The DJ with global appeal

Markus Schulz, who has introduced clubbers across the world to his very own brand of progressive and melodic trance, played to a full house at Fuga

The DJ with global appeal

Markus Schulz, who has introduced clubbers across the world to his very own brand of progressive and melodic trance, played to a full house at Fugau00a0

The rise to name and fame with most top DJs starts with a dedication born out of an obsession for music.

Markus Schulz is no exception. Originally from Germany, Markus moved to USA when he was 13 years old only to be engulfed by the break dance storm that was sweeping clubs across America.u00a0

Though he set the dance floor ablaze with his nifty moves, he chose to work his magic at the console. That dedication has since seen him storm the charts to take his current place at Number 8 in the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJ poll 2008, a position he hopes to better this year.u00a0u00a0

How old were you when you hit the professional circuit?
Even as a kid, I loved to analyze songs as I listened to them. I tried to figure out how certain sounds were made. In the US, I used to listen to radio shows that featured Tony Humphries, Latin Rascals, Red Alert, Mr Magic and Marly Marl. I was also part of a break dance troupe. We decided to host a big break dance event.

But when the crew in charge of scratching and mixing didn't turn up for the party, I became the DJ. That was the very first time I ever played before a crowd and I knew, at that very moment, that a DJ is what I wanted to be. From then on, I started playing at parties and, eventually, at top 40 nightclubs across the world. I learnt a lot while playing at these clubs but I hated the music. Eventually I started DJing at gay clubs where I could play house music, which interested me a lot more. That led me to playing at raves, touring and playing at clubs and events all over the world.

What kind of music inspires you?
Classic rock. If you came to my house in Miami on a sunny day, you would find me by the pool listening to Steve Miller, ELO, Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. Their songs are on my iPod, along with old Hed Kandi compilations and older Global Underground compilations.

How would you describe your music?
I am a trance DJ, but I have never been into 145-bpm trance. I grew up around house music, but I always loved the more melodic tracks. My sound is totally different than that of other trance DJs. I look for grooves with melodies, and big bass lines to rip apart the speakers. I am probably the only trance DJ who was inspired by Larry Levan and Danny Tenaglia as far as DJs go.

What's the situation for a striving DJ in India and in the US?
I think the scene is very global now. You can play the same tracks all over the world and people will know them and love them. When I played at Fuga on Sunday, I was just so surprised how people knew the music. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, you can make it anywhere.

You were told to wrap up your sets at 11 pm. How did you react?
It is very strange but it just means people will have to get started early. I think the only negative thing is that you are not able to hear the DJ take you on a proper 6-hour journey. There are so many different sounds I like to explore in long sets, which is very difficult to do in a short set.
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Your advice to aspiring DJs?
It's important to have your own style and make people have a great time within your style. It is a constant battle to keep your set fresh and unique. To be honest, it doesn't matter if you are you are an established DJ or an aspiring one, you need to strive to improve your sets.

When you are not playing music, you are...
Playing basketball or baseball. I love sports. That is my escape.u00a0

Your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Last month, I played in Poland at the Godskitchen Urban Wave event. I am afraid of heights. The stage was so high that I was scared. I did not jump around and dance as much as I usually do. I also think my mixes were not as tight as usual. But the fans seemed to love it and I am grateful.u00a0

How do you deal with female fans?
(Laughs) They are nice to me, so I am always nice back to them. I am so lucky to have so many beautiful fans and they keep me inspired. I treat them with respect.u00a0

Top 5 picks of the season

Dakota
My new album under an alias, which I made just for this summer.

Barnes (DJ Observer) & Heatclif
These guys are on fire right now. There are only a handful of songs that they have done but the new stuff that they have been doing over the last three months is stunning.

Comic Gate
I love these guys. They are great friends and amazing producers. Their new album will be big all summer.

Rex Mundi
He is an amazing young producer from Holland and I have been working with him now for 2 years. He song, Nothing at All, will be the anthem of the summer.

Gai Barone
His music does not always work in a big club, but it sounds amazing on the radio show. He is growing as an artiste and I look for him to only get better.