Hello Marko, we are already following you for a while and are now very happy to get the chance to talk to you about music, life and more.

Being born in the old ‘Eastern Germany’ must have been difficult in order to get access to music no?

Since we’ve lived near the East/West Border, it was easy to listen to western Radio Stations, which played early Acid House and Techno Stuff in the late 80’s.

How did you develop your love for electronic music?

In the 80s, my older sister heard Synthpop like Depeche Mode or A-HA and I was immediately impressed by the partially futuristic sounds. Later I discovered through radio broadcasts House, Acid and Techno.

What was the very first record you bought?

„Techno – The New Dance Sound of Detroit“ – what a Milestone.

Moving to Leipzig then was a boost for your musical development, no?

Growing up in the countryside can be sometimes beautiful, but sometimes sobering. In a big city like Leipzig there are many more sources of inspiration, like-minded People and above all:  Clubs and a great Party Scene. Nevertheless, Leipzig is not too large, a great city to live.

How would you describe your style of music?

I would describe my sound as profound, emotional and danceable techno.

When you produce, do you have a fix idea in your head or do you let a track find its way by trying out?

Usually there is an idea, a sound or a certain emotion in the beginning, then I’ll try out and let myself drift. At the end often comes out amazing things, which I had not initially expected. Rarely, but sometimes I have a complete track in mind. It always depends on the particular situation.

When you play a live gig, how much of it is really ‘live’?

I’m working with propellerhead reason and I have all possibilities. I can combine single tracks of various projects, i can control almost each parameter by midi-controller, setting loop points, adding or muting tracks. Of course it is not as simple as with Ableton Live, because there is no synchronization between the individual projects. For me, it’s a simple and effective art playing live and keeping the mood of my tracks.

Tell us about your relationship with the Ornaments label.

Ornaments offers me a great platform to realize myself. There is no pressure or any specifications. The Spartan featuring the EP’s (no artwork, no advertising, etc) accurately reflects my opinion again: this is about music and nothing else. The initial contact (the label) was created in quite a broad sense the beginning of the noughties on a barbecue party in my home long before i was even thinking about it.

And what about your new album, are you followed by the ghosts of your past?

Ghosts from the past – I associate it with the new life with a child as it is to become a father, how it feels to see the child grow up and especially the completely new perspective on life. Now, after 3.5 years, it was time to reflect the collected impressions and experiences and musically. As already described, the trial lasted more than 3.5 years. Starting with the “good news” about the experienced with my wife’s pregnancy to the first years of my son’s life. During this time I did a lot of field recording to keep my impressions.

Who are your role models?

I don’t have any single role model, but people who live their dream are very inspirational. Musically I’m of course influenced by the detroit techno producers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and of course by the producers from the Hardwax environment.

How does your perfect day look like?

Sleep until noon, extensive breakfast, some hours in the nature, dinner, visiting a bar or club – all these with my wife. And the kids in good hands at the grandparents till next afternoon.

Marko Fürstenberg in 20 years?

Thinking about early pension… and making music.

Sounds like a masterplan :)

Thanx for having us, all the best for your electronic future and keep up the good spirit.

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more info:

marko fürstenberg // ornaments