Super Marco May! All the way from La Spezia, Italy, SMM comes straight out of the golden years of Hard Dance music. 1993 is where his journey began, and shortly thereafter he began playing at all the major festivals in Europe such as Qlubtempo, X-Qlusive, Multigroove and so much more! Now it’s his time to return to the US to show us Nu-style kids where the true spirit of Hardstyle really comes from. Super Marco May hits North America on the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016 from February 12, 2016 in Edmonton, Canada, then February 13 in San Francisco, and February 14, 2016 in Los Angeles.
What inspired your stage name?
Marco is my name; May is the month in which my first son was born. ‘Super’ came later; some fans of mine made Superman t-shirts with my name written on them, because I often used to wear a Superman t-shirt. From that day I’m Super Marco May.
Were you a DJ first, or a producer?
I started as a DJ in 1993 but after a short time I approached the Zolex Studio of my dear friend Adrian 12 to try to create something on my own. From there, my passion was started.
How did you get into the scene?
Initially celebrating with friends. Then more and more people came to these parties, so I was asked to play as a DJ in a club.
What was the first record you ever purchased?
I will never forget the thrill of buying my first vinyl record: It was Felix’ “Do Not You Want Me” in 1992.
Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?
I have to thank my friends Alex and Checco who brought me closer to becoming a DJ. They had turntables at home and they made me literally fall in love with this world. Musically, however, I can say that my biggest inspiration was Roland Brant with which a few years later I made my first track: “Typhoon”.
Would you describe your first DJ gig?
October 17th, 1993 at Taverna Juri in Aulla, Tuscany, Italy. I was thrilled and I still have to thank Alessandro Tognetti, who was the resident DJ, for giving me the opportunity to perform.
What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?
My favorite party was undoubtedly Qlub Time #10 in 2002 organized by Q-Dance. My first experience abroad; my first experience in the Netherlands.
What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?
The funniest moment I experienced was at 101% Super Marco May. The party was organized by Dorian Gray and being carried in triumph by the boys on the dance floor was just awesome.
Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?
This Trauma tour not only represents my first tour in the USA, but also my first time in the US in general, so I hope it will be like my first time in the Netherlands. Just the first of many more to come!
What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?
I started producing Hardstyle because, in my opinion, it was something that people would have enjoyed more than Hard Trance or Techno; that’s what was big at the time. I liked the result of combining kick and reverse bass and I have to say that it pleased many.
What is your favorite track that you have produced?
I have two favorite ones: ‘Partyflock’ I produced to thank all the Dutch guys who supported me when I first went to Holland, and ‘Fuera de Cabeza’ because it fully reflects me!
What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore producers?
I always suggest to do what one likes: don’t follow trends; develop your own taste.
Have any of the other artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?
There are many artists I know and respect. It’s not easy to choose! I think that all together we inspire the dance floor for absolute fun.
What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?
- Roland Brant – Mastermind
- The Stunned Guys & DJ Paul – Thrillseeka
- Mohikana – I Will Find You
What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?
Hard Attack – Countdown
Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up you want our readers to know about?
I’m working on a new project with my label Blackout Records. We are going to combine RAW music with something different. Why not!
What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?
With reference to my new project I’d like to collaborate with Snoop Dogg.
If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?
I’ll be waiting for you all!