August 1, 2009 (Issue #1) – Words by Anthony Data
To understand the driving force behind one of El Paso’s most unassuming talents, first you need to know one thing… this man is humble. Despite the success he has experienced and the promising future we all have to look forward to from him, if you were to see Greg Marquez walking around at a local event, you would be none the wiser that his tracks (found on Beatport) have been bought and played by DJs all over the world. One of the local Binge Records misfits, this man has been putting out tracks for many years and has many surprises up his sleeve for future releases. A trance aficionado by nature, the unique twist of classical and symphonic parallels give his noise a structure beyond compare.
The 39-year old El Paso native studied classical music and composers for over 30 years, utilizing the skills developed during this time to give his sound a unique flavor not found in many tracks being produced today. His take on music and the involvement of the role it plays in his life is inspirational, to say the least, for those of us individuals looking to pursue electronic music on a professional level.
ECB caught up with Gregory Marquez to find out what El Paso’s most talented trance producer is up to…
ECB How long have you been producing and what got you started?
Gregory Marquez I’ve been a classical pianist since about 8 or 9. During that time I spent a lot of time studying many composers; from Bach to Mozart, to modern day composers. My past experience with this kind of music is reflected in what I am making now and it gives my sound a different feel. I started producing back in 1993/94 when software came out that allowed average user to produce. Programs like Fruity Loops and Acid Pro were coming out and as technology became available the applications became much more technologically sound to handle more complex productions.
DJ Rich, DJ Moi, Byme and Michael Anthony played a huge role in my interest in producing and as a DJ. I have never really been a house head, however, DJ Rich’s mixing style and track selection really sets him apart and his approach introduced me to production. It was always the smooth transition while DJ Rich was entertaining that really peaked my interest how tracks were produced. Rich and I co-founded the now defunct “Synergy Studios.” During this timeframe we did not have a clear understanding of music production, nor did we have a professional DAW (Digital Application Workstation) application needed to be producers. We were using Fruity Loops, Sound Forge and a Korg Triton. The production, though creative, sounded terrible in terms of engineering and sound quality. Nevertheless, we forged on only to sell off most of our equipment. In early 2000, the technical revolution of DAW systems available for home use exploded, making it reasonably priced and far more advanced in terms of sound quality and capabilities. Sound cards and audio interfaces with 16 and 24bit/192khz sampling rate capabilities are now available to the public at prices the average person can afford. Powerful DAW application such as Reason, Sonar, Logic, Abelton and Pro Tools coupled with the compatibility of a powerful home computer began a revolution in home production. The digital era was born and breakthroughs in equipment, such as the CDJ, allowed producers greater flexibility to showcase their music to the masses without pressing into expensive vinyl. As I moved through the technological advances, DJ Moi came into the scene with hard hitting sets that inspired me. Moi’s work as a producer is equally impressive. We continue to work together and have co-produced a number of tracks. I must also mention Byme, whose intense dark live performances really unleashed what integrated Midi devices can achieve while performing. As for Michael Anthony, I found that with all of the technology available the one true art that hasn’t changed is engineering. Even with the most sophisticated advancements, your music must be engineered properly in order gain respect in the music industry. Mike Anthony’s skills as an engineer were some of the best in the El Paso area. It is unfortunate he has moved on to other music production.
ECB Do you also spin?
Gregory Marquez I have been DJing for about 9 years. I have had great success as a DJ and have been requested to spin a set from me from time to time.
ECB Where do you hope to take your production career?
Gregory Marquez Some feedback I’ve gotten from people is that I need to take it professional and move myself to surroundings where the opportunities are available. It’s difficult in El Paso. Production wise, I would like to make solid tracks that are different from other tracks in the way they are put together. I would like to create a new genre of music that encompasses classical passes and grips you emotionally, taking you on a much more intellectual and emotional ride. That has always been my goal. Classical music and this type of music are worlds apart… but the universal language everyone speaks is music. Not just in this world, but everywhere. Music is a type of communication with unique tones and sounds that is not exclusive to human species.
ECB When are we going to see Gregory Marquez doing a live performance?
Gregory Marquez I’ve been offered to play quite a few times. As of yet, I have not done a live performance and I have no plans on doing so in the future. I do, however, spin at events on occasion.
ECB Right now, you currently have your music on Beatport with Binge Records…. How long have you been with Binge and how did that happen?
Gregory Marquez I’ve been with Binge Records since its inception, which was about 5 years ago. DJ Moi came up with the idea and built the website. He went through all of his connections and networking to get Binge on Beatport. You can also find some of my music on Release Records. For producers and DJ who want exposure, look into Binge Records. It is well managed and based here in El Paso, so why not take advantage?
ECB Who would be your ideal person to work with on some tracks?
Gregory Marquez I’ve tried to work with some friends here. One of the hardest things to do when collaborating is to find someone that is going to think like you. If I had to make a choice, I’d pick Medway for their engineering. They’ve worked with Digweed and Paul Van Dyke. Production would be with Eskimo. I’d like to see some of his tips and tricks.
ECB What are you currently producing with?
Gregory Marquez I have about $2000 worth of equipment. I use a gateway Dual Core 2 processor 1.8Ghz with 4 gigs of ram. I have two 28” and 22” computer monitors, wireless keyboard and mouse. Sound: 2 KRK 6” professional monitors with a 10” KRK subwoofer and a Korg Triton. Cables: You’re only as good as the cables you use to connect your input and output devices. I use nothing but Monster cables throughout my system. Audio Interface: MBOX2. DAW: Pro Tools, Abelton, Reason, Sound Forge. I am learning Pro Tools and I am very impressed thus far. Abelton and Cubase are probably the best for electronic production however the industry standard is Pro Tools.
ECB What’s on your personal play list and who are some of your favorite producers?
Gregory Marquez Eskimo is definitely at the top of the list. I also really enjoy listening to some of the Binge producers like Mike Stiltner and DJ Moi tracks. Moi has an interesting way of making tracks. He uses a lot of atonal elements. To name a few off the top of my head…Nicholas Benison, Christopher Lawrence, Satoshitomi. Labels would be Bedrock, SAW Records, and Pitch Black. There are so many good producers locally and internationally.
ECB What’s the biggest track for you at the moment?
Gregory Marquez “DMDR” played on Rush Hour by Christopher Lawrence. I also just produced a track called “GTBX” that Lawrence was interested in, but at the end I decided that if I’m going to do this, I need to do it the right way. I wouldn’t want to take that leap and ruin an opportunity. It doesn’t make sense for me to become fully involved now due to my busy schedule. Once I have the time to dedicate to producing more, I will take that leap.
My most downloaded track was “To The Deep Side.” It was done in Reason. Whenever it’s played at parties it gets a lot of attention due to its unique design of the baseline. It’s not a constant beat… its off measure. The way it’s engineered really brings out a response from the crowd. DJs from Brazil and different parts of the world emailed me after they bought it. Nicholas Benison said it was a “sick track.” I consider these small victories in a big world, but that’s the way it starts. It humbles me, and you shouldn’t take it for granted.
ECB How do you feel about the party scene now?
Gregory Marquez For myself, it started when DJ Rich took me to Moe’s Garage. It was the first time I was introduced to a “rave party.” Thee-o was playing. It was the beginning of a revolution in the scene and the type of music being produced and played. As it progressed and moved in EP, it jumped from place to place and the parties started getting bigger. It reached its pinnacle with the Civic Center “Moon Tribe” party and Blue Sun Productions “Crystal Dreams” Cohen Stadium events. It was a huge success for the DJs and promoters in EP and we were recognized as a real scene.
Nowadays, you see promoters like SMG, Synthtech, Lunar Meltdown, 20Twelve, etc. There is a new generation of young promoters coming into the scene ensuring the outlook remains active and energetic. There have been well promoted and good events and it demonstrates how well the events are getting organized. Just three years ago, it looked as if the scene was about over but now they are bringing in quality headliners. My respect goes out to these promoters who single handedly revived the scene to what it is today.
Also, the first time I picked up an ECB Magazine I wasn’t expecting it to be this professional. The magazine is a really good quality and if people take the opportunity to review it, we learn more about our scene and we feed the party machine. This is something that we never had before and it’s a great addition to our local scene. From editing to graphic design, the bright and talented staff at ECB has it together!
ECB Is there anything you want to say to your listeners?
Gregory Marquez The ability to reach even just one person is gratifying. The support and the time they take to listen to my music is appreciated and if it moves them or affects them, I’m happy. If it can take them away from their every day stresses for 7 or 8 minutes, it’s worth it.
It gives me great pleasure when people out in public come up to me with props for the work I produce. For those that have supported me and my mission to deliver quality tracks, the appreciation is reciprocated at a very high level. I have met so many people while in the scene who have been very supportive and to thank them really is the most important part of being a producer and DJ. It really is about choice, friendship, family and most importantly, talent that makes producers and DJs who they are. The bottom line quite simply put: The bloodline of the scene is listeners and they are what keep the scene vibrant. The listener is the sole reason and inspiration for all involved in the scene. Without them, we simply cannot enjoy what we do nor would we invest any of our time putting events together, producing and DJing. Ultimately, no DJ or producer is above the listener and we thank them for allowing us to entertain them with our music.
After having spoken with Greg, one can’t help but to really like the guy. He is humble, well spoken and genuinely passionate about making good music. The spark of interest he has in his voice when discussing his tracks is a rare trait that many people do not possess when discussing anything. His intellectual track design and willingness to take his time when putting out new material guarantees that we have much to look forward to from this artist. For more information, check out Binge Records for downloadable tracks. Go Back…
