A couple of weeks ago I was first introduced to Marcus Schössow. I had never heard the name before, and couldn’t pronounce his last name if my life depended on it. So I did a little research and found that he is not only a great DJ, but he is getting a lot of attention from some of the biggest names in the industry. He does a lot of work with Gareth Emery, due to his relationship with Garuda Music, and has traveled all over the world playing clubs and festivals like Electric Zoo. It bothers me that I wasn’t familiar with his work, but glad that I was introduced to him and his progressive sound. He has a new single out called “Helvete”, and is about to hit the road in support of the new release. We talk about all of that here. Oh, and I mention his red hair! It is my pleasure to introduce you to my new favorite DJ, Marcus Schössow.
Really digging the new single. Tell me more about “Helvete”.
I made it for my sets at first and tried to bring in everything I love about current trance/prog without murdering it.
You are originally from Sweden. Electronic dance music is blowing up right now in the United States. Knowing how big the scene is over here, do you try to play more shows here or in Europe and other parts of the world?
I actually play most of my shows in North America or Eastern Europe. However, give Asia a couple of years; they will bloom.
Instagram was in the news last week. I see you use the service. Are you going to change your usage habits now that they can apparently sell your photos without your permission?
Nah, I honestly don’t give a shit. If they want to sell my photo of my cat or lunch then go ahead!
Tell me a little bit more about working with Garuda.
It’s been fantastic; great label management. I’ve got nothing but respect for those guys.
Speaking of Garuda, do you get to tour with Gareth Emery at all?
At the moment, neither of us has time for that right now. Gareth is working on an album and I’m finishing up some last pieces before 2013 starts to take off. Who knows, maybe sometime later this year!
That is some red hair you got there… is that natural?
Sadly, my mum had a one-night stand with a Heinz ketchup bottle and this is what happened! (Laughs.) Nah, it’s natural; my father’s beard is the one to blame.
Your career started back in 2007. How much has the scene changed since you started?
Oh, a lot for both good and bad reasons. The positive aspects of it have been that everyone is more professional and there are less drugs and idiots involved in it. The bad part is that some soul was lost during the transition period. Just because you are a big label A&R doesn’t necessarily mean you got a great taste of music. I hope 2013 will be the year that soul returns into the music.
The DJ Mag Top 100 list has Armin van Buuren back at the top. What are your thoughts on a list like that… one voted by the fans? Do you think placement on that list helps a DJ get shows?
If you are in the top 20, then maybe it matters, but for the rest of it, nah, doesn’t mean anything. Armin deserves to be #1; he is a father, a husband, world touring DJ party organizer, producer, radio show host and label manager. What more could you possible do? Trust me, if there is a man with superpowers, then it’s Armin!
Hype can maybe get you a few shows in random clubs, but you don’t want to play in random clubs, you want to play in clubs that book you back, year after year after year. In that way, the list means nothing.
What is Tone Diary?
It’s my label, radio show and podcast for three years. It is steady and going strong.
You played for over 1 million people during the Zurich Street Parade. Is that the biggest crowd you have ever played for?
Yeah, the Zurich Street Parade was like a dream. Hands shaking!
Speaking of festivals, do you prefer playing festivals or clubs?
I prefer both as long as the sound is great and the organization is top notch.
You were on main stage last year at Electric Zoo. I cover that festival every year. That’s a pretty crazy party, right? Did you have fun in the Big Apple?
If I ever move to the United States, NYC will be my home. It’s the city that brought my career alive, the city that shares my dreams, morals and religion. New York is New York… what more can I say than I love from the bottom of my heart!
Tell me about your relationship with The Windish Agency.
I joined them in September 2012. Steve Goodgold and Max Alexandre are taking good care of me. I choose my team wisely, you can be a kick ass super agent or Hollywood hills fancy ass manager but if you don’t have heart, there is nothing you can do. Max and Steve got heart, soul and integrity. I truly appreciate that. Let’s not forget the work of my assistant and my European agent. Both of them are true to their hearts in what they do and that means everything to me.
You don’t use a lot of lyrics. Have you ever thought of mixing a track with vocals?
Oh just wait, it’s coming!
How many stamps do you have in your passport?
I’ve used up two passports in two years, so hmmm, maybe 200’ish? The Russians knows how to waste pages in the passport, though! (Laughs.)
What’s next for Marcus Schössow?
I’ve been in studio all winter long and finally I will soon reveal some really big stuff. Axwell, Steve Angello, Thomas Gold and Dirty South have been playing some of the new material. Just wait and see!
Thank you so much for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Without heart, you will go nowhere.
