Markus Schulz

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.  We’re sure his set at Coloursfest’09 will only raise his profile even more!

Where in the world do we find you today?
On a plane to Amman, Jordan.  I am playing a party there at the Dead Sea and I am really looking forward to it.  I played in Jordan a of couple years ago in the Wadi Rum desert and it was incredible.

How has life been treating you in 2009?
It has been so crazy, but I have really been making a conscious effort to settle down even during all the hectic travelling and just enjoy this incredible journey.

What’s been the highlight so far?
So far I think the highlight of 2009 has been finishing my "Dakota" album in the studio. It was just a little fun side project I was messing around with and it has just turned into this huge thing.  I am just blown away by the response thus far.

Who has been your favourite new DJ to play alongside this year?
I just finished up a 5 week Asian tour, and there is this DJ that always plays after me in China that I think is incredible.  Her name is DJ Jasmin Li.  She keeps the party going after me and her mixing skills, stage presence and her taste in music is amazing.  I think she has the potential to be a star if she comes to Europe.

Tell us about Toronto ’09….  How long did it take to compile and what selection process did you use for the tracks?
I release a city series every year, dedicating a compilation to a city that has inspired me during that year. I knew the compilation had to be completed at the end of 2008 so I was looking for tunes for it all year long.  Even though it is just a snapshot of my sound at a certain moment, it was a work in progress for a good part of 2008.

Are you pleased at how well the album has been received?
I really am pleased.  You know that I really try to capture a vibe with these compilations. They are not just your top hits mixed together and thrown out there. I try to capture a certain vibe, and what is really special is that people listen to the compilation over and over again and love it more each time they listen.  I really have this great connection with the fans and for them to trust me and listen to these compilations with such an open mind is really cool.

How are things going at the record label?
Coldharbour is doing really well.  We have just locked in our summer schedule of releases and it looks to be a big summer.  My biggest track in my box right now and one that I think will be everyone's biggest tune this summer is ‘Rex Mundi feat Susana- Nothing at all’.  We are preparing a very special release package for it and preparing for it to be massive.

What are your plans for Ibiza this year?
I will be playing at Amnesia 4 times this year. The opening party, 2 massive shows with Armin in the middle of the summer and the closing party, which will be my first ever solo show in Ibiza.  I think that one is going to be really special.  

Ibiza or Miami, which is your favourite?How can you choose between those two?
I love Ibiza because all of the friends I meet all year long in different cities in the world all go there for a reunion of sorts, and at the same time Miami is my home and it is amazing.  I know alot of places in Miami that are hidden away from tourists that I have the best time at.  I really honestly can't choose between the two.

You’re playing Coloursfest in Glasgow for the first time in June. Are you excited about playing Scotland’s legendary dance festival?
Of course.  I have played in Scotland a few time and was just blown away by the rowdiness and just overall craziness of the events.  I just can't imagine what this is going to be like.  Playing massive events like this for the first time are things that I really look forward to.

Will you be checking out anybody else’s set on the night?
I will be getting there early to check out Marco V.  I really love his style and always have a great time when he plays.  His new album is really good and I am interested in hearing how he incorporates his new tracks into his live set.

Do you have good memories of playing Scotland in the past?
You mean besides the crazy things that went on backstage?  I think most DJs leave Scotland without any real clear memory of what just went on.  That is the beauty of playing there.  You really get to be part of the party and just cut lose.  It is a great circle.  The crowd feeds you and you feed the crowd.  Exactly what it is supposed to be like

What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig?
Probably at Sensation White in Prague when water from the massive fountains they had got on the CDs and the CD player just stopped right in the middle of the track.  I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me away.  Ugh, I hate stuff like that....lets change topics, I still have nightmares about that moment.

What’s your favourite tune in your CD wallet at the moment?
I bounce around a little extra whenever I play ‘Mark Norman - Coffee Break’.  It is just a bad ass tune that fits exactly what I like.

If you could play back to back with any DJ in the world, what club would it be in and who would it be and why?
Danny Tenaglia at Groove Jet, circa 2000.  Magical moments.  I was there as a clubber and it inspired me alot.  I still think about the vibe in that room and try to recreate it in my sets whenever I play those long 6 hour or more sets.

What was the last non-dance album you purchased?
Zapp- More Bounce To the Ounce

Finally, what can the people at Coloursfest expect on June 6th?
My set will be featuring allot of the Dakota tracks that are just blowing up right now. I will also be banging some of the new tunes on Coldharbour.  I am just in a really good groove right now musically and can't wait for this one.

See you all down the front!