Montreal is renowned for breeding talented, innovative DJs and producers, but few have a track record as solid as Mark Anthony has. Considered by many as the man who defines the famed Montreal Sound, Mark has been making asses shake on dancefloors around the world for almost three decades now, spinning crowds into frenzy with his signature sophisticated and textured House beats. Also an accomplished producer, Mark’s two latest studio efforts just came out on NYC label Kult Records.
Launched in late 2010, the DJ Mark Anthony Podcast usually features live-recorded sets from Mark’s weekly residency at Red Lite Afterhours, with some unexpected goodies thrown in, like his 2010 Black & Blue DJ set. This month, another surprise: up for grabs is a 1994 recording from the legendary K.O.X. era (the first CD compilation he ever recorded) which is sure to please the most discerning House heads out there.
Late Nights recently had a chat with the man who played a key role in importing the modern nightclub concept to Montreal and paved the way for a new generation of DJs.
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It’s been almost 20 years since you recorded Harmony, does being a DJ mean anything different in 2011 compared to 1991?
Of course, in the very early years of my career I had no idea that DJing would become a professional career. I’m talking mid 80s. Now by 1991 I had already amassed lots of nightclub experience that I had an idea that there was more to it then the status quo. I still feel the same way today when I’m playing at my gigs except that I have a confidence that only experience can afford you. I still share the same passion for music that I had back then, I just hear it in a totally different way now.
You’ve just been crowned 2010’s Best Canadian DJ by KA Magazine. What’s next for Mark Anthony?
It was an honor for me to be amongst all that Canadian talent however it’s business as usual; my weekly at Red Lite, the studio and slowly start touring again.
Vinyl, CDs, laptop… Does it matter to you?
At the end of the day I have to say no. However I do feel that laptops especially, have made it almost too easy to DJ with all these programs that almost select and play the track for you. What it means is that you don’t have to be musically inclined to DJ anymore than a deaf person who has never heard the sound of music. That said, putting it in the right hands could elevate things to a whole new level.
What is your best advice on keeping it real?
I guess be yourself and remain humble. Do your homework and research music online, which is so easy now compared to the days we had to live on the promos and do the record shops. Support your industry by paying for the music downloads you play.
What has been your favorite gig to date?
That’s a tough question since I have a few gigs that I have fond memories of. However Black & Blue 1999 does stand out in the magic department.
…and the most random request you ever received?
Some heavy metal song!
Your top 3 non-dance albums?
Manuel Gottsching: E2-E4, Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, Massive Attack: Blue Lines
If you weren’t DJing or producing music, what would you be doing?
I did study mechanical engineering in university but stopped due to my DJ career taking off. So, maybe a mechanical engineer, an architect or a carpenter since I do enjoy designing as well as working with my hands and build things as a hobby.
Something you would like to achieve before the year 2020?
Some real and everlasting success in the music industry!
Late Nights would like to thank Mark for taking the time to chat with us.
More on DJ/Producer Mark Anthony:
- Hear DJ Mark Anthony spin live each Saturday at Red Lite, the largest after-hours venue in the Montreal Area
- Subscribe to the DJ Mark Anthony Podcast on iTunes
- Become a Mark Anthony fan on Facebook
- Follow Mark Anthony on Twitter
- DJ Mark Anthony on Soundcloud
- Get Mark’s latest tracks on Beatport and on iTunes. Release and All Over Me, out now on Kult Records
