Having already picked up more than a dozen plays and invited as a guest mixer on Above & Beyond’s ‘Group Therapy’ radio show including the coveted ‘Push The Button’ feature, Melbourne’s Marcus Santoro proves why he is becoming known as one of the fastest rising Trance artists in Australia. Full of delicate, building chords, soothing atmospherics and undeniable groove, he has truly laid down the law on musical enthusiasts and their playlist globally.
Marcus’ debut ‘There Is Only You’ made it’s way to the top 10 on Beatport’s Trance chart and received 3 plays in a row on Above & Beyond’s ‘Group Therapy’ radio show. With his follow up ‘Midnight Children’ and ‘Gravity’ also gaining support from the band, making its way to the ‘Push The Button’ feature and eventually leading into a guest mix, which firmly planted Marcus’ new direction on the ground and into the mainstream Trance world picking up support from heavy-weights such as Cosmic Gate, Markus Schulz, Jason Ross, Ferry Corsten, Genix and many more.
His newest song ‘Flashpoint' just made its way to ABGT last week and would expect to here much more of it in the progressive scene. Check out our interview with Marcus as well as an exclusive guest mix!
Mix
Interview
What got you into making music, specifically Electronic Dance Music?
My father was a DJ back in the late 70s / early 80s so disco/dance was always a big factor in my household growing up so I discovered music from him and that definitely was a trigger for me jumping into the music world full time. I discovered EDM around 2004 from a few older cousins whom at the time were listening to classic Tiesto, Above & Beyond, Dirty South and Axwell. I fell in love instantly and started giving it a go and now the rest is history I guess!
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
There are so many artists out there who have influenced and inspired me throughout the years from across all genres. Within the dance music world, Above & Beyond, Dirty South, Alesso, Axwell /\ Ingrosso, Steve Angello, Andrew Bayer, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Deadmau5 and Daft Punk to name just a few! Although outside of the EDM spectrum, artists like Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Adele, The Weeknd, and Dr. Dre have definitely inspired me.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you before?
My sound is very melodic, atmospheric, full of groove, rich chords and lots of energy. Definitely a sound that sets the mood and perfect for both main room and opening set times. There’s also a lot of room for vocals to sing along to. I’ve always been about melodies as I feel that’s where you get the most excitement and ‘connection’ with the music that you’re listening to. Overall it’s fairly progressive/house/trance/electro vibes.
Thanks for the mix! What goes into making a mix like this, and what are some songs in this mix that stand out to you?
You’re welcome; I had a great time preparing that mix for you guys! When making a mix I always like to search for songs that flow nicely into the next and that follow the same or similar key. I believe that’s an ideal way to mix songs together and it also helps you learn a bit too on the production side of things! Some of the records that are a stand out in this mix would be my new single ‘Flashpoint’, Myon’s remix of Late Night Alumni & Kaskade’s ‘Love Song’, Above & Beyond’s smash hit ‘Alright Now’ and Jason Ross’ epic remix of Dirty South’s ‘I Swear’.
What are some things you like to do in spare time when not making music?
When I’m not making music (which is very rare), I like to always make sure I’m finding inspiration. I do that by either going for a walk with my dog, watching a movie or reading a book. I have a massive interest in film (before music I wanted to write movies!) so I sometimes look at things that relate to that world and study it, or I’m on the decks practicing as you can never have enough time away from those!
What does the summer have in store for you?
I unfortunately don’t get to enjoy the US/European Summer, rather I’m currently here in Australia in the freezing Winter but there is definitely going to be lots of noise for me this Summer down under! I will be performing at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium for the world’s biggest edition of Transmission and my team and I are working extensively hard on securing lots of other exciting shows! There’s also going to be heaps of new music out too so make sure you keep an ear out!
Favorite home-cooked meal?
Without question it’ll have to be a big bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese. I’d like to think I’m an OK home cook, thanks to Gordon Ramsay’s video tutorial and Kitchen Nightmares show. Also shout-out to my Nonna for the homemade pizza & pasta.
Favorite Junk Food?
Burgers, Kebabs, and pretty much anything considered ‘fast food’.
For More Information On Marcus Santoro, See The Following:
https:// facebook.com/MarcusSantoroDJ
https://soundcloud.com/MarcusSantoroDJ
