DJ Mark MacLauchlan Interview

So how did it all begin?
Basically it all began back in 1991/2..omg I feel old now. When a couple of my m8`s (The Shy Brothers) decided to hold under 18 events in The Hacienda (Glasgow) and also The Boat (Tuxedo Princess). I had been buying tunes from 23rd and one night the resident dj was gonna be late so they asked me if I could fill in for an hour. Bricking myself I said ok, coz I never even knew how decks and the mixer worked. Gave it a bash and got a great response from the crowd so they asked me that night if I wanted to do it every week and the rest is history.

Where did the name come from?
Sorry but I was born with it :)

Did the Djing, Production, Promoting come 1st?
Djing then Production

Who’s throwing the best parties at the moment?
Got to be Fantazia, cause I like the way they blend music from the past to the present and they are pushing the boundaries buy giving a lot of new talent and old the chance to be heard. Respect is due to Charlie Fantazia for that.

What was the first event you ever played at/put on?
The real first event that I played was one of the famous Metro weekenders with Big uncle Joe D way back in 94/5.Man I can still remember it now that club for me has to be still the best atmosphere's ever for a club. Out of everything I still wish they hadn't changed there music policy. I think we all have had some of the greatest night ever in there.

What’s the best event you’ve played at/put on?
Oww now ur asking a hard question because there's so many ...The first rez I did for me was outstanding, The non stop gigs @ Motherwell another...but i have to say Hanger 13 + Nosebleed in Rosyth have to be in with a shout too.

What was your first record you bought?
First record I bought dance wise has got to be Frankie Knuckles ..Your love.. Still gives me tingles

Out of all the tunes you have, which one ‘never fails?’
Raver baby as soon as the first `Yeeehha` comes in the crowd go mental

What's you favourite tune of all time?
Man ur trying to test me time to think.. tick tock...Has to be Joey Beltram Program 2 `Its the New Style`

So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment?
It has to be the strongest I have scene it for a long time.. the parties just keep getting bigger and the tunes production wise are so much better .So as long as people keep progressing the scene can only go from strength to strength and please people don't always listen to what certain media type's are saying they tried to kill the scene once lets not let that happen again.

Where do you live?
Glasgow (The big smoke )

What can you remember of playing/being at a Fantazia?
How well organized and how big the event is.

How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's?
Lets just say i have had to build 2 garden shed's to house some of my tune's. I wouldn't sell any of them there are like my babies.. omg spinal tap moment there. What do I think of CDJ's it can only be a good thing as the quality they produce is amazing compared to vinyl but for me the good old 1210`s are still my favoured choice of weapon to mix ,scratch etc .

What style of music do u play?
old skool/uk hardcore/hardstyle/gabba

Other DJs you rate?
God I'm gonna be here all night...Marc Smith (the man who put me here), David Forbes (soul brother), Gammer (Boy has skillz), The Doctor (Non stop banter), Scott Brown, Sharkey, Hixxy, Darren Hotchkiss (One to watch peeps), Force, Joe Deacon, in fact any DJ that I have ever met and the pleasure to work with.

What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters?
Don't ever give up ..some day it all just comes together and u never know what's around the corner.

When you play is this pre planned set?
I really go with the flow Tbh ..I have tried to do pre planned sets they never work, u just have to go with the feeling of the night coz i always find i get the best buzz from it.

KnightRider or A-team?
Gotta to be Knightrider ,only for the car man if only it were real. would make going to gig`s a lot easier .

What do you do outside of the dance music scene?
Basically just chill with me woman and me m8`s

Were can we keep up to date on your gigs dates ect
Making a bebo page as we speak so peeps can get in contact with me for anything if its t chat or bookings all the details will be on there

Anything else you want to say? Any shouts?

Marc Smith, Davy Forbes, Davy Murray, Tony Montgomery for being the best m8`s in the scene. Scott Brown for Sticking with it , Joe D .. Gazza ... Derek (my brothers thump), Mc Korrupt and the Doctor for keeping my spirits up. The Shy Brothers for getting into this mad world. The Non Stop Boys for the effort and belief they had in me .Everyone who has ever attended events I have played ,without them peeps the events would be nothing. To Charlie and Ricky keep the scene alive guys big love and respect.. to everyone who knows me its all about the karma!

What would you like to say to the Fantazia Massive
I big massive thank you for the support over the years keep it safe and enjoy the future.