Smokingroove’s Marko to do Sandance

The international superstars may have given Sandance the elevated platform it deserves today, but there’s only one man who’s stuck with the event from the beginning.

Marko, one half of the Smokingroove DJ duo, has shared his water with Snow Patrol, swapped stories with Fatboy Slim and has a few rather interesting tales to tell about the Brand New Heavies.

Since its inception in Autumn 2010, the 35-year-old British DJ and resident at Nasimi Beach and Sandance has played every single event along with his brother Safe.

His 15 years experience, as well as tracks and albums signed to EMI Japan, Roger Sanchez, DJ Sneak, Mark Farina and Pacha Recordings, Marko is more than qualified for the job.

Soundbites caught up with him before his gig this Friday:

Q. As one of the only people to have played at every single event, how has the event evolved in your eyes?

A. Sandance has grown in leaps and bounds; not only musically but as a festival itself. The Sandance team make every effort to listen to people’s likes and dislikes and always work on improving things. Not many venues actually listen to their people.

Q. How has the music evolved?

A. When Sandance first started it was almost purely electronic music including the live acts. They took more calculated risks, and booked bands and singers, which have led to a wider spectrum of music. It gave me a variety of choice with my music depending on the acts I’m taking over from. The most memorable so far have been Faithless, Fatboy Slim, Keiser Chiefs, Rizzle Kicks and Armand Van Helden.

Q. Talk us through the songs which work without fail at Sandance?

A. That’s a tricky question as I try not to play songs more than once, so far the only songs that I’ve played more than once at all of the Sandance’s are: Florence & The Machine — You’ve got the Love (Mark Night Remix) and Feddi Le Grands remix of Fatboy Slim’s Praise you. I’m guessing the main reason for its success at Sandance is the breakdowns of the mixes which revert to the original versions of the songs. We have an older crowd at Sandance who really know their music and truly appreciate it.

Q. Has the success of Sandance opened any doors for you as a local DJ?

A. Yes, without doubt. It’s opened doors to sponsorships with adidas Originals, Pioneer DJ and New Era. It’s given me a much wider audience to perform to and experiment with music which has led to international performances and media acknowledgements.

Q. Give us some backstage gossip. Who have you met and who was the most fun behind the bright lights of the stage?

A. I’ve met most of the artists that have performed; all of them very nice, down-to-earth people. The most memorable were The Brand New Heavies — for a funk band those guys are so rock’n’roll. They single-handedly started a back stage party of epic proportions. I’m talking food fights to sofa surfing to female wrestling. They are awesome and love to party hard.

Q. Best thing one of the big bands said to you before/during or after a show?

A. “Do Your thing, Be you.” by Armand Van Helden. I stand by that as a DJ.

Q. Best Sandance to date and why?

A. I really couldn’t choose one, but my favourite moment was watching the lead singer from the Kaiser Chiefs jump off stage and B-line through the crowd still clutching the mic with security chasing him. He ended up on top of one of the tall fridges behind the bar mid performance.

Q. One thing playing at Sandance has taught you?

A. Don’t over think things. Enjoy the moment. It’s easy to put yourself under pressure knowing you’re about to perform to 12,000 people alongside some of the biggest artists on the planet. Go with the flow and have just as much fun as the crowd — that is vital.

*Sandance takes place on Friday at Atlantis Beach, The Palm, from 2pm-2am. Tickets are sold out in all categories.