Dubspot Interview: Mark Farina

Q: What was your most memorable gig, good or bad?

A: Good, definitely. Too many to remember. Playing on a beach with Derrick Carter on New Year's Eve, first gig in London at Bar Rumba with Luke Solomon and Kenny Hawkes. Playing with Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy at Vic Theater in Chicago. Opening for Kraftwerk at Coachella, etc...


Q: Is there any gear that you're currently lusting for and why?

A: Solid State Logic "Matrix" 32 channel DAW controlled mixer, would be great for fusing analog gear to digital with may options.


Q: What is your favorite piece of studio gear?

A: AKAI MPC-4000, MPC-2500 or Elektron machinedrum SPS-1UW. Easy to use, lots of fun!


Q: What tools and equipment did you use to create your latest Mushroom Jazz 6 on Om Records?

A: Mix wise I used a UREI 1605 mixer, 3 Pioneer CDJ-1000's, 2 Technics 1200's, 1 Pioneer EFX-1000, 1 Dope Real 3300 crossover


Q: If you were stranded on a desert island what three albums would you take and why?

A: Would there be a turntable there? Or would they be to hold and look at? Probably 3 triple albums so I would have extra vinyl for a fire or shelter.


Q: If you need inspiration for composing, what do you do?

A: Check a bunch of new tunes that I'm recently in to or listen to some classic jams.


Q: Where do you think the music industry will be in five years?

A: Less and less full EP's and only singles. Less CD releases.


Q: Thanks to the Internet, the distance between fan and artist has become much closer, how are you currently interacting with your fan base?

A: Still the old fashioned way, saying hi to people on the road every week. Still am a little slow connecting on internet other than email.


Q: What's the best piece of advice you ever received about the music industry?

A: With making tracks... "Sometimes good things happen by accident" -Derrick May

Q: What artists do you feel are currently pushing the music envelope and why?

A: Derrick Carter, J.T. Donaldson, Uneaq.


Q: What would you do for a living if you couldn't make music?

A: Gardening... Professional soccer player (retired)


Q: What's new on the horizon for you?

A: Possible collaborations, more time in LA, setting up Spring & Summer tour schedule