We sat down to talk with producer and DJ, Jesse Marco, to discuss music, fashion and what’s in store for the rest of 2017. The artist from New York has played at after shows for a number of prestige designers and hosts the Living Room Sessions, which has featured a number of artists such as Just Blaze, A$SAP MOB, Rich Po Slim and many more.
Who influences you musically?
Everyone from 90’s alternative rock and punk like Nirvana and Green Day, or metal like Marilyan Manson. Other artists include or Wu Tang , Biggie Smalls, Jay Z, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Swizz Beats, Just Blaze, Mark Ronson, DJ am , DJ Shadow, Moby, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Daft Punk, The Smiths, Cam’ron, Larry Levan, A-Trak and Laid-Back Luke; I have a lot of inspiration.
When was the precise moment you realised you could make a career in music?
Probably when I got booked to DJ in another country. I felt like OK this isn’t just a fluke.
What’s the best part of being an international DJ?
Seeing the world for sure. I mean when I was young I was diagnosed with some pretty insane allergies and my immune system was very sensitive so I don’t think they ever thought I’d be doing anything like this at all. But I guess that’s precisely why I am doing it.
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve ever played?
Not like it was an incredible party or anything but I died a couple times in the whale room in the Natural History Museum. I used to go in there when I was little with my dad, and look up at this gigantic whale. It looks smaller having grown up but funny to connect the two experiences; it’s pretty memorable to me. Either that, or there’s a beautiful club in Mykonos called Cavo Paradiso that overlooks the water and you’re sort of on this cliff. It’s really beautiful
What is the most memorable DJ set you’ve ever seen?
DJ AM at Stereo in like 2004 or 2005. That’s what really made me want to be a DJ watching the way he controlled the crowd.
What does a typical day in the life of Jesse Marco look like when you’re not creating music?
I wake up, go to the gym, I listen to a lot of podcasts and npr so I get that going at the gym. I like Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist history. After that, I come home and sort through some music or dig for some sounds or something. If I’m not heading to the studio, I’m probably meeting a friend for lunch or just walking around. I find New York to be really relaxing, just being able to aimlessly walk wherever you want. It’s really calming for me. Maybe I’ll walk into the strand on Broadway; it’s a great book store or I go and see a movie. There’s always something going on at night in the city, so most of the time I’m saving my energy to go out.
You run Living Room Sessions in New York, which has hosted numerous huge artists. If you could collaborate with an artist past or present, who would it be?
Biggie! Or I’d love to make a song with Prince, that would’ve been bucket list, or even like James Brown, that would be crazy. Present I’d go with my all my idols like swizz beats or just blaze.
Are you playing or attending any music festivals this year?
Yes, I went to Coachella that was fun. I play a party there every year called Neon Carnival.
What’s your festival outfit?
I don’t know if I have a festival outfit per-say, just something comfy. Some vans or Jordan’s which I don’t care about getting dirty, and a t shirt and jeans. Keep it simple.
Are you going on a lad’s holiday this year? If so, where?
I had to Google “lad’s holiday” hahaha. I don’t have time for that, got to work!
Drink of choice on a night out?
Don Julio 1942 neat. No need for rocks, it’s so smooth. My favourite drink.
Favourite film?
Coming to America.
Being an international DJ, you must have your pick of the girls, but what’s your best chat up line?
To be real, I don’t usually go up to girls, I am a bit shy but usually if we make eye contact I’ll just come over and say hi and introduce myself. I wouldn’t overthink it or come with some corny line ha.
Describe your style?
I feel like I don’t prescribe to a lot of the trends. I guess I tend to like legacy brands. Like one’s that have a history. There’s a whole subculture that I sort of partook in that’s parallel to digging for records and it’s sort of like attached to things from the past, so I wear a lot of vintage stuff. I like stuff that no one else has, it makes it a bit more special that way.
Describe yourself in three words?
Crazy, loving, motivated.
What advice can you give to someone wanting to make it as a DJ?
Spend the time working on your mix, anyone can put two songs together, but take some time to better your craft and feel the ins and outs of it. That’s the real pleasure in it when you’re just by yourself and you’re enjoying it. Develop your skill and develop your talent and people will notice when it’s good enough.
Thanks Jesse Marco.
