Winter Warmers 3

Back in 1964 Alfred Hitchcock shared his definition of happiness, stating that when all negative and destructive emotions are removed, there’s a clear horizon ahead for renewed creation. Almost 60 years later these wise words still count and are more actual than ever.

For the third time, I’m proud to present my personal Winter Warmers, a fine collection of mixtapes recorded live at different locations across Belgium. The music keeps me going and helps me escaping from today’s reality. With these carefully selected tracks, I want to bring hope, motivate and inspire you to find happiness in the little things of life.

I really hope you enjoy this music as much as I do. To book me for your own event, venue, concept or business, don’t hesitate to contact me and say hello.

Personally I want to thank all promotors supporting my passion for music and believing in its power and ability to heal, touch or move people’s hearts, even during these difficult pandemic times.

Therefore a very special “thank you” goes out to:

• Bastiaan P. of Deep House Belgium for inviting me at his studio in Lint to record a unique livestream
• Ugur A. and Marc R. of Extrema and The Day Before Tomorrow for booking me at La Brassa, a brand new Summer bar & restaurant in Brasschaat
• Michel VG. of Wezel Culinair for the kindness and hospitality at his yearly gastronomic festival in ‘s-Gravenwezel
• Kasper S. and Danyelle VT. of tasTE! for their continuous love and support of being a regular resident throughout many years at Black Smoke (Rooftop), Absinthbar and other exclusive venues in Antwerpen
• Randy B. and Judineth M. of Skybar Antwerp for the trust and opportunity to open their popup The Berlin Post in Antwerpen
• Andy S. of SHARP.Art for a creative collaboration during his Fine Art Prints Expo at House de Neuf in Edegem

These surprising locations inspired me to compose those exclusive mixtapes for you. Let’s be inspired even more in 2022 with great quality music ahead…

“Quality music taking you on a journey of sounds & beats leaving you longing for more.”

To keep track of my next upcoming gigs, connect with me on BandsInTown and follow my socials. Stay safe!

Winter Warmers 2

The days are getting shorter, the nights are feeling colder and nature is telling us: Winter is coming. This doesn’t mean Winter season cannot be interesting too, don’t you think? In Winter time you can also go to apéros, afterworks, openings or visit various indoor/outdoor popup-initiatives. But nevertheless these cosy Winter events keep reminding me of last Summer and make me longing and dreaming for just a little more sunshine and happiness.

For the second time, I’m proud to present my personal Winter Warmers, a fine collection of mixtapes recorded live during the last year at different locations in Belgium. These carefully selected tracks will help you living through Winter season easily. I really hope you enjoy this music as much as I do.

Now sit back, relax and turn up the volume!

A special “thank you” goes to the various promotors out there supporting my passion for music and especially to:

• Black Smoke
• Salito Beach
• Skybar Antwerp
• Smokey Jo’s Cantina
• The Dirty Rabbit

These creative concepts and surprising locations inspired me to compose those exclusive mixtapes for you.

“Quality music that takes you on a journey of sounds & beats and leaves you longing for more.”

I love Cubic Clash

Last year I got the chance to play at the 5th anniversary edition of Cubic Clash, a well-known indoor festival for electronic music lovers at the Kuub concert hall in my hometown Turnhout. Unfortunately the 5th edition of Cubic Clash was also the final one. The founders, Tune In Turn Out, decided to put an end to the Cubic story and explore new horizons.

Nevertheless Cubic Clash has always been a versatile and contemporary event with various musical dimensions. Not only local deejays got the opportunity to play, exciting electronic live acts were invited as well. Every year international and exclusive headliners came to Turnhout to perform on stage:

• 2007 : Rex The Dog (UK) | Meltdown (BE) | Lady Lite & MC Mary Jane (BE)
• 2008 : Vicarious Bliss (FR) | Digikid 84 (FR) | Sound of Stereo (BE)
• 2009 : T.Raumschmiere (DE) | Geht’s Noch vs Keatch (BE) | AKS feat. Selah Sue (BE)
• 2010 : Freestylers DJ’s (UK) | Tek-One (UK) | Vermin Twins (BE)
• 2011 : Simian Mobile Disco (UK) | Lucy Love (DK) | Teddiedrum (BE)

The organization of such a fast growing indoor festival required lots of energy. The comparison with large commercial dance events was often made, although its growth potential and profit margins had never been the intention. Therefore Tune In Turn Out wanted to avoid that their Cubic concept became too mainstream like several other festivals already did.

I’m proud that I could be part of the very last edition, which was a real highlight again and made me longing for the next new party concept in T-Town. Thank you for 5 years of quality electronic music!

Because I was unable to tape my live gig at Cubic Clash, I recorded it again at my homestudio. It starts rather minimal with tracks from Leesa (Atmosphere Records) and Shur-I-Kan, and evolves into jackin’ tech house with Oliver Koletzki (Stil Vor Talent) and Sonny Fodera. Just the way I like it!

Let’s share and enjoy my tribute I love Cubic Clash mixtape.

I love Marko on Sundays

It all began back in 2003 with a great gig of Marko at MusiCafé while studying in Leuven. Later on I discovered his "Marko on Sundays" compilations released under the N.E.W.S. Records label. These little gems of progressive house music convinced me to create a new mix of only the most funky, dirty and deep underground tunes. The last compilation already dates from 2005, but still it sounds like it could have been released yesterday. This proves the timelessness of Marko’s musical flavour as both a DJ and artist.

 

His biography only confirms what has been stated before:

 

For the past 14 years Marko has been the resident DJ for the legendary "La Rocca on Sunday" nights at La Rocca Ballroom in Lier which is a quite remarkable achievement. He has been called a specialist by some and ‘middle of the road’ by others, but everyone agrees: Marko has got real talent and he is a true professional. For years his name appeared in the Belgian top 10 DJ’s readers poll of dance music magazine "Outsoon". In 2004 he was also voted "Best Belgian Progressive DJ". His main source of energy comes directly from the dance floor. Its feedback drives him on. He’s a master in picking up its vibe and guiding it into his sets. An amazing collection of vinyl helps him to create an incredible atmosphere among the party crowd.

 

The following tracks were carefully selected and mixed:
 
La Rocca "Marko on Sundays 2001"

1.  The Base Boys – The Base 80’s  

La Rocca "Marko on Sundays 2002"

1. Drumguru – Jaguar Car
2. The Sanctuary – Ilk
3. Alexander Church – Welcome to my world (Mark Wheawill Remix) 

La Rocca "Marko on Sundays 2003"

1. Bombdogs – I can’t explain
2. Pashka – Life is hard
3. Sodex – Move me (Roman Salzger Night Liner Remix)
4. Kwirky – Jesus or The Devil (Freeloader Mix)
5. DJ Linus – Temper
6. Parisi & Delvino – Sonic Fuel (Nico Parisi Remix)  

La Rocca "Marko on Sundays 2004"

1. Only Freak – Tiny Forces (Jimpster’s House Dub)
2. Habersham & Numinous – Leaving Tifton (Original Mix)
3. Phunk Electric feat. P.T. – Red Hot (Elettro Mix)
4. TDR – Plique  

La Rocca "Marko on Sundays 2005" 

1. Ty Tek – Dirty Fusion
2. Marc O’ Tool – Gear 3
3. Les Schmitz & Oliver Schmitz feat. Rookstar – Let’s bring it back (3PM Mix)
4. Criss Source – Hugs ‘n’ Kisses
   DJ Rooster & Sammy Peralta – Bass in your face (Robbie Rivera’s Acapella)
5. Mooncat feat. Azeem – U got me (Dragon Dub)
6. Wharehouse – Music Muscle

This is the complete playlist of my I love Marko on Sundays set:

1. The Base Boys – The Base 80’s
2. The Sanctuary – Ilk
3. Sodex – Move me (Roman Salzger Night Liner Remix)
4. Alexander Church – Welcome to my world (Mark Wheawill Remix)
5. DJ Linus – Temper
6. Drumguru – Jaguar Car
7. Bombdogs – I can’t explain
8. Only Freak – Tiny Forces (Jimpster’s House Dub)
9. Kwirky – Jesus or The Devil (Freeloader Mix)
10. Habersham & Numinous – Leaving Tifton (Original Mix)
11. Pashka – Life is hard
12. TDR – Plique
13. Parisi & Delvino – Sonic Fuel (Nico Parisi Remix)
14. Phunk Electric feat. P.T. – Red Hot (Elettro Mix)
15. Les Schmitz & Oliver Schmitz feat. Rookstar – Let’s bring it back (3PM Mix)
16. Marc O’ Tool – Gear 3
17. Criss Source – Hugs ‘n’ Kisses
    DJ Rooster & Sammy Peralta – Bass in your face (Robbie Rivera’s Acapella)
18. Mooncat feat. Azeem – U got me (Dragon Dub)
19. Ty Tek – Dirty Fusion
20. Wharehouse – Music Muscle

If you’re not convinced by now, then you should visit La Rocca on a Sunday night when Marko spins the decks and you’ll know what I mean. In the meanwhile you can always download my set and have an early experience with your own ears. I’m sure you’ll want to get out and party all night long after listening to these progressive sounds. Don’t say that I haven’t warned you!