Next up we welcome the amazing Markus Homm. When Markus started going to his first House parties, the likes of Beatport and Myspace hadn’t even been thought of. Born in 1980, Markus was 15 years old when he became infected with electro music and subsequently got his hands on a turntable.
He then began to seek out the latest releases at the record store and also by asking local DJ’s the identity of the tracks that had kept him dancing late into the night. Eventually the second turntable made it into the equation and he started to mix records. His first gig came at the age of 21 and proved to be the first of very many.
In Romania he played several gigs and met his current production partner and friend Mihai Popoviciu. Impressed by the quickly developing club scene in Romania he opened a record store with fellow local DJ’s in Sibiu.
It's not only his passion for Techno music that has taken him to places far and wide. Since he was 18 years old, Markus has been traveling as a professional dancer to tournaments all over the world. Learning Latin American dance has definitely influenced his sense of rhythm and his training has taught him the intricate design and implementation of many forms of music.
In 2006, Homm’s professional career took him to Moscow, and it was there that he started to produce music. Working sometimes alone and sometimes with partner Mihai Popoviciu, he formulated his own unique style of dance music, ranging from Deep House to Tech House. Markus Homm’s music is in a constant state of development, always searching for, and finding the most compelling groove. This diverse musical direction has led Homm & Popoviciu to successful releases with various labels, including their home label Highgrade Records, and Diynamic Music. In 2009 they had a widely acknowledged summer hit with “Bis Co”.
Markus has also released a string of solo tracks and remixes which have gained notable success and positive feedback. He has earned himself a solid position in the international Techno scene. Legendary Berlin clubs like Panorama Bar, Watergate and Tresor, or international destinations and venues in Zurich, Bucharest, Mexico, Madrid, Tokyo and Hong Kong are his regular playrooms. But despite all the fun of the last few years, Markus has continued to push his musical development.
We caught up with Markus to find out more about his latest release and what's next on the horizon.
Hi Markus, how are you and what have you been up to this week?
Hi guys, thank you for the interview. I am currently in Los Angeles on a tour throughout the US. Enjoying the nice weather while I’m reading the news about the weather at home :)
You have released on many of our favourite labels. We have been playing many of your tracks over the years on our radio shows and club nights. Is there a release that has particular special memories for you?
Thank you for your support. I always appreciate to hear that. I don’t particularly have one release I like more than others but my album I released at the end of 2022, I would say I have special memories for, as a lot of work went into it during the Covid times and before.
You also produce with Mihai Popoviciu, who by the way we also love very much here at Berlin-Brighton. How did that come about and how often do you still get together?
I met Mihai In the beginning of 2000 on a gig in Romania. We became close friends and started to produce music together. At times we used to do a track a day. Currently we don’t meet that much as life got busy with travel and families but I’m sure in the future we will get back together and do something again. At the moment there is nothing planned.
You have had a recent release on 1st December on Poker Flat sub label Sublease Music. Tell us more about that.
Sublease is a label I have released on in the past. I really like what they do. I highly respect Steve (Bug) and his crew, so I am always happy to be back.
It’s a three track EP with slightly different tracks. I love the ingredients of a good groove with a hypnotic feel :) I am very happy with the feedback until now.
What else can you tell us about future releases, anything exciting in the pipeline?
I have a release in January on Oral Records together with a fast upcoming artist from LA. Her name is Robyn Balliet. I also have an EP out on 8bit Records around March. I a also working on some new stuff together with Gorge.
I also read recently that you are a very successful professional dancer, having taken part in many tournaments. What sort of style did you specialise in and where has it taken you in the world?
I was a professional dancer for 28 years specialising in Latin American dance. I was a national champion and top 4 in the world & Europe representing Germany. I retired in 2013 and I still work as a trainer and judge around the world. So no more competitions for me, just helping my students on the sidelines :)
I have and still travel for work with it. Teaching in various studios around the world and being present at competitions around the globe. I am leaving tomorrow to Las Vegas to judge a competition for example. So it keeps me busy besides music :)
Do you feel the world of dance has influenced you as a DJ when you perform and equally as a producer?
They both helped me a lot. In dancing we constantly analyze rhythm & music and try to show it with our bodies. So understanding rhythm and music helped me a lot once I got in to music production.
The other way around I understood a lot more how music was written and built. That again helped me with musicality in dancing. For example, choreographing, creating steps, shows and showcasing that to the spectator. It has been going hand-in-hand for me throughout my career.
Where was your first gig and how did it go?
It was in Stuttgart at a small club. I don't remember the name, it was at a private party. The gig had a bunch of challenges as I played only vinyl back than lol. But I have beautiful memories.
What are your go-to labels?
8Bit, Sublease, Bondage Music, Klaus:elle
You have compiled our latest Berlin Mixtapes Series Episode 057 - Tell us more about your mix.
It’s a mix of tracks I currently play, which includes some of my new tracks and others to complete a little 1hour journey. I hope you all like it :)
Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
Thank you for the interview and the support, I really appreciate that! To all the readers, I wish you a wonderful 2024 as we are about to close out 2023.
I hope to see you somewhere on a dance floor and we can be in the moment together.
Exciting stuff! It's been an absolute pleasure talking with you. Next up here's the Quickfire Round: Genre: Deep House, Tech House
Favourite colour: Black
What do you put on your chips? Ketchup
Apple or Android?: Apple
First record ever bought: I believe it was Byron Stingily – Get Up
Can you juggle?: Hell no
Weirdest/Coolest Item of clothing: I had a few dance outfits :))
Do you collect anything?: Not intentionally but I have a bunch of speakers in my house.
Favourite place to hang out in Berlin: Sisyphos Favourite club: Too many!
Favourite beer: Asahi Draft
Favourite place to eat: There are a few as I travel a lot
How do you like your eggs: Soft
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Favourite track right now: East End Dubs - Goes Like This
Favourite Football Team: Bayern Munich
A phrase to describe your mix: Hypnotic, dub, groove
Tracklist
Dexter Crow & Dersy - Ahmetcha
Janeret - D. Tool
East End Dubs - Goes Like This
Ross Kiser - Catacombs (Markus Homm Remix)
Ashee - Poison (Original Mix)
Dilby - Burnt Embers
Markus Homm - Cubicle
M-High - Othirty (Original Mix)
Markus Homm - Rise
Pig & Dan & Siavash - Ace of Spades (Original Mix)
Nic Fanciulli - On My Mind (Original Mix)
New Phunk Theory - Twilight (Little Green Dub)