Aug 24, 2010
USTM: Hello Markus, we would like to take the opportunity and say thank you for doing this interview with United States Trance Movement. Ms. Romero, myself, plus other USTM members, had the opportunity to attend your World Tour NYC Event @ Pacha this past May. What an amazing night! If you can recall, what was the response you got back from the New York City trance scene?
Markus: It was crazy – really. I’ve always suspected that NY had a big trance heart and man there it was for all to see! The scene in the city just seems to be growing, substantially, every month now, and for the last year or so. That, in itself, is very good to see.
USTM: What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the EDM scene since your days as a resident DJ in Arizona?
Markus: Wow, that is like a long time ago; there should be plenty to choose from! But actually you know, on reflection, there’s not. Across the board and without any doubt it is digital. That demands the use of the word ‘revolution’. It’s funny because the two biggest changes in popular music in the last 25 years have been from our quarter. Style-wise there’s never been a bigger story than dance music in that time and EDM was the first of digital’s early-adopters. Take that a bit further and trance was really the first in EDM. We’re at the epicenter, man! 
USTM: The EDM scene in the USA is nowhere near as popular as it is in Europe. Why do you think that is and how do you think we can make it grow?
Markus: Well that’s a funny one… We may well see it like that but possibly people from outside the US would see it different. It is growing here, all the time in fact, like I was saying about NY above. In Europe these days it is much more about the one-offs, or maybe the monthlies. Over here there are new nights I’m getting booked for, or people are trying to book me for springing up all the time. I think the best way to look at things is in perspective and per capita. Over in Europe things numbers are holding steady, over here they’re growing, because it’s newer, and maybe fresher. Ask yourself this: where you’d rather be!?
USTM: What is your favorite venue/event to play at in the USA?
Markus: Ooooh, I don’t really do the favourite thing anymore more! Too many ‘that was rash, why did I pick that over X, Y or Z’ flashbacks!
USTM: Since your Album release on JUNE 15, 2010, what kind of response have you received from the fans in the USA and across the world?
Markus: Let me just say that I am very, very – and once more for emphasis – very (!) happy with the way it has gone down.
USTM: What is your favorite track on your Do You Dream? album?
Markus: I’ll probably refer you back to the answer above 
. It’s more down to other people to establish their favourites, I think, and, yes, maybe for me to pick up on them. I guess with that in mind the singles to date (which always get more spotlight) seem to have gone down really well. Perception – the latest with Justine Suissa on vocals – I was really just over the moon with that reaction.
USTM: Who have you always wanted to collaborate with?
Markus: If we’re playing fantasy league, no rules, I’m going to go with Larry Levan, Pink Floyd and Manfred Man. If that’s not happening – and I suspect it might not (!) – let’s go with U2 & Coldplay, but only if they’re all-in!
USTM: Is there any event this summer that you are especially looking forward to playing? We’re looking forward to seeing you at Electric Zoo!
Markus: Thanks man – I’m looking forward to being there! I’ve been looking forward to playing a LOT of events this summer! Alas a lot of the biggies are behind us now: Tomorrowland, Pleasure Island, Nature One, Sunrise, Dance Valley, all the Global Gatherings – they’ve been end-to-end incredible. I did a all-nighter at Armada’s Amnesia night on the 10th of August which was amazing. To be able to direct the course and flow of the music in a place like Amnesia peak-season for a whole night is the kind of stuff that dreams are made of!
USTM: You are one of the few artists that is returning to Electric Zoo. How was your experience playing at the inaugural Electric Zoo festival last year?
Markus: Electric Zoo is kind of like the final link in the chain for festival season this year. Last year’s was absolutely amazing and I’ve no doubt that this one will be too. Not long to go now – c’mon!!
USTM: What are your top 3 festival survival tips?
Markus:
1) Take a small pouch of nutritious dried fruits and pulses, and have it with you at all times. If you get stuck at the back of a long catering queue you can find that the festival has closed long before you get anywhere close to the front of it. So always a useful one that!
2) Before you head out, go to the toilet. Then just as you’re about to walk out of the door try and fool your bladder by rushing back up the stairs and trying to go again. I’ve found out that your enjoyment factor when attending festivals runs directly in relation to how few times you have to use the ‘facilities’ at them!
3) Don’t wear your cut-off-at-the-bellybutton ‘Stay Alive in ‘85’ t-shirt – people will look at you funny!!
USTM: When you have an entire day free to yourself, what do you do? If you hadn’t become a world renowned DJ, what would you be doing right now?
Markus: I’m a bit of a sports nut. I love playing basketball or going to the gym; to keep my body in good shape for the demands of being on the road so often. I’m a big Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat fan so I try to watch as many of their games as I can. Other than that, I’d just take it easy watching a bit of TV. My favorite shows at the moment are Entourage, The Big Bang Theory and 30 Rock. Love my comedy!
If I’d not become a DJ I would be spending every waking minute trying to get the skills to become one. Ditto for music production!
USTM: Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans and United States Trance Movement?
Markus: Yeah sure: guys, get your asses down to Electric Zoo next month – it’s going to be freekin’ awesome and totally off the hook! You have the Schulz seal on that!
USTM: Thank you so much for your responses and you’re time.
Markus: Pleasure – hope to speak to you guys again soon.
See you at Electric Zoo!
Interview Done By Paulette & Doug
Be sure to catch Markus Schulz, along with Armin van Buuren, ATB, Above & Beyond, Gareth Emery, Sander van Doorn, and much more! at Electric Zoo
