Mark E knows house inside out. With a reputation for distinctive slowburn re-edits, the Birmingham DJ and producer has created enough in four years to warrant a compilation Works 2005-2009: Selected Tracks & Edits. His take on Janet Jackson’s R&B Junkie (re-coined RnB Drunkie) in particular was a surefire club winner, but Mark E is now channelling his attentions to original productions. House and disco tastemakers will be keeping a close eye on the man’s burgeoning MERC label in 2010.

On the Easter long weekend, Mark E will bring his sought-after box of tunes to Australia for some dancefloor workouts. He’s equally deft as a DJ, with bookings from Europe to the USA. ITM caught up with the UK impresario ahead of his visit.

I know you’ve said you want to focus more now on ‘original’ productions. Was the Works 2005-2009: Selected Tracks & Edits compilation something of a closing chapter to edits for a while?
No I will always do my own edits for use in DJ sets and maybe they will get released too, I’m not sure yet. The Selected Works was put together to bring the tracks of the last few years under one heading and to create a full stop. With MERC being the next chapter, there is a Volume Two coming out also.

Are there any particular artists whose production style or approach you admire?
I really love the wild pitch mixes of DJ Pierre, and the whole Detroit sound around artists like The 3 Chairs. I’m equally enjoying music from guys like Tensnake and Brontosaurus.

Do the techniques that you mastered making edits play into your original productions?
Yeah, most definitely. Edits came first for me, and I’m using the same techniques making new music but with my own sounds. I don’t employ a different tactic with each, just make music that sounds good to me.

Is doing commissioned remixes something that interests you?
Yes, I’ve done quite a few remixes now, but want to try and concentrate on my own music this year. But if I like the track, then I’ll always consider any remix offers.

Obviously there’s risk involved in starting up a label. What compelled you to establish MERC, rather than releasing through other imprints?
To have full control of my output. I’m looking forward to creating MERC as a brand around my productions, involving both music and the artwork. I understand that labels struggle these days, but I’m not after world domination; just to create a small label which occasionally produces a nice product.

What’s ahead in 2010 for MERC?
A volume two Mark E Works CD, and a few more 12-inches.

You’ve played Warm at Plastic People in London; a club that is now under threat from local authorities. In your touring experience, are clubs like Plastic People something of a rarity?
It’s a rarity in the UK, not so much Europe, but I’ve been lucky enough to play some great clubs in Europe. It will be a shame if it closes as London doesn’t have too many clubs with the sound and feeling as good as Plastic People.

As a DJ, what makes a good party for you? What are the elements that add up to something special?
A friendly, up-for-it crowd who are open to new and old music, who are not there just to be cool but who genuinely want to hear what you got. The crowd is number one from a DJ perspective. You want them to have a good time. If they do, then I do. And beer.

We’ll be seeing you in Australia very soon for a few dates. What’s the general feel of a Mark E DJ set at the moment?
I’m loving ‘90s American house music at the moment, so perhaps plenty of that. And I’m sure some new bits and pieces from me will be played.

Mark E tour dates:

Friday 2 April – Agwa Yacht Club, Sydney
Friday 2 April – Sorry Grandma, Melbourne
Saturday 3 April – Bar Soma, Brisbane
Sunday 4 April – Sugar, Adelaide