Marco Verkuylen, better known to the dance music world as Marco V, is embarking on a huge North American tour this week. Praised for his ability to create addictive tunes that border on progressive trance, electro and melodic techno/house, Marco V has established himself as a pioneer in the genre. The Netherlands-native has continually been listed in DJ Magazine’s Top 50 and plays at the world’s most respected festivals including Sensation White, Innercity, Creamfields, Trance Energy and Sunrise. Marco V recently released the fourth album in his successful V.ision series and in the fall is slated to release Propaganda V2. He has closely collaborated with all-stars Sander van Doorn, Filo & Peri, Christopher Lawrence, Trentmøller, Robbie Rivera, Blank & Jones, Rank 1, Coldplay, and Paul van Dyk (to name a few) on over a dozen studio albums. A regular fixture in the Ibiza club scene, Verkuylen won the Best Tech House DJ at the 2009 DJ Awards in Ibiza. TheMST.com grabbed the opportunity to speak with the talented producer/DJ to learn more about who he is and how he got where he is today.
Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: How did you get interested in dance music production and DJing?
Marco V: I’ve liked dance music ever since I was a little boy, so to start DJing was very logical for me. After DJing many years I wanted to do something more with music, so I started to produce my own stuff.
What about Dutch (and German) culture, do you think, leads to such impressive talents be produced from these countries?
Yeah that’s something that’s been asked many times… I don’t know really. Maybe we have some creative people over here
Who helped jump-start your career? Influenced you most as you developed?
[It was] my own records that became big over here, from there on I got more gigs all over the world. It’s a snowball effect.
What new talent inspires you most these days?
Everything that’s going on at the moment—not just one person in particular
Your music is always progressive and at the forefront of the industry. How do you achieve this?
Maybe it’s because I never produce or play one style of music. I always have many influences from different styles and blend it all together.
What are some of your most memorable success and triumphs? Any regrettable life choices?
I am one of the lucky ones that got golden records for my songs; this was in the days that people still buy records. Nowadays it’s impossible to get golden records. I’m still really happy with that success.
What have been some of your favorite sets and events that you’ve DJ’d?
The Sensation White parties are always great to play at.
Yes, I saw you there. Sensation White is incredible! Now you’re embarking on this massive new tour, what should fans expect from you? What’s new? What do you most anticipate?
I am starting a new record label. On this label I’m gonna release new stuff that’s slightly different then the sound I have on my IN CHARGE label. It’s very melodic stuff and energetic.
Where do you see the future of dance music going?
I wish I knew, would make it a lot easier!
What lacks in the industry today?
It’s a bit too commercial for my taste, but that will change hopefully.
Any other plans on the burners—after your tour?
Yes, I’m going to tour with a club concept. Something with visuals and extended DJ sets. But more about that soon…
Where do you like to spend your free time? What are your other hobbies?
I like Asia a lot, but I can have a good time anywhere as long as there is great food! I don’t have any real hobbies. I play tennis now and then and I ride my race bike when I have the time for it.
Marco V kicks off the tour at San Francisco’s legendary dance temple, Ruby Sky. For more information on the tour or his latest beats head to: www.marcov.nl.
Verkuylen posts a weekly top 10 list on the site, which is definitely worth a glance.
Marco V’s tentative North American tour schedule:
May:
5/21 – Ruby Sky
5/21 San Francisco, California
5/22 – Fusion Dreams
PNE Colesium
Vancouver B.C., Canada
5/23 – MGM Grand
Las Vegas
July:
7/21 – Cream Stereo Lounge
Phoenix
7/22 – Barfly
Minneapolis
7/23 – Last Supper Club
Seattle
7/24 – Audiostistic Festival
NOS Events Center
San Bernardino
7/28 – Opera
Atlanta
7/29 – Lima
Washington
7/30 – Gryphon
Hollywood
7/31 – Lizard Lounge
Dallas
