Markus Schulz interview

The rise to great success with most top DJs starts with a dedication born out of an obsession for music. For Markus Schulz, his story was no exception. Originally from Germany, Markus moved to the USA aged 13 and quickly become engrossed in the break-dancing scene of the time. Although a talented mover on the floor, a chance to dominate the decks at a breaks party he helped organise became the pivotal moment when Markus decided upon the path of his life's work. That dedication has since seen him storm up the charts to take his current place at number 8 in the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJ poll 2008 - a position surely set to rise in 2009.


I understand that you initially came from a very strong House background, what provoked your transcension to Trance?

It wasn't that I was into house, it was that I was into more underground dance music. At the time when I started getting into the scene the underground music was considered "house music". But back in those days, you would hear all kinds of music that today would be classified as "trance" labeled as house music. The DJs that inspired me would mix Italian house which was more uplifting, Chicago house which was more beats and basslines and NY house which was more deep and soulful. You would also hear alternative tracks from New Order, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Yazoo mixed in as well. I was always drawn to the more melodic tunes of these type of sets and that is where I evolved from. House grooves with melodic themes were the type of tunes I looked for.


Who would be the Producer you currently admire the most and why?

Rex Mundi is one, his basslines are just massive. I also love Gai Barrone, Barnes and Heatcliff and Cosmic Gate. All of these guys are very much on point right now with their tunes and I think it is very exciting.


You have been fortunate enough to work with the likes of Carrie Skipper, Kirsty Hawkshaw, Dauby, Departure, and many more incredible vocalists. Is there anyone on the scene right now that you want to snatch up and work with?

There are a couple that I am working with on my new album but I do not want to jinx the projects because it is still not close to being finished. Of course my dream is to work with some singers like Tori Amos or Sarah McLachlan. That would be amazing.


The weirdest thing a fan has ever done to get your attention or given you gift wise?

Well some things fans do to get my attention is done so often that it isn't weird anymore to me. Flashing me is one that comes to mind. But I guess when someone threw their keys on stage with an address attached, that was pretty clever.


You recently took home the International Dance Music Award for best DJ in The United States of America at the Winter Music Conference this year. Firstly, I'd like to say congratulations on this success! Secondly, when everyone from around the world ventures off to your neck of the woods in Miami, does this make you appreciate where you stay more?

For Me, Miami is where I live. I don't really get the chance to play there as often as I like because of my heavy tour schedule. For the US fans to support me this much makes me actually a bit sad that I am not able to spend as much time playing there as I would like. I do know that especially in Miami, I am very proud of the clubs and the talent that gets booked there. It is a world class party city where people come from all over the world to holiday.


Favourite Movie?

It used to be Smokey and the Bandit, I love that black Trans-Am, but I have been sucked into Al Pacino movies and either The Godfather or Scarface are my new favorites.


Global DJ Broadcast has become a massive radio show heard around the world. You feature a lot of your gigs on the station. What qualities must the city or the venue posses in order to be featured on it? Also, this past year you released your annual CD devoted to a city that inspires you, you chose Toronto. That is my hometown, when you're not spinning at the likes of Guvernment, catching a nap, or being interviewed... what do you enjoy most about the city?

It is all about the fans. If a city has passionate fans that deserve to be represented to the world, then I want to make a World Tour recording out of it. That is what is so special about all of the live shows. I try to make it so that people listening on the radio feel like they are there at the event as well. As far as Toronto, there is not much more I can say about that amazing city. The scene is one of the best in the world, and Guvernment is just an amazing place to play. I love the entire vibe in Toronto from the shopping, the parks, the restraints and of course all of the great after parties.


Do you ever regret becoming a DJ? Did you have other aspirations as a child ?

I have never wanted to do anything else. I remember working at McDonalds and having the radio on at all times when I was working. Music is the pulse of my life, I really feel like this is what I have been put on this earth to do.


Perhaps any info on upcoming releases you could tease us with?

I am just about to release the Dakota album which I am very proud of, and have already begun work on the next "Markus Schulz" artist album. Stay tuned!

We would like to thank Markus for the time he took to do this interview for us.

" I really feel like this is what I have been put on this earth to do. "

Okey, now.. i can go to sleep.

Thanks Nelson... +10