Markus isn’t your average DJ. He’s mysterious, aloof, and somehow manages to maintain a low online profile. Yet, once in a blue moon, he emerges from his secret lair to deliver infectious dance beats to receptive listeners.
For his latest project, G. Markus Edits Vol. 1, G. Markus teams up with DJ/production duo Soul Clap to pay homage to musicians Jackson Jones and Sunny Áde with some tasteful edits of two songs by these artists. In doing so, he adds a touch of fresh funkiness to two classic jams.
G. Markus Gets Busy Helping Us Get Down
Markus is a relative newcomer to the DJ scene but he’s constantly active in his musical pursuits.
He contributed a remix to Vibe Killers’ EP Question Mark last May. G. Markus then released his debut EP Hello My Name Is… that following summer. He also had a remix featured on Fewture & Freddie Glitch’s collaborative EP New Horizons, and another one featured on Thorsteinssøn’s 7 Minutes EP. Earlier this year, he contributed his single “BING!” on the Roots for Bloom collection SHAG Edits Vol. 5. Now, the budding DJ puts his music mixing skills to the test once again with his newest release.
The first track is an edit of “365 Is My Number” by Nigerian musician Sunny Áde. It begins with a ringing cascade of bells, electronic whooshes, and vibraphone sounds. Then, drumbeats and percussive backbeats enter the song and form a catchy rhythm. While the beats progress onward, vibraphone taps create flowing, reverberant melodies with clavinet chords subtly layered underneath.
Past the three-minute mark, a smooth bassline emerges from the clavinet and makes the song much more danceable. Also increasing the song’s danceability are a series of warbling, resonant synth sounds that add a little mystic quality to the piece. This sonic menagerie continues until it finishes with an echoing fade-out.
The second track is an edit of “I Feel Good (Put Your Pants On)” by Jamaican musician Jackson Jones. From the start, this song is loaded with funk. First comes pulsing synth melodies and ambient electronic noise. Next, syncopated drum loops and cymbal crashes establish a quick, pacing rhythm. Joining them are driving guitar lines with a ‘70s, disco-style quality.
Meanwhile, a slow, steady, groove-laden bassline emerges on top of the rapid drumbeats, forming a nice blend. Beside the bassline are intermittent, euphonious electric violin riffs along with brief bursts of distorted vocals throughout the song. When all is said and done, you’re left wondering if the year is 2016 or 1976.
With his latest set of edits in G. Markus Edits Vol. 1, G. Markus reminds listeners that good music never really gets old. Sometimes, it just needs a little polishing.
