Interview: Mardoch
Swiss rap DJ and producer Mardoch is back with another Switzerland-US collaboration.
For the new single “Stockpile” Mardoch teams up with XP The Marxman, one of the most talented MCs from Los Angeles next hip hop generation.
Inspired by the new wave of the underground street rap, Mardoch provides a solid, dark and dirty production. XP The Marxman delivers his grimy rap and kills the track with his complex lyricism and raw emotions.
We had the pleasure of checking in with Mardoch and he was kind enough to respond to a few interview questions.
Hi Mardoch! Thank you for taking this interview with us! We just listened to 'Stockpile' and it's awesome. What can you tell us about your creative process this time around and what's the backstory to this track?
This song is the result of a long inspirational process. I’ve been always fascinated by the darkest sound of hip hop music and during these last years artists like Roc Marciano and Westside Gunn brought a new wave of street hardcore rap. I’m particularly inspired by this sound, I was definitely looking for something like this for my new release.
What motivates you to keep going?
I think my motivation comes from the deep love I have for hip hop culture. I grew up with this music, with this culture, I’ve seen hip hop evolve from a niche culture to one of the most saleable music genre all over the world. Even if hip hop has changed a lot, there is always an hardcore side of this music that keep his soul alive.
Do you make beats only when you feel creative or do you keep a routine regardless?
I’m trying to keep a routine also when I don’t have a particular creative feelings even if I have to admit sometimes is difficult! Sometimes I know I have to stop and trying to do something else. Maybe I’m just DJing or listen to music, but in any case I’m trying to avoid taking too long breaks from my studio sessions.
Who are some of your notable musical influences? And what you do think about the current state of the music industry?
During these last years I was heavily influenced by The Alchemist, Westside Gunn and the whole Griselda, Roc Marciano. I’m also always inspired by the Godfathers of this music that keep doing their things like Nas, Havoc and all these legends. Regarding the current state of rap music, I think there are a lot of good rappers and this genre is more alive than ever. The part of the music industry I don't like nowadays is that sometimes artists seem more focused by what surrounds the music (social media, numbers...) than the music itself.
What is something your fans don't know about you? Not necessarily your dirty little secrets, it could also just be something about what you like to do outside of music or things in general.
I’m a very regular person: I love staying with my girlfriend, my family, my friends and eat well. And I’m missing travelling so much!
Any live or virtual performances in your future plans?
I'm not a big fan of virtual performances. I really can't wait to be able DJing again somewhere with "real" people around me.
Check out his latest single “Stockpile” and keep up with Mardoch on social media:
Bandcamp: https://mardochciemme.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mardoch_ciemme/
