Dropping his second EP on London label Delusions of Grandeur entitled ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’, the understated underground house hero has had a love affair with electronic dance music from way back when rave culture first swept through England. Making highly desirable killer cuts, with releases on Running Back, Golf Channel, Futureboogie, Spectral, plus his own E-Visions, his sound is warm, understated and always interesting. Sitting in all the best record boxes, we get the chance to put a few questions to the legend that is Mark E.
Thanks for talking to us Mark. What are you up to today?
I’m at home, just taking a bit of time out from work.
Since your first release – ‘Scared’ on Joscomusic – back in 2005, nearly 20 years have passed. Do you feel the same way about making music as you did back then?
Yeah, I really do. I’m really excited about what I’ve been putting out recently, so still feel like I’m just getting going.
Does the Womack and Womack tribute say something about your early musical influences as a kid?
No not at all. I can’t say there was anything significant in my early years that I can refer back to if I’m honest.
Being a successful artist today, how much do think what it takes to be successful has changed. Do you feel the fundamentals remain the same?
It depends how you measure success. And I’m not sure I would describe myself as a successful artist. It’s so hard to get your music out there in the first place let alone to then sell a decent amount to make a living from it, but if you measure it by being able to express yourself musically and then have people enjoy what you do and keep supporting and buying your records, then yes, I guess I’ve been successful in that respect. It’s always been that way as long as I have been doing this.
How much have your production methods changed over the years?
I started out at the very beginning using Fruityloops, that’s how all those edits were made. I’m now using Ableton with more external instruments these days.
Do you approach your releases with a message or a mood or is it a lot simpler than that.?
No message or mood, I just want to make music that I would like to hear.
What drives you to create music?
I love house music and feel like I’ve got a lot more to say musically. It’s also very therapeutic making music.
Where do your ideas come from?
I listen to a lot of DJ mixes, mainly deep house mixes. I’ve also been listening to more ambient and jazz music lately, which I think is starting to come through into my productions.
How many days a week do you spend in the studio these days?
I actually have very limited time these days, as I enjoy time with my family and I’m also working full time, but I seem to get a lot of my inspiration early in the morning.
I know you are selective about playing out. Have you played out much this year?
I had a really nice gig at L’ambasedeur club in Lyon earlier this year with Manoo. Love that place. I think maybe I’ll look at getting out there more next year.
Are you still up for an all-nighter or do take a more measured approach these days.
Definitely more measured. I really liked the Plastic People all-dayer at Printworks this year.
Who do you think is making good music at the minute?
Meftah / Julion d Angelo / Specter / Kyle Hall / Rai Scott / Dubbyman / Gifted & Blessed / Abacus / K15 / Fred P.
Have you bought any albums for home listening lately?
Andre 3000 – New Blue Sun and Wally Badarou – Words of a Mountain
How far back does your relationship with Delusions of Grandeur go?
Well, I’ve always been a fan of their output and have quite a few records from over the years, but only approached them with the last EP Leaning into the Light which was earlier last year. And to now have a second release coming out feels really good, I feel like we are on the same page with things and having the freedom to do the artwork too is great.
Transcendental, trippy, deep house brimming with sparkling optimism and hope. What does Enchantment Under The Sea EP feel like to you?
Thank you, yeah it does feel optimistic doesn’t it, I agree. To me, it feels like a new lease of life musically. It feels like I am entering a new area personally in what I’m capable of, so I’m excited about what’s coming out next.
You have created the artwork for the cover. To what degree are you an artist?
Well, I got an A grade for A level Art, that’s about it, but I also trained as a furniture designer and now am involved in producing technical drawings in my day job so have always had a creative leaning.
The artwork for the last two releases with DOG are my indulgent paintings that I’ve done for my own artistic pleasure, but I think they really work in this context. Maybe I’ll do some more.
What’s coming up on the release front next year?
Currently thinking about another EP for Eugene @ Public Release in SF, something for Forbidden Dance too, which is really exciting, and who knows, I’d love to do another one for Delusions of Grandeur.
What are you looking forward to in 2024 aside from making music?
Shaking the Vertigo.
It always a joy to get a new Mark E release. Thank you Mark.
Thank you for having me.
buy Mark E – Enchantment Under The Sea EP – Delusions Of Grandeur
https://mark-e.bandcamp.com/album/enchantment-under-the-sea-ep
https://www.instagram.com/mark_e_merc_/
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