What’s in Mark Broom’s DJ Box?

What’s in Mark Broom’s DJ Box?

21 July, 2009 | 5.13AM

• Written by: Terry Church
• Filed under: Music News: dj box, mark broom

“Life is good, I can’t complain,” says Mark Broom, the long-serving British techno producer who has had a phenomenal 2009. He speaks in a true East London accent that is so proper, you half expect him to say “guvenor” and tip his cap.

Mark Broom is modest. With a plethora of releases out this year on some of techno’s most reputable labels, Broom has captured the imagination of a new generation of techno fans who know little about his Warp Records and Mo Wax past, his touring days with electronic pioneers Autechre, his work with The Black Dog, his defunct labels Pure Plastic and King Of The Snakes, or his harder techno days.

Broom’s output in the last 12 months however, is something that is not easy to ignore. ‘Raincheck’, ‘Meltin Pot’, ‘The Triangle’, ‘Jackpot’, and ‘Got Me Working’ have all swept through the techno charts, and cemented Mark Broom as one of the most consistent names in club techno today.

This new period of creativity all began for Mark, when he decided to slow things down. “Each year I try to keep my name out there, and release music to remind people that I’m still here,” he says. “I had been involved in the harder techno scene for many years and one day I decided to slow my BPMs and make more funky techno.

“When it’s 137 BPM there’s only one way you can go, but when it’s slower you can put the funk in there.”

The funk is ever present on tracks like ‘Jackpot’, which is driven by exotic tribal drumming and angelic voices.

You’ll also find it on his excellent remix of Jelle Kuipers ‘Block’, which sees huge synths collide with stripped back techno loops, and you’ll hear it on his new acid-tinged vocal cut ‘Got Me Working’.

Broom’s hard techno days might be gone, but behind every transition lurks a ball of energy which threatens to explode. That is something that DJs never grow tired of.

Broom has released a staggering amount of remixes and solo productions this year. Surprisingly, he isn’t feeling the burn. “I don’t do that much anyway, I only make music and DJ on the weekends,” he says, in his typically unassuming way. “I try and get music done quickly as that’s the way I’ve always been. I’m very productive and don’t struggle to churn out music. I’ll do a little tinkle on my laptop and try out some ideas.”

Broom impressed us recently with an old skool set at the New Kids On Acid party at Watergate club in Berlin, by proving that his record box truly runs deep, so we decided to hand over this week’s ‘What’s In The DJs Box?’ feature to him.

What’s In Mark Broom’s DJ Box?

Favorite set opener?

It depends on the night. If it’s an old school vibe then CeCe Rogers ‘Someday’ (Dub mix).

Sometimes I’ll use a soundscape from V/Vm titled ‘The Death of Rave’.

If it’s a banging techno session then I will always drop Robert Hood ‘Untitled’ from his ‘Moveable Parts’ EP.

Currently my fave for opening a set is my new one forthcoming on 2020 Vision called ‘People’.

Secret weapon only you have a copy of?

I did an edit of ‘Off The Wall’ about two years ago and since the King of Pop passed away I’ve been rinsing that. A secret weapon that a few of us have is a chunky edit of Sylvester ‘Mighty Real’ by my good friend Ben Sims.

And a tribal jig of Farley Jackmaster Funk ‘Love Can’t Turn Around’ has been destroying some of the heavier Spanish techno dancefloors.

Trippiest record?

“The Garden of Eden” was a trippy acid tinged/hymmed groove from back in the day. The intro used to shit the life out of a mate of mine.

A more recent number would be Edit Select ‘Bauer’ - it’s got a great groove and has very trippy bass and synths that keep on tripping!

Killer vocal track?

A current one would have to be Joe T Vannelli ‘Doctor Love’ which uses First Choice’s ‘Doctor Love’ sample and some cool vocals.

A classic would always be Paul Rutherford ‘Get Real’ - many an acid house party has favoured this little ditty.

Bassline weapon?

Sylvester ‘Do You Wanna Funk’ has a killer b-line!

The record that will never leave your box as long as you live?

It has got to be Soundstream ‘Dance With Me’. He hit the nail on the head with that one.

Oldie that everyone else has probably forgotten?

Rhythm Formation ‘Ready For The Darkness’. Detroit backwards action!

Get out of jail card?

I’m gonna be biased and say Mark Broom ‘Meltin Pot’. This track has had a great reaction whenever I’ve pulled it out and the keys to the jail cell are always put back!

One more tune of the night finisher?

Kingpin Cartel ‘Ghetto’ is a track I was involved in, made by my mate Chris Baker.

It’s a very uplifting, Detroit via London style workout.

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