We caught up with DJ and producer Marvin Humes to talk about his heavily supported club track Girls on the Floor with A-Minor. Marvin has blown up the music scene this year playing at various venues in Ibiza and hosting shows on Capital FM. Here’s what he had to say…
How much are you enjoying your new found fame in the club and dance scene?
I love it. I’ve been DJ’ing for years, since I was a teenager, so to be doing it now, almost full time, it’s great. I love the buzz that I get from it.
What made you decide to turn to the decks and start producing dance-floor tracks such as Girls On The Floor?
When my band finished, I knew that I wanted to stay in the music industry, but I didn’t want to perform anymore. I knew I loved making records, writing, producing and DJ’ing, so I thought, you know what, let’s start making some house tracks. It was hard work from there really. I’ve been doing that for the past five years and working in the studio with a lot of great people. Obviously the DJ’ing comes hand in hand with that. I’m really, really enjoying it.
How did the collaboration with A-Minor come about? How was it working with him?
A-Minor’s wicked, I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve been a big fan of his for years. You work with some people and sometimes it doesn’t work, but being in the room with A-Minor, we just clicked straight away, so it was really cool to be with him.
We just got in touch with each other. These days you can access anyone really. I hit him up and literally within about three weeks we were in the studio and made the tune. Sometimes things just turn out great like that.
Can you describe the track to our readers?
We always wanted to use a sample from Chris Rock. I’m a big fan of Chris Rock and we picked out this specific phrase. I knew I wanted it to be a tech-house club track and we came up with the bassline, then the sample and it all fell into place. Sometimes it just happens. It’s definitely a big club track.
Where did you get the inspiration for it?
For me, it was playing in Ibiza all Summer and going to different nights. From Pacha, to Amnesia, to Ushuaia and hearing some of the big tunes getting dropped, from Kolsch. I’m a big fan of Kolsch.
You’ve had one hell of a summer playing all over Ibiza and at various festivals, but what’s been your highlight of 2017?
I would say DJ’ing at Hi in Ibiza, which is the ‘new’ Space. Space is obviously an iconic and legendary club that shut last year, so to play Hi was massive for me. Definitely that alongside The Mambo Brothers and Jonas Blue. That night is one I will always remember.
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve played?
I’ve played at some amazing venues this year; Ushuaia, Ibiza Rocks, Pacha, but I think Hi for me, because it’s such an iconic, legendary place, as in Space. The fact that it’s relaunched this year and it’s an amazing venue, it’s one that will always stick out in my memory for sure.
Who, where and when was the best DJ set you’ve seen?
I was lucky enough to see Swedish House Mafia at Ushuaia about five years ago and I’ll always remember that. It was the first time I went to Ushuaia and the first time I saw Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello play together and it was just unbelievable. The energy, the vibe, the tunes they were dropping, it was incredible. I’d say that is always one that will stick out.
Where can we see you playing next?
I’ve got a gig in Edinburgh next week and one in January. Keep an eye on my website for dates for next year. I’ll be announcing a lot of Summer dates early on in 2018.
Have you got anymore upcoming releases coming out soon?
I’ve got a lot of stuff to be released, so keep an eye on my socials and you’ll hear on there first.
You also host the midweek late night slot on Capital FM? Why should people tune in and listen to you?
…because it’s the best show on radio! It’s great to be a part of such a huge radio station and what’s cool for me, is that I’m a tastemaker on there. I introduce the music to my listeners. I’m on from 10pm to 1am, Monday to Thursday and that slot’s really cool, because it enables me to play new music. That’s the reason why you should tune in.
If you could collaborate with someone right now who would it be?
Good question. I’m a big fan of Toddla T, I love what he’s doing. Also Jonas Blue, I love what Jonas does. He’s grasped that commercial, tropical house sound that’s obviously smashed it on radio and he’s a great DJ as well.
In terms of vocalists, I love Julia Michaels, she’s really cool and a great songwriter. I’d love to hear what she sounds like on a house track and Anne-Marie’s a great vocalist as well.
What song have you got on repeat at the moment?
Toddla T – ‘Magnet’.
What’s your guilty pleasure track, one that nobody knows you love?
I would say East 17 – ‘Each Time’, proper throwback but it’s a big tune.
What advice do you have for those who want to make it as a DJ?
Play as much as you can, whether it be at parties, friend’s birthdays and practice at home. Try and get a pair of decks as soon as you can.
Listen to Girls on the Floor here.
