Mark Fanciulli is one of modern electronic music’s most complete artists; an innovative and forward-thinking producer whose dexterity and creativity behind the decks have made him a much desired DJ around the world. With a strong work ethic and a clear and determined vision for the future, it has been no surprise to see Mark climb the ranks as quickly and with as much humility as he has managed since his 2011 debut.
His most recent achievement is a stunning collaboration with Guti on ‘The Light’. Released this week on Defected Records, here we caught up with Mark to discuss the record, the rewards of patience and the importance of being 100% happy with your work.
Thanks for speaking with us… now that the year’s drawing to a close, how do you think you’ll remember 2013?
I think I'll remember 2013 for a lot of things. It was a year where I got to do a lot of firsts such as my US tour and travelling across Asia. It was also the year where I got to return to some fun parties such as El Row in Ibiza and play some great festivals in Mainland Europe. The studio was also very productive for me in the summer, so all in all a good year!
The Tide was clearly a massive debut release for you… how long had you been producing before you made that record?
I have been experimenting with music production since my late teens and over time I got more and more into it, spending as much time as I could on my computer and reading magazines and guidebooks. It was a long time until I had worked on the Tide, I hadn't begun work on it until I was about 24 but I was really happy with the result.
Do you think that there’s an impatience with some producers, in that they rush out music before they’ve spent long enough properly mastering their craft?
I think so there are many cases where that happens. Some people want to get things done immediately and put it out there. I am guilty sometimes of not being patient but we need to take our time and keep the quality as high as possible. That way people can show off their true talents and also there will be less crap to sift through and more consistency. I know it also comes down to peoples’ personal preference, but as long as the time and effort is there, that’s great. Also people can afford not to keep the quality control up with digital as opposed to vinyl which is sometimes a shame.
You’ve had just half a dozen or so releases in two years, which some would consider quite a restrained output… do you think this approach has helped you become a successful, in-demand producer?
I think it has definitely had a positive effect on me, I think I'm known as one of those artists and I like it. People I think get more excited when you bring something out and pay more attention. I am happy to pass up on projects until the right ones come through. For example, last year I got the offer to remix Rampa for Defected: none of the other offered tracks from other labels sat right with me, and then when I got the opportunity to do that it felt right and it worked out.
Tell us about The Light… how did you hook up with Guti on the release?
We began working on the track in March 2012 just before WMC. We had just played the Saved party at Ministry in London and Guti was staying with me for a couple of days. I had this loop going on my laptop which he started working on at my place and then that week we went into the studio to work on it some more. When we were there we brought more and more elements to the track, such as the piano and programming. What sealed the release off perfectly is getting our friend Andrea Oliva to deliver a quality remix – three friends all on one record!
What did Guti bring to the production which perhaps might not have happened if you’d been making the record solo? And vice-versa?
As many people know, Guti is a talented pianist and he laid the keys down on the track. This is one thing that would have most likely not have been present if it was a solo effort. Vice versa I would say that I demonstrated my sound within the percussion, bottom-end and programming. You can hear both of our styles in the record.
Why did you decide that Defected was a suitable label for The Light to come on?
Defected is a great label with a lot of history and their releases covering the spectrum of House music. The ‘Light’ is pure House Music so feels perfectly at home there. I have had a great experience with them in the past as has Guti and I think Andy Daniell is a pleasure to work with.
What have been some of the most important pieces of advice you’ve received in regards to your own career?
One great piece of advice I've been given is don't do something if you're not 100% happy with it. This can be applied to many things, from artwork to production to much more. You have to feel or think that the subject you're dealing with is fully there. With me it's all or nothing. If something is at 90% I would wait until it's 100% until I went live with it.
What have you got planned for the rest of the year and into 2014?
For the remainder of 2013 I will be touring across Europe including gigs in San Sebastien, and Ibiza and also some gigs in the UK such as in London and Manchester. In 2014 I will begin the year at BPM festival in Mexico, something which I'm really looking forward to and release wise I will be including a single and a remix as a part of the Saved100 release as well as a few as yet unsigned records that I’m looking forward to sending out. More details on that will be coming soon.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about?
I hope you all enjoy The Light!!
The Light is out now - buy from Beatport
