!" I saw a lot of passion in them.

Are you going to play a similar set for Mumbai?
Yes, I will be playing a lot of my big hits. And, some stuff from my upcoming album, Dakota.u00a0u00a0

You have an extensive tour planned till September that kickstarted with Bangalore. When do you find time to work on your music?
I love to travel, so, I tour almost all year round. I carry my laptop everywhere and work on melodies on days I get off.

How do you describe your music style?
Deep, bassline-driven, melodic Progressive Trance.

Under Coldharbour, your own record label, which artists are you currently promoting?
Rex Mundi, who is coming out with the biggest summer hit, Nothing at All is definitely on my radar, along with another progressive trance artist, Elevation.

How did the weekly radio show Global DJ Broadcast that's made you seriously popular around the world come about?
A couple of years ago, I got a bunch of DJs together at Miami's Winter Music Conference and played sets for the Miami radio station Party 93.1. It became very popular and that's how I decided to continue with it. I play a mix of live sets from a club along with studio sets.

What is Ibiza Summer Sessions that debuted in 2006?
Every summer, I move my Global DJ Broadcast studio to Ibiza. I play music live from the
clubs there.

You moved from Germany to the US at 13 and you are currently based in Miami. What is the music scene in Berlin like in comparison to Miami?
Miami is very celebrity-oriented, a lot of bling-bling. The music scene in Germany is much more deeper and underground. But, I still have an apartment in Berlin, where I spend my
summers.

You started your career as a breakdancer. What made you want to rule the decks and not the dance floor?
Years ago, my friends and I were heavily into the breakdancing scene. Friends would come over. Some would want to break dance. Some would want to take charge of the turntables. But, when we decided to throw a bigger party and invite breakdancing groups from all over, the DJs refused to play in front of an audience. So, I took charge, though I was one of the dancers. I played all night. Old school Hip Hop mixed with Electronic was really popular with this dance style. That's when I knew I wanted to DJ.

You have remixed tracks for Jewel, Madonna, Depeche Mode, and the likes. What was that time like?
It was exciting to work with such big names, and I definitely learnt a lot. But, I don't remember it as my best time because I didn't enjoy creative freedom. I changed a lot during that period and knew I wanted to make music for myself, not for other artists.

How was this year's Miami Winter Music Conference?
Because of the economic slowdown, things were a lot different this year. Earlier, people would just come to Miami and then decide which parties they wanted to attend. This year, everyone knew exactly where they wanted to go. They had pre-picked their destinations. Having said that, the atmosphere was very optimistic with new people wanting to get into the scene.

Which other music festivals are a must-attend on your list every year?
Sensation White, Trance Energy, Trance Mission and all the Global Gathering festivals held in the year.

How much has your music style changed over the years?
When I used to play for the Global DJ Broadcast, people used to listen to it and like it. But it's a lot different at a club or at a festival. After playing at various festivals for 30,000 people, my music has now gained more momentum. It is more powerful.

Catch DJ Markus Schulz tonight, 11 pm onwards at Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, opposite Kamala Mills, Lower Parel.
Entry: Rs 750 per head.
Call: 40332300.
DJ Sanjay Dutta will open for DJ Markus Schulz at 9.30 pm. The event is being held as the Sunburn Electric Circus Party hosted by Submerge