Finding MaRLo in A State of Trance
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Finding MaRLo in A State of Trance

There is more to MaRLo than pumping out beats to the masses as a world class DJ. He was born in the Netherlands and moved to Australia in 1994. It was here where he truly created a career as a DJ.
If he wasn’t on the world stage however, you would find him brewing up computer animation classics. Making movies like Finding Nemo. This is where his passion for creating music began. He was making computer animation throughout high school and needed to make background sound effects and background music for his animations. At the same time as producing his masterpieces, he was out every weekend attending clubs and raves. Falling in love with dance music. His animation drove him to the world of music production. Hollywood will have to wait for now.
A long time ago, in a galaxy, no this isn’t a Star Wars animation segue. Rewind. A long time ago, early on in MaRLo’s career, an opportunity presented itself to collaborate with the team from Cirque du Soleil. Living in Amsterdam at the time, he had just performed at an event called Trance Energy. The team heard his music and they undoubtedly appreciated his sound. The way he has a lot of percussive elements, Cirque du Soleil thought he’d be a good fit to remix some of their music. He then went on to remix all the tracks they were playing during their show in his own style. At the launch of their next performance, he was the main DJ playing those remixes.
It is such a powerful spectacle that has incredibly gifted acrobatics and demands the best of the best in all departments. MaRLo shared his music with the team and with music being such a powerful force in all areas of life, this only enhanced the acrobatics in the show and the feeling throughout the audience.
MaRLo has always had an incredible feel for what the people enjoy. The specific moment that made him fall absolutely in love with dance music was attending massive festivals where tens of thousands of people would flock each year. Seeing everybody dancing to the same beat, no matter what background they are from. No matter what their culture or nationality is. They’re just enjoying the same moment together. That really touched him. You could find Guadalupe from Spain swaying to the same beat as Dave from the corner shop. That was special to him. To think that dance music could be that powerful.
Starting with nothing inspires MaRLo. Having a blank canvas, or in his situation, a blank computer screen. Fascinated by spending a lot of hours, a lot of time and a lot of effort creating something, MaRLo works at his craft. At the end of a session, you have a track to listen to. When he plays it for the fans, MaRLo bounces off the energy of the crowd, never one to pre-plan his set. The ability to read the crowd and see what they are responding to and adjust accordingly is a talent. Sharing the entire experience with the people is his gift.
His latest single is titled ‘A Thousand Seas’ and finds him collaborating with English singer-songwriter, Roxanne Emery. Her stunning voice provides a melodic feel to his dance sound. This song will be released on his own record label, Reaching Altitude. Embracing the hard work that Reaching Altitude has brought him, MaRLo was actually surprised by the outcome of having his own label. Finding it rewarding to walk along a path that not only finds new talent, but nurtures that talent. Giving them advice and feedback on their music. Seeing firsthand how appreciative they are and then getting to a point where a finished track becomes heard. He gets to stand back, watch other people achieve their dreams and feel happiness in having played a small part.
Back to the Future and MaRLo is looking forward to performing at A State of Trance this year. He has played festivals all over the world and has become close friends with the production crew and the other artists. They have become his family on the road. So for now, he is excited to catch up with them, share a couple of drinks and have an excellent time. Everything is copacetic. Enjoy the party.
When & Where: ‘A State of Trance 850 Sydney’ Sydney Showground – April 21, 2018. Tickets available now via Ticketbooth.
Release: ‘A Thousand Seas’ – MaRLo feat Roxanne Emery.
Written by Sam Young