InterviewsScene
One of the most internationally recognised Croatian producer, Insolate, is moving on with her Hush! event series with two debuts happening in Zagreb today. Besides her as a host and resident, two acclaimed producers will take over the decks: Amsterdam based MARRØN and XIORRO flying over from Berlin.
In anticipation of today’s debut at Peti Kupe, we had a chat with MARRØN, resident and co-founder of the renowned Amsterdam club night Eerste Communie, as well as the driving force behind Ndyuka Rhythms. Known for constantly pushing his own boundaries, he brings a unique vision of techno rooted in his heritage. His artist name carries a powerful message, paying tribute to the courageous Maroons—descendants of African tribes who escaped into the rainforests of Suriname and fought for their freedom. In our conversation, he shared how his previous basketball career and heritage shaped his sound and place in the industry, along his inspirations, visions and expectations of tonight:
Your sound brings together African rhythms, deep-rooted grooves and hypnotic techno. How did your musical identity develop, and what experiences or influences have shaped it the most?
The dance floor shaped me the most I would say. Alongside my heritage from Surinam. The Maroons of Surinam have inspired me a lot with their strength but also music wise. Fast percussive rhythms created on the apintie drum is definitely where bouncy rhythm comes from.
Your roots play an important role in your artistic identity, however before DJing you were also a professional basketball player. How did your cultural heritage and sports career shape you as an artist and music industry professional, and how has your relationship with it evolved throughout your career?
It made me who I am today, as an artist but more importantly as a human being. My integrity and discipline towards life and my career. I know my body very well and know what to do to stay in good shape for in this case traveling, long hour sets and back to during the week life being a father.
What was the original idea behind the Eerste Communie, and how has your vision changed since its beginnings?
Our vision was to create a journey of sets that would all flow musically throughout the day as one. Originated on a Sunday as a day party with likeminded souls. Our vision stayed the same but musically wise we changed it to a bit wider spectrum of music. As long it stays dance floor focused it’s EC. ‘If the music is good you dance’
Eerste Communie is known for creating immersive experiences where music and the energy of the crowd take priority. What do you think makes a club night truly memorable, and what do you feel is missing from today’s nightlife culture?
The feel of where nobody feels better or more important than anyone else. The feeling of creation we all did together. Where the club, toilet ladies, light technician, sound engineer, door hosts, djs all become one. I miss a lot of genuinity in the scene these days. Especially with djs who are too focused on becoming the next social media king/queen.
Your DJ sets are often described as fast, rhythmic and hypnotic. How do you approach building a set? Do you prepare a musical direction in advance or prefer to let the energy of the dancefloor guide you?
I never prepared any set. I have my moods set up in rekordbox and prepare the first 3 tracks (which I usually don’t even start with) and from there I flow into whatever I feel is needed to keep people on the dance floor. I don’t play fast for the sake of playing fast. It’s to create swing and a certain energy along the depth and continuous rhythm that resembles from the apintie drum.
As your career continues to expand internationally, you perform in very different club environments and cultural contexts. What makes a particular dancefloor stand out to you, and have any unexpected places or audiences changed your perspective on DJing?
When I first started DJing I would judge a party from a dancing perspective to decide if I found it cool or not so cool. Nowadays that is really different, I really enjoy all kinds of different stages and parties as long the energy is giving. As long you see people really enjoying the music I am happy.
With the growing popularity of techno, the underground scene is facing questions about authenticity, commercialisation and its future direction. Do you think the scene is losing some of its original spirit, or is this evolution simply part of its growth?
I think there are lots of sub genres that have created their own ‘community’ I truly believe there is space for everyone and music stays subjective. Timeless classic real techno will not die ever. Some people think differently but I truly believe it will not. It’s the basis and if played right it’s impossible not to dance to. Whether it’s slower or fast it works always depending what is needed on the dance floor at the moment. Where the authenticity get’s lost in my opinion is that artists are too distracted from the social media fame. Many would shy away from what they really believe in just for followers and likes and this I don’t like at all.
You are joining HUSH Croatia at Peti Kupe alongside Xiorro and Insolate. What do you know about the Croatian techno scene, and what do you look forward to when playing in the Croatian capital? What are your expectations of the Zagreb debut?
I don’t know much about the Croatian scene but I have played basketball there a lot and I am familiar with the passion and energy of the people so I am ready to get it on.
“Vidimo se veceras Zagrebu!” [See you tonight in Zagreb], he concluded, inviting everyone for a dance. Besides the DJ lineup, Hush! events are also always marked by performances of Roxanne and Colinda Evangelista, the members of House of Flamingo drag collective, who know how to set the atmosphere on the dancefloor. The final tickets for tonight are available via Entrio platform.
