Contirbutor
After a brief hiatus Burnley’s finest Vibe Killers is set to for a return behind the decks. With a back catalogue spanning Toolroom, Kaluki, Resonance and his own Killer Vibe Records we caught up with the main man discuss his plans for a return & more.
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Welcome back, Mark! How does it feel to return to the music scene after a 4-year hiatus?
Veeeeery cool tbh. It’s been great catching up with people from the industry, and seeing how the scene is at present.
What have you been up to during your time away from the industry?
Not binge drinking haha! I run a couple of successful property business which take up a lot of my time, plus my sons football training has taken over my life, then just working out and enjoying life. Im also a season ticket holder for the mighty clarets (Burnley FC) along with my son Blake.
Can you share with us any details about your plans for the future? Are there any new projects or releases in the pipeline?
TBH i have no idea. I have several requests for shows, remixes, new management etc etc but for now i just want to play this show and see how i feel after it.
What can fans expect from your new music? Any particular styles or influences that have shaped your recent work?
I haven’t opened ableton for over 4 years haha so again, once i see how I feel after this show I may well fire it up again.
You’re set to perform in Spain soon. How excited are you for this gig, and what can the audience look forward to in your set?
Very excited – the anxious, nervous exciting feeling is back which I’ve missed – I love prepping for a set and have dug back in my library for stuff I haven’t listened to or played for years – it was good to find new stuff on Beatport too so theres a mix of it all in the set.
It’s great to have been asked back to Caboo Club in Spain, it’s a really cool place and will be the 3rd time I’ve played there. It’s my second home and I’ve become good pals with Charlie the owner.
Are there any other upcoming shows or festivals that you’re particularly looking forward to?
This is my only show so far, so lets see how it goes.
Will your record label be making a comeback as well? If so, what are your plans for it?
I have thought about it – I liked helping new upcoming stars get their stuff out when sometimes labels don’t listen – I was in that position once! One guy who is flying now is Blackchild, we released one of his tracks 4 years ago which he has thanked us for helping his career progress a few times now. It is a cool track and he is a cool guy. We were very happy to sign him at the time, and its great to see how he is doing now.
What role do you see your label playing in the current electronic music landscape?
I think it will still all be about helping the relatively unknown but gifted artists get their tracks out.
You originally started as a duo. What has been the biggest challenge transitioning to a solo act?
Loneliness with travelling was a killer – I’m about to do it again this Friday but I have plenty of pals in Spain so all good.
How do you think the dynamics of your music and performances have changed since you began performing solo?
I will be honest and say not as good, my brother had a real talent for making music and track selection so its not been the same since.
Looking back at your career, what do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment so far?
1 million + streams on Spotify was cool, I know artists do a lot more but for 2 lads from burnley it was big – also when we got videos of Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Martinez Brothers etc playing our music was pretty cool. Random inbox off Marco Carola was a good one wanting one of ours tracks. There have been loads tbh.
You’ve gained support from some big names in the industry. How has their support influenced your career?
A lot – someone sees your track being played by a big name can open many doors.
How do you see the electronic music scene evolving in the next few years?
It’s going to be more social media and maybe AI which I don’t think is cool – stick people infront of 2 technics 1200s then lets see who has talent!
Are there any upcoming artists or producers that you think people should keep an eye on?
Will Lewis who is a resident for Egg London is the one for me. He plays with some of the biggest names in the game and has a couple of decent tracks he has made. I’m actually playing b2b with him in spain which will be fun. Also, and he’s not upcoming – AJ Christou, I’ve watched his career from playing in small clubs to literally flying in private jets to sold out venues.
How do you stay inspired and motivated to keep creating music?
I didn’t ha ha but perhaps things will change. I never stopped listening though, I am on Spotify all day every day.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not producing or performing?
Working (yes its true haha), watching burnley football club, watching my son play footy and just chilling with my family. Watching my daughter grow is a blessing.
Any words of advice for aspiring producers and DJs looking to make their mark in the industry?
Be different! Ignore bad vibes and keep going! all it takes is one track to change your life.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans as you make your return to the scene?
Nothing as of yet, lets see how the Spain show goes.
https://www.instagram.com/caboomusicclub/
https://www.instagram.com/vibe__killers/
