As promised quite a while ago, we welcome no one else but Marlon D. Considered as one of the most promising NYC DJ/producer at the moment, the Underground Collective honcho has made quite some noise over the past months delivering timeless classics such as Jaque’s ‘Love Will See The Day’ and Maxine Iniss’ ‘I Appreciate’. He has just released his debut-LP which reached the status of ‘Album Of The Month’ on these pages and is currently working on a CD mix with Master Kev. Enuff reasons to tickle our curiosity…

Yaow Marlon, wassup ? How do you feel with the release of this first album ? Any fear ?

Greetings and thank you. I don’t think it has still hit me in full just yet but no… No fear on my end just happiness.

How do you see it as a finished work ?

I see it as a true house music album with elements of an old school vibe which I think is currently the ‘in’ sound right now.

How long did it take to concretise it ? Any doubt in the process of its creation ?

It took about 6 months and no, there was no doubt. Just a lot of focus and determination.

How does the critic sees it so far ?

A lot of great feedback thank God.

Tell us about your background ? The thing(s) that led you doing music ? The people who’ve got you into it ?

My backround is Spanish influenced, and my family led me to do music. My uncles were in a rock band and they taught me a lot about music. They were playing since I was a baby and so I learned a lot from them.

What about your family environment ?

All music oriented. My dad loved music as well as my uncles

The people you feel the closest to.

Granfather, Father, Mother

Those who’ve been amongst your biggest influences ?

My uncles for showing me music production and artists such as Danny Tenaglia, Louie Vega and Jellybean Benitez.

Your favourite all time record ?

Stevie Wonder – Do I Do

I understand that you also have a label (Underground Collective).  How is it working ? What does it stand for ?

Underground Collective is a party based out of New York City which we used to do weekly back in 2000 but now have changed it to ‘one off’ events. From that the Underground Collective Recordings label was born. For more info on that, you can log onto undergroundcollective.net

What to expect in terms of new releases ?

Working on a bunch of new projects. Primarily want to concentrate on gospel driven type songs, but with a funky twist to them.

How come have you finally release your LP on another label ?  A question of structure ?

I have put my record label on hold for a little while so since I been working with Jellybean on past projects, I figured it would be something to keep the consistancy going.

The circumstances of your first meeting with John (Benitez) ?

I met Jellybean through Louie Vega, and from the first time we met it was progress all the way.

Has he been of a help in the process of creation of your album ?

Yes, a huge help. Jellybean is a great inspiration. I go to him for a lot of advice.

There’s an obvious identity on your sound. How would you consider it ?

Deep, soulful with a classic touch.

What is for you a nice piece of music ?

An amalgamation of vibes which not only sounds good but is also creative and identifies what you’re thinking, whether it’s simple or complex.

The definition of a good nite (as a DJ) ?

Hearing people shouting ‘one more record’ at the end of your set.

The signification of ‘Love’ as a key ?

God’s main wish is  for everyone to love one another, so in turn LOVE IS KEY.

Is the fact of being a DJ in any help to create music ?

Yes it helps in knowing what the crowd and masses want to hear to get them dancing.

Is the fact of being a producer in any help to spin ?

Yes, the more records you have out, the more better chances you have of getting a DJ gig.

What is it to be a house producer in NYC nowadays ?

It’s being broke and hustling for every penny.

Which instrument do you play ? Would you like to play ?

I play a lot of  percussion but I would love to learn more about playing my own keyboard solos.

We don’t see your name that much abroad. Any comment ?

Yes I have some passport issues that I am dealing with and God willing will be resovled in the year to come, so when they do, you can rest assured you will be seeing me around your way.

Your forthcoming projects ?

Underground Collective Mixed Compilation mixed by myself and Master Kev.

One wish ?

For everyone to love one another. LOVE IS KEY !

MARLON D Love Is Key LP (Jellybean)