Markus Schulz has crafted the individual musical identities of progressive, trance and house, fashioning them into a unique fusion that has been a colossal smash with dance fans far and wide.
German-born and US raised, the DJ and producer – owner of Coldharbour Recordings – is a staple at the most prestigious dance gatherings around the world.
You name the best clubs and the biggest events, and he'll have laid down his trance-progressive deliveries there, for sure.
He holds the title of the busiest international DJ playing out of the States, and took the 2012/13 DJ Times gong for America's Best DJ.
To the delight of fans, Markus will be adding his musical weight to the Electric Daisy Carnival at the National Bowl, this Saturday (July 11).
He spoke about the EDC brand with Total MK...
How important is EDC as a brand?
The role it has played toward the explosion of dance music in the United States and beyond cannot be underestimated.
When they moved the main edition to Las Vegas in 2011, I originally thought it was so risky, because of the legal age laws regarding accommodation and so on.
But it turned out to be a watershed moment for the scene, where a new generation had united to celebrate what they loved. So for EDC to come to the UK, I can only see it as a huge positive towards the scene.
Some of the festival goers will be experiencing a live event for the first time, and if they enjoy the experience, it will help them contribute towards the weekly and monthly club events at the likes of Ministry of Sound in London, where I hold a residency.
EDC boasts an unparalleled artist line-up. Tell us what you bring to the party that is unique
Unicorn slaying trance! Relentless basslines, booming emotions and melodies to touch your soul; and most importantly for a festival, music to make you dance the day and night away.
Tell us about your best EDC experience so far - on stage, or off
The 2012 edition, the second that took place in Las Vegas, was something that could have been written in a book. Halfway through my main performance, the festival ground to a halt due to high winds; disappointing DJs, attendees, and a worldwide listening audience collectively.
I retreated to the temporary radio studio, where good friend Armin van Buuren was hosting the radio portion and preparing for his own set.
Sharing a desire to entertain the listeners and facilitate the radio stations, we began an impromptu back to back session, and were quickly joined by duo Cosmic Gate. Some ninety minutes later, I was asked by Insomniac if I would like the opportunity to play for the fans that had remained on the grounds of the speedway.
No fancy gimmicks, no big stage setup, no visuals; just some CDJs, a mixer and speakers on an art car. What followed was one of the most surreal yet special moments I have experienced. This third set of the night acted as a throwback to those mystical days of innocent Nevada raves; and a reminder, if it was ever required, of how blessed DJs are to be able to do what they love for a living. Who will you be most looking forward to checking in with on the day? My New World Punx partner in crime Ferry Corsten of course!
I’m also very friendly with the guys from Cosmic Gate, and looking forward to seeing Paul van Dyk, John O’Callaghan, Solarstone and Ilan Bluestone again.
All those guys are having brilliant years on the production front. Your own set aside, how will you spend the rest of the day? The gig falls in between a stretch of busy festival touring for me.
The day before I am in Helsinki, and the day after I fly out to Split in Croatia for the European edition of Ultra. But I’m always so happy to be in the surroundings of England. I actually lived in London for two years at the turn of the millennium, so being able to immerse myself in the culture (and let’s be honest, enjoy some proper tea!) is something I value a lot.
EDC takes the live experience to a new level, but how do these huge outdoor events vary from the more usual show for you?
Like any festival, they act as a shop window for you to showcase your signature sounds.
Normally with a club show, you are the headliner and you get to play much longer and have the opportunity to explore and learn from your mistakes. But with a festival, everyone is the top tier of who people want to see, so you have the opportunity to tap into fans of other DJs that may be checking you out for the very first time.
So lots of your tracks are trimmed down and tightly edited, to help make the experience for the fans more memorable. EDC aside, what does the rest of the summer have in store for you? Summer to me generally means festivals and Ibiza.
You could say it begins at the Las Vegas edition of EDC in June, and the chaos just continues from there.
I’ll also be at Electronic Family in Amsterdam and the Electric Zoo festival in New York. My Ibiza duties are split between Space and Privilege this year, where I’m doing one of my signature open to close solo sets, playing from the opening beat of the night to the last person standing, at Privilege on Tuesday July 14th.
I also have two New World Punx events with Ferry, both at Space on July 27th and September 14.
The majority of my production work is focused on a special city series this year - where each calendar month I create a new production and dedicate it to an event which takes place in a particular municipal.
Give us your tips for the sounds of the summer, 2015 Eric Prydz is as consistently brilliant as ever, and his track Generate will continue to dominate playlists long into the summer. I’m a big admirer of Ten Walls after Walking with Elephants last year; he’s just released two tracks Sparta and Blue Orphan. On my Coldharbour label, Nifra & Artisan’s Rampage has been an essential for me in my sets over the past few months.
And I should give a mention to my latest vocal single Destiny featuring Delacey, which is something that has connected and touched the souls of many around the world.
I can’t wait to play it at EDC!
For more information and to book tickets for the dance event of the summer, visit http://uk.electricdaisycarnival.com/
