⛑It has been more than a year since COVID-19 suddenly blocked our connection with the world. During the process of developing local DJs and parties, at the same time, do you all miss our international friends as we do? What happened to all those artists who brought us those wonderful experiences in .TAG? With our questions and thoughts, we contacted them and did a series of “home visits”.
✨#marum
Planning and organizing a party is just one of the means by which he can achieve his queer utopia dream. He is also a visual artist, curator and contributor. He founded and operated the queer label - suspension, and started his own program on Quântica Radio, and has long focused on gender and feminist theory, electronic music and club politics. Marum is a full-fledged fighter, and that may be one of the reasons why he stands out in the underground scene so fast.
Q：How has COVID-19 affected your passion as a DJ? Tell us some positive/negative influences on your work and production.
A：“My flow as a DJ has become completely chaotic as I ride the waves of COVID. Either I found myself overcompensating with streams, mixes, and music-related projects to feel that I am still a DJ, or I find myself feeling like a delusional imposter, avoiding social media and being incapable of recording a mix for months. The good thing is that I managed to slow down and focus on some things I didn't find the time before like looking better after my health and studying German - not really DJ related but I'm sure it will help me to become a less precarious artist living in Germany once things start again. I've also become very close to many people in my community, including amazing artists with whom I am excited to try out new exciting things in the clubs as soon as they open!”
Q：COVID-19 has meant spending a lot more time at home, what have you learned about DJing over this period, and what do you think has been most valuable?
A：“I have realized (again and again) that DJing is something that apparently I will always do. I did it before I would call myself a DJ, I was doing it as a professional DJ making a living out of it, and I still do it now without any club or party running. Be it for big parties or in the privacy of home, I am reminded again and again how I love to listen to music and to play it for crowds, for friends, or just to myself.”
Q：Have you participated in any online livestreams, what are your thoughts on this type of performance?
A：“I did a bunch of them and I have a few more coming up. If clubs were still running, I would avoid them at all cost - I live for the ephemeral debauchery! I like when the experience remains between those present in the room, on the dancefloors, with its glory and crashes living mostly in our memories. I also love when some good hot moments are immortalized on video. Although, over the last year, online streams have become the dominant DJing expression and I'd rather keep those as sweet exceptional treats in an ocean of exciting and secretive gigs.”
Q：From your point of view, how has Chinese club atmosphere evolved over the years?
A：“I have only been to China once so I don't really know but I peep at what's happening only to feel amazed at how it seems to be flourishing! I can't wait to visit again and feel its pulse again! I miss you all so much!”
Q：Imagine the future of club culture and electronic dance music industry after COVID-19.
A：“I like to imagine it as I want it to become: a wild new spectrum of trippy sounds, wild dances, and politically vocal!”
Q：Recommend one of your music produced during COVID-19.
A：“I didn't produce anything during COVID but given the difficult times we have all been through, I would like to suggest a live recording of a mix I've recorded for a new project called Infinity Rug, conjuring deep meditative sounds and which includes a healing body scan by the marvelous dancer Maria Scaroni.”