How's Life?: Marco Weibel
Darker Than Wax co-label head, Marco Weibel, is a DJ’s DJ, trusted by many and a connector in the truest sense of the word. Over the past decade, the New York-based artist has quietly built a loyal following through expansive sets that defy genre and style. Exploring old and new underground sounds in the spirit of both educating and entertaining dancers. Let's dive deep into his world!
Hi! Can you introduce yourself to our readers? Hi! I’m Marco Weibel — a DJ, radio host, and music curator based in NYC. I run a weekly show on The Lot Radio every Saturday (12-2 pm) since their inception and also co-run a label called Darker Than Wax, which is based between Singapore (where I spent my formative years) and NY. Music’s been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been lucky to play at some amazing places around the world, and music discovery/sharing has always been at the heart of it. How did you first get into music? Can you take us back to the beginning of your musical journey? I played bass + guitar in a couple bands growing up, but really got into DJ when I was around 17 back in Singapore, hanging out at spots like Home Club - where there was a very healthy Drum n Bass scene + Zouk - where Gilles Peterson was doing Worldwide Festival for a couple years. The music I heard at these places split my head open and made me want to dive deeper into that underground culture rooted in dance music. Was there an album or artist your parents used to play that really stuck with you? Did it influence your taste in music? There was a couple that were played in the house regularly. My mom was into collecting CDs; she would go to this one shop called “That CD Shop” and pick up new albums every couple months. Cafe Del Mar / Buddha Bar compilations, Marvin Gaye, Sade, India Arie, to name a few. I think they definitely influenced me.
What’s been your favorite gig to date, and what made it so memorable? I enjoy playing all night long. I think that's when you're really able to tell a story and connect deeply with the dance floor. Every gig is a blessing, and honestly, I’m not one to reminisce too much, but I do hope to be able to play all night long more often! If you were curating your own stage, who would be on your dream lineup? Nala Sinephro (live)Kuniyuki (live)Theo ParrishJosey Rebelle Where’s your favorite place to dig for records, and why? Japan is pretty insane. They have a big appreciation for collecting/preserving, and archiving all things; records are no exception. What’s your current favorite record to play in front of a crowd? When would you drop it, and what makes it so special? This changes constantly, and there's so many to pick from, but something that comes to mind right at this moment is Kerri Chandler’s “Sunshine & Twilight” - I’d play that at sunrise or sunset, deep tune.
Anything on the horizon that you're looking forward to? I am looking forward to the rest of summertime in NYC; the energy and vibe are unmatched. Everyone has a guilty pleasure track. What’s yours? All Saints - Pure Shores. My old roommate loves this song and it's kinda grown on me hahaha. What’s one thing on your bucket list that isn’t related to DJing? Roadtripping through the US from coast to coast, visiting the national parks on the way! Any advice for beginners looking to get into the art? We stand on the shoulders of giants. There are a lot who have come and gone who’ve put their all into this, research and always be open to learning, it’s an endless cycle … Thank you, Marco. See you next time! Marco Weibel's next dates in Europe: 23 October : DTW FM live from ADE at Australia House - Amsterdam24 October : All Night Long at Space Talk - London31 October : Deep Listening Session at Pastiche - Berlin
