Markus's mix tape
He’s
considered as being one of the foremost ‘progressive’
trance DJs in the world. Couple that title with a brand new compilation
album Amsterdam 08 and a global radio dj-ing hosting gig you can
bet this guy has a major following.
He’s Markus Schulz and he hails from Miami
USA. Today as he sits in his recording studio (the home of Coldharbour
Recordings off the Armada label) cosy while rain falls outside
he’s excited about the year ahead - not least of all his
upcoming tour to Australia.
He’s set to emerge from down the self proclaimed
rabbit hole he’s happily led his fans next month as he takes
to the stage as part of Future Entertainment’s Future Music
Festival.
“The cool thing was the first time I was in
Australia I didn’t really know what to expect,” he
exclaims. “Australia is this place on the other side of
the world but the people are just so fantastic. So now I know
what to expect, really looking forward to meeting people and just
having a great time,” he drawls in rather pronounced North
American accent.
I was surprised with a name like Markus Schulz you’d
expect some hint of a European accent but no, this guy is as Yankee
as they come.
It was only weeks ago that his compilation Amsterdam
08 was released, and towards the end of 2007 he blitzed his
listeners with his latest artist album Progression. Schulz
believes each album demonstrating, two distinct sides to the type
of music he is capable of producing.
“The artist album is traditionally lots of
vocals, I don’t think there is even one vocal track on the
compilation,” he states matter of factly.
“The mixed CD is different from an artist
CD, where the mixed CD is a snapshot of how your DJ sets will
go down live, the artist album says more about who you are as
an artist.
“It’s cool that fans understand and
appreciate that,” he continues.
That he can be assured of too. Fans tune in weekly
across 30 global terrestrial radio stations from Singapore to
Amsterdam but it’s the internet and its ability to connect
people that Schulz thanks for a lot of his following.
“I
think the internet has really kind of unified things musically
– a lot of fans follow the show and follow me very closely.
“It’s totally cool to play a track,
a brand new track, play it on the show one week across the world
and then play it in a club there is really a global community
because of the internet,” he said.
He concedes too that the prevalence of Facebook
forums as well Myspace has had a direct impact on the direction
he’ll take his listeners in.
“It’s almost like a dance floor in the
sense that if you’re in touch enough or feel the audience
well enough you get a feel for the thick sense or direction to
take your sound,” he says emphatically.
He’ll get the opportunity to hone that direction
when he comes not only to Australian shores but the rest of the
year will see him hop continents and countries. Schulz will glide
into the European summer and his annual residency at Amnesia nightclub
in Ibiza looks set to be another certain highlight again.
“I’m looking forward to this summer
a lot of festivals around Europe, and travel with a lot of people.
“On the production side the artist album we’ll
release a remixes album of Progression.
As he’s been around on the global music scene
since he was 15 Schulz shows no signs of slowing down rather he’s
fulfilling his life destiny.
“This is what I was put on this planet for.
“Honestly the thing is – I started making
music as a form of expression to be able to express myself and
the fact I can make a career out of it is just a bonus.
“There is nothing I would rather do,”
he says.
Catch Markus Schulz along with The Chemical Brothers
Roger Sanchez, Data Rock and Chicks on Speed when they head up
the line up for Future Music Festival touring nationally.
For more information visit www.futureentertainment.com.au
Ruth Bailey
