Interview: UK techno DJ Mark Reeve, plays Back 2 Basics at Lantern Friday

By That's Beijing, November 20, 2014

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The Artist

For the first Back 2 Basics in Beijing, expect a crazy three-hour set of pure techno from Mark Reeve (Cocoon, Drumcode, Soma, Bek Audio, Traumschallplatten, Trapez, Bedrock, Defected). Back in 2011 “his big year”, Mark released his first EP on Cocoon Recordings and “Daybreak On Mars” got its first spin by Cocoon boss himself, Sven Väth (who recently played Tango in Beijing). The other track on the EP, “Lichtkleid” got  heavy plays by Minus icon Richie Hawtin.

Since then he's released tracks on labels such as Soma, Cr2, Defected, Bek Audio, Traumschallplatten, Trapez, Herzblut and Bedrock. He remixed Extrawelt, Marco Bailey, Arnaud Le Texier, Moonbeam and partnered with Pig&Dan.

His tracks fluctuate between dancefloor movers with groovy rhythms and big basslines.

The Concept

Toxic Entertainment are creating a monthly event called Back 2 Basics. The concept behind this is to take back the crowd, the DJs, the club and the environment where it all started. Back to the roots. To the underground. For just one night, let’s forget about the commercial issues, and let’s get into the real music, the real nightlife.

Charity Event

50% of the money collected will be donated to Migrant Children Foundation (www.mcfchina.org), a non-profit organisation which aims to enrich the lives of disadvantaged children in China through volunteering. Because while we party and have fun, we still care and know that together, we can achieve incredible and positive things.


Toxic: You moved to Berlin at a young age – what sort of tunes do you think you'd be making if you'd stayed in the UK?

Mark Reeve: Haha, well actually I moved to Frankfurt and not Berlin. If I'd stayed in the UK I'd probably be making two-step tracks or even drum 'n' bass.

What can Beijing ravers expect from your set?

They'll  be getting heavy basses with groovey rhythms. Full of energy and most importantly good to dance to.

What's your one 'safest' track to play that is guaranteed to get people moving?

That’s simple: it’s a mixture of Mark Broom – Satalite and Mark Reeve – 'Dice (Update Mix)'. Works everytime.

Have you got any plans in China apart from your two dates in Beijing and Shanghai?

Yes, of course I really want to visit the Great Wall of and other lovely highlights this country has to offer. Never been to Shanghai so I'm sure someone can help me out with the sightseeing.

You tweeted a couple of months ago that you're working on your first album - how's it going?

Yes, the album is coming along nicely. Taking some time because I really want to make sure it sounds amazing. It's gonna be a dance album and not an easy listening one – all tracks have to be heavy hitting.

You've frequently collaborated with Pig & Dan - are there any other producers you'd like to work more with?

I've just finished a project with Luigi Madonna which was really cool! Will be tweeting some news on that one soon.

You're an IT man by day - do you have an insanely complicated bedroom studio set up?

No, my studio is set up in the basement and is completely easy to use – nothing complicated. But obviously my PC is always getting renewed, haha.


> RMB100 (RMB70 presale); 10pm-late; Lantern

Presale Tickets: contact Lantern or Vera-Radarita (WeChat)

Toxic Entertainment

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