Q&A WITH : 123MRK

This French guy is responsible for one of the most beautiful and daunting EPs of the year so far. His name is 123Mrk, he comes from Marseille, more precisely, and you must learn about him. Because he is a music prodigy. Yes. I think somebody once said he was the son of James Blake and Jamie XX. That would be impossible, but it sure describes very well the refreshing way he uses his unique skills to produce a never heard before blend of post-dubstep-2-step-future-everything. His brand new release on Squelch & Clap is called Refined Madness, and you can listen to it all below, while you read this little Q&A I had with this enigmatic child of the Sega.

S&C007 - 123MRK - Refined Madness (27/01/12) by Squelchandclap

[Note: this Q&A was translated from french to english.]

Hello 123Mrk! I hope I'm not disturbing. What were you doing?
No, you're not disturbing me, I was playing Sonic on the Sega, looking for some inspiration.

I was looking on Google but couldn't find anything; is this your first interview? (I'd be very proud!)
No, but my first interview was never published, so we can say you're first.

So, tell me, when did you start producing? Tell us about your "adventure" into the music world a little bit...
My adventure started at 8 years old with "djembé" lessons to get some rhythm haha! Then my father bought me my first music software when I was 10 years old, I thought it was magical to be able to make music in my bedroom, it was like a video game to me. Then I bought turntables only to scratch, I was practically only listening to hip-hop back then.

Your style is pretty unique; what tools are you using to produce the "123Mrk" sound?
I'm working with Ableton like everybody else, with a little soundcard, pads and a keyboard. Nothing extraordinary. For my synth sound I will strictly use Massive. Tools are not important, it's what you make with it.

And what's the perfect moment, place and mood that will help you to produce a track? (As an example, what kind of day did you have before creating "Untroubled"?)
I had a hard time creating "Untroubled". I had the chords, the voices and the beat, but it wasn't working. I took more than a month to finish that track. The perfect mood would be a Saturday morning when it's raining outside and a nice sequence of chords to start things off, the rest comes naturally...

Your previous EP, "Noname" (Infinite Machine), was well received; how would you compare it to your new one on Squelch & Clap?
The new one is more refined, it's the logical sequel with simpler rhythms and more melancholic melodies. I try to create something different for each EP, while keeping the same sounds so there's a certain consistency.

Is it you on the cover of "Noname" in the streets of New York City? Do you travel a lot?
Yes! I have travelled quite a lot when I was young, it's a great thing because it opens your mind. The picture was taken by my father. If I had told him that it would serve ten years later as the cover for my first EP, he wouldn't have believed me.

How's the electronic scene in Marseille?
I'm not aware of it! It's like the museums in your own city, you never visit them.

Were you part of a perticular music scene growing up?
I had a band called "Balek", it was a festive blend, the kind of music you hate when you grow up. Then I scratched in the drum'n'bass nights in Marseille (that was my physical activity), and then I mixed here and there a couple times, nothing really serious.

Do you have any hidden talents?
The Squelch & Clap guys will advice you never to play poker with me haha!

What was your favorite album last year?
There are a lot! I haven't been listening to post-dubstep and future-garage for a lot of time, so I'm gonna go with the classics: James Blake, Mount Kimbie, Kidnap Kid, Kahn, Disclosure, Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Otherwise, my best pick would be "Elaquent", very inspiring abstract hip-hop.

And what was your guilty pleasure?
"LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem", if feel very guilty. But I guess we must listen to bad music to appreciate the good one. I'd say it's the best shitty music!

What was your new year's resolution?
Produce a track featuring Princess Zelda, and maybe invite her to dinner.

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Here's a freebie for download. Remix courtesy of TOYC. Enjoy.
123MRK - Untroubled (TOYC remix) (FREE DL) by Squelchandclap