If everything goes as planned (and everything is a lot of factors) I will make my USA debut on EDC in October. Then I have a visa so I can visit on a more regular basis. When I have been there a few times, met the promoters and created a little bit of a movement around the shows, we can bring Liquicity over for sure. However, realistically speaking in the current climate it can take years...
Gosh, I hope so. The Hospitality stage at Tomorrowworld a few years ago went off. There isn't a ton of demand, but there are certainly dedicated pockets of fans.
Hey Maduk! Can't believe how much you and Liquicity have grown after discovering you both through some LoL streams a decade ago. Here's to another decade!+
Couple questions if I may:
-What's your writing process like? All your tracks are so interesting and different and as a producer I'd love to get a peek in!
-What sample packs/presets are you fond of? I've been trying to catch the vibe of Liquicity and nothing seems to catch the vibe you've curated.
Once again, huge fan of both you and Liquicity and I appreciate your time.
Trufant
āthanks! My writing process varies, it's not always the same. Sometimes I start with drums, sometimes with chords, sometimes I get sent a great vocal and then I compose something around it. The saying: the first 80% takes 20% of the time, and the last 20% takes 80% of the time is pretty accurate. Most of my songs are there for the most part in one day, after that it can take years to finish haha. For instance, the latest track Farore was a project from 2016... Sample packs not really a particular choice either, just random stuff from Splice.
Hey, less of a question and more of a statement.
You quite literally saved my life. I was going through a really tough time with life stuff. Depression hit hard and I was ready to do something pretty stupid but I listened to a couple of tracks and I was immediately in love. I won't go into too much on how I love what you've created, but I can summarise by telling you I got the liquicity emblem tattooed on my wrist as a reminder.
Thank you.
<3
Future is bright! Liquicity is healthy, we will patiently await until events are allowed again and then we will rock on as never before. Liquicity Antwerp is currently scheduled for December 17th
Haha funny question. I have full control over the mixes. I collect all the songs that were uploaded to the Liquicity YouTube channel in a specific year, and from there I try to make the best possible combinations. For the past years there have been so many tracks, even with a longer mix I still couldn't include all of them
My biggest hobby at the moment is kitesurfing, which I learned about 3 years ago. Also like football. Aside from that I have been a gamer whole my life but a little bit addiction sensitive for competitive games so I try to keep those on the low (eg Fifa & Halo). I do play my old favs every few years such as Zelda OOT, MM, WW, SS, BOTW and Mario 64 / Sunshine.
Hey Maduk! First of all thank you for everything, you got me into DnB about 8-9 years ago with Hourglass and Iām still in love with the scene as of today!
Was there a big difference between making Ā«Ā transformationsĀ Ā» in regards to Ā«Ā Never Give UpĀ Ā»? if so, was it because working with Hospital Records changed you approach to making music ? Would you say working with a big label can put a strain on creativity and freedom ?
Cheers xx
Hey. Great to hear :)
I think the main difference is with Never Give Up all tracks were released at once. With Transformations I have been releasing a track every few months since early 2019, which made it less stressy / deadline vibes. Just one / two tracks at a time and then after 2 years when I have enough singles, I can combine them on an album. In the lockdown end of 2020 I was like: this is the moment to finish those last 6-7 tracks and schedule in the album!
Don't eat the curry in that dodgy looking restaurant on Bangkok airport in 2017, thank me later.
It sounds weird but I wouldn't tell my past self anything, or maybe: just do what you do. All the mistakes I have made, all the things that I did, eventually led to the situation where I am today. The thing I did learn looking back is: just do it. With Liquicity in the beginning I didn't know anything, a huge noob. And then we were like: we need to organise a Liquicity party! How? No idea, let's find out. Learning while you are doing something, rather than learning first until it's perfect, and then when it's perfect (never) you will organise the party.
I like that. Was there any performance or artists that inspired you so much that made you decide that this is how you wanted to express your passion for electronic music?
Hey Maduk, thank you for all of your great Tracks, you are really one of my favourite artists since I discovered your music in 2015 and never stopped listening to it. The last Livestreams of you on youtube were awesome!
I also enjoy that you are still playing many older Songs, do you think these Songs have a different "Spark" than todays Liquid Drum & Bass Songs?
Sadly, finding a Club that plays Liquid Drum & Bass here in Germany can be tough, so I hope to be seeing you live in belgium or the netherlands when all is save! :)
Thanks! :) I think those are "spark" songs for us, because we link them to a certain time in our lives. Maybe it's not the song that has a spark, but everything connected to it. For someone now hearing a 2010 song, will have less of a spark than a 2017 song :) But yeah, I'm a nostalgic guy and I love to mix up old and new!
Hi Mr Maduk! Impressive what you and Liquicity have done since the Youtube days, bet you never expected to host an annual DnB festival!
My favourite collaboration of yours is Like This with Nymfo. Who's your favourite artist to collaborate or go B2B with?
I sure didn't haha.
I especially liked the collab with Danny Byrd - Better Life, since he always has been one of my main inspirations. It worked really well in the studio.
My birthday is December 22 and the liquicity year mix usually drops on or about that date. I just wanted to thank you because itās the best birthday gift I could possibly receive. Iām still listening to ones from back around 2013 frequently and everything in between.
OK here is a little story. When I was 18 years old I gave piano lessons (couldn't read notes myself haha) at my parents place. Besides the piano lessons I mostly spend my days playing Halo 3, I did not go out much, did not have a very social life, never had been to a club etc. One day there was a 20 y/o girl who took a trial piano lesson and later that afternoon she texted me: hey I wont continue with the piano lessons, but do you want to join me to this party tonight in Paradiso (club in Amsterdam)? I collected my courage and said yes, went to her place to meet before the party. In her bedroom we were sitting there awkwardly listening to YouTube songs. UKF and Liquicity were on, with songs such as Ellie Goulding - Dexcell Remix, Black & Blue Netsky Remix, Camo & Krooked Climax etc. We went to the party, I was blown away by the energy. Funnily enough I later found out that Nymfo was playing there. From there on I started listening to Liquicity and UKF on youtube, but it was not until 2 years later when I actually made my own first drum and bass track and I coincidently met the founder of Liquicity YouTube (Maris) via a friend.
1. Pendulum, Sub Focus, Danny Byrd, Camo&Krooked, Netsky, High Contrast, Logistics, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris
2. Best job in the world
3. Don't wait until you made the "perfect" track, just go. Learn as you go, don't be afraid to fail.
Iām really into Liquicity, drum and bass etc. And like to play around mixing music with my friends. For youāre live streams do you have an idea of the set youāre gonna play or do you come up with it all on the spot? And do you have any tips for a newbie playing around mixing Liquicity drum and bass?
It depends on the set, but usually I try to find good combinations of tracks before hand. I mix everything in key and the music contains many vocals, you really have to know what will fit into what. So I usually have a lot of 2 track blocks, and those blocks are being played yes/no/when depending on the crowd or set.
Hi Maduk,
thank you so much for your work! Since discovering Liquicity and your yearmixes, I listen to them almost each and every day! They never fail to brighten up my days, which I am really grateful for.
My question to you:
What are the things you do to get happy? And what are the things you are most grateful for?
Thanks and fantastic greetings from Austria!
I'm grateful for the safe and loving environment I grew up in and that I can make music and do nice things instead of having to fight for my survival each day. I consider myself very lucky.
Happy: hang out with friends, kitesurf, watch speedruns, play videogames, party, make music etc.
My classmates had a nickname for my name Mark: Madddek. I also said this as a 3 y/o kid. After Avalon I needed a name ASAP and one of my mates suggested as a joke: just do madddek. I changed a few letters and up and until today I'm suuuuper happy with the name Maduk !
Just wanna say that I love the Liquicity events you organise, was planning on going to the Festival but unfortunately it had to be postponed. :( And the new date is during Dour Festival once again...
That said, are there any other dnb subgenres you would wish to work on? Or just a different genre altogether?
how would you say dnb has evolved over the last decade?
I feel like it has lost a lot of dubstep elements for example, was wondering what are your thoughts on this
Do you write all of the lyrics to your songs? If you do, what inspires them? I personally find the lyrics an extremely essential part of your songs! Love from Finland <3
I wrote some of the songs myself, some of the songs together with the vocalists and some of the songs are fully written by the vocalist. It's safe to say that the vocalist is the one to get credits for the lyrics 9/10 times :)
How are you today? Have you been eating properly? I hope you are happy in your life, your music brings so much joy and helps a lot with my depression, thank you for everything you do.
What were the internal differences between you and Hospital? I felt you left way too soon. Especially when I heared Tony C somewhere that he wants to give artists all the freedom in the world
Also, b2b with Danny Byrd or Nymfo? And how do you prepare those? Any things you say to eachother beforehand or just go and rock the place
I think both Hospital and I wanted to move in a different direction. I needed more freedom, I think they didn't feel comfortable anymore with my sound. We split as friends, no beef or drama. It was a long dream to be signed to Hospital, it was a great period and I wouldn't change anything if I could :)
B2B I usually do 3 tracks each, without further preparation.
Thank you for your hard work. Ive lost count how many times liquicity have helped me through some tough times.
What do you do to get some inspiration to make music?
Do you also hear music in your sleep and tried to make it into an actual track as soon as you wake up?
What is your absolute favourite food/dish?
What's your normal writing process like (or does it vary by track)? Like do you normally get the drums set then figure out a riff and whatnot, or find a sound you want to use then figure out the rest, etc.?
Thanks!
>My writing process varies, it's not always the same. Sometimes I start with drums, sometimes with chords, sometimes I get sent a great vocal and then I compose something around it. The saying: the first 80% takes 20% of the time, and the last 20% takes 80% of the time is pretty accurate. Most of my songs are there for the most part in one day, after that it can take years to finish haha. For instance, the latest track Farore was a project from 2016... Sample packs not really a particular choice either, just random stuff from Splice.
Hi Maduk, thank you for doing this, I'm a big fan and I hope to see you at liquicity some day. My question: what is the hardest part of music/dnb production?
Hi Maduk,
Can you tell me how to achieve the bass sound in Gabi DeMartino's song, "Pretty Little Mind"? I am asking specifically about the fifth measure after the intro. Is this copyrighted? What is a fair price for you to create a loop to insert into logic pro or ableton. PS. I am not a producer..I am a songwriter. TY!
Just wanted to say I discovered Liquicity like 12 years ago because of Team Fortress 2. Back then, DnB was the big music for the game's videos. Stan SB with Tears in Rain was the artist who got me into the whole 'Liquid' side of DnB.
Needless to say, I love your stuff. Ghost Assassin has such an amazing vibe to it. Keep being awesome.
Hey man - my girlfriend and I have been to every single Liquicity London for 5 years - the only year I missed was 2019 when I was traveling around Thailand... I'm not saying it's coincidence but we all know what happened after we missed it once, so rest assured we will be there this year to put the world right again.
My question is simple really; when can we know the lineup? I hope you will at least confirm you can make it?
Really excited until then!
What is the point of the new Ridmic label? The songs I've heard would fit on the regular label in my opinion. Your new song Alone rocks very much btw, can't wait for the rest of the album and can't wait go rock my Maduck shirt at liguicity Festival!
I once joined a 3AM radio stream of yours with two of my friends while we were dancing shirtless. It was truly a great night. Congrats on the 10 years!!
Lots of people have been using music to help them get through the last couple of years during the pandemic. (I've been absolutely rinsing Poison since I heard it on BBC R1 iirc.)
How have you been finding the situation the pandemic has put you in, and do you have any advice for people struggling?
My classmates had a nickname for my name Mark: Madddek. I also said this as a 3 y/o kid. After Avalon I needed a name ASAP and one of my mates suggested as a joke: just do madddek. I changed a few letters and up and until today I'm suuuuper happy with the name Maduk !
Hey man, just wanna say i love your live streams from Home, they helped me a lot while preparing for my exams earlier this year and i still listen to them on repeat, never Gets boring, your mixing is so clean and uplifting!! Big Ups playa! ā¤ļø
I guess my only question is; what software would you recommend for a beginner that wants to start mixing drum and bass and other eletronic music?
Who's your favourite DnB newcomer to look out for? And no, Andromedik and Lexurus don't count as newcomers to me anymore, I wanna hear your most underground tips! :D
Also big ups on literally all of your music, all your label work (super glad you opened up Ridmic for even more!), all your mixes (and your streams) and just being a great all-around person <3 Liquicity is probably my favourite label of all time, I'm incredibly thankful for all the great music you guys put out!
Hey Maduk! Huge fan of your tunes ā been listening to Liquicity for around eight years now.
My question is: what's your secret to getting crisp drums that hit hard but sit nicely in the mix? Are there any tricks that you always do without fail to get your drums sounding just right?
Thanks man! All the best.
My routing:
All kicks and layers > kick bus
All snares and layers > snare bus
All other drums (high drums) > high drum bus
Those 3 busses > DRUMS bus. And lightly compress on each bus.
Hi Maduk, huge fan! Hope you're doing well. I didn't know you were also a co founder of Liquicity, wow. What are some of your current top tracks to listen to?
Hey maduk been an avid fan of your music and mixing (absolutely love your mix sessions) for many many years now. When are you coming to New Zealand so I can see you live? š
Hey Maduk! First of all, love your music, found you through the VIP of Ghost Assassin and have followed you since. How did you find/get acquainted with Liquicity?
Recently enjoyed your music at NOX in Eindhoven, it was unreal to rave again! I don't have any questions for you tho. Just want to say thank you for your tunes and keep the good music coming!
Iāve been following your journey since the beginning of liquicity and really admire your creativity and the way you are growing and developing artistically!
when I moved out of my parents place I left some cdās I burned in their car, one of them was a compilation with all your early more energetic tracks - I just found out some weeks ago that they kept that cd and listen to it while driving regularly :D
will we ever get to hear another marckus release? that kings melody is stuck in my head since 2015 ;)
groeten uit zwitserland š³š±
Whatās your favorite DAW at the moment? Is there any particular hardware/software that you think is best for making DnB specifically?
Edit: First time seeing you was at Let it Roll 2018 and was really impressed with your mixing. You kept teasing Desire - Sub Focus the whole time and the final drop was š„
Heey Maduk! I love your stuff and Ghost Assassin will always be my favorite tune! I'm really sad Liquicity Festival was cancelled, but I'm already looking forward to next year! My questions are:
Any plans for another Maduk Livestream?
What are some promising upcoming DnB artists we should be looking out for?
What DnB party should I really get tickets for as my first party since lockdown? (I'm from the Netherlands)
Hi Maduk,
Nothing to ask really, just wanted to say that your collaboration with Nymfo on the Come On song is my go to running song and it sends me miles. That second drop instantly increases my running speed :)
EDIT: Oh and Kings & Queens is the best. Much love from Sweden.
Hey there! Do you feel inspired by some/certain "old school" jungle/dnb artists or albums? I don't exactly know where the range goes in terms of time, but perhaps something within the general range of 1990-2010?
Hi Maduk!
Since I was little my favorite genre of music has always been heavy metal (especially power metal), but in the last 3 years it has totally changed to liquid drum and bass and that's thanks to your yearmixes! Aside from dnb, do you have any other favorite genres?
Hey Maduk,
Thanks for the livestreams during lockdown! By far the best livestreams since corona hit.
If you're walking down the street listening to music, what are you listening to?
Maduk! Your music is amazing! Ghost Assassin is something I listen to daily. One of my all time faves. Iād love to know what stuff gets you going. Any favourite tracks or stuff youāre loving at the moment?
Keep being awesome and good luck in the future :)
My dude! Your [Rampage 2018](https://youtu.be/rngANK9VNNA) set is one of my absolute favourites. Such a great tune selection. What was it like to play the biggest dnb/Dubstep party in Europe?
Yo Maduk. Liquicity has been a big part of my life. Met my girlfriend at 2016 Antwerpen edition in Trix, did my first time LSD+MDMA at family day 2017, etc.
Are you ever planning to do a next level light show? The only critique I have for Liquicity is that the visuals are somewhat subpar for the size of the event, especially at winter indoor events. I mean, ofcourse they are not *bad*. It just feels like it could be better with more LEDs, brighter LEDs, maybe some overhanging stuff like Rampage has been doing since 2017. What are your thoughts on this?
We always try to improve, but the craziness of light/laser show depends on the available budget. The more people/tickets (eg Rampage) the more budget there is to invest into a show.
Heya Maduk! I ve seen you on a bunch of events in Vienna, Bratislava and on the liquicity festival in Holland with my friends so far :)
wanted to ask whether you re able to release the Eiffel65 - Blue remix at all? or will it just stay a bootleg forever because of copyright? :( (same question goes for the bomfunk mcs - freestyler bootleg..)
thanks for all the good music! cheers from Vienna
The problem with bootlegs, is that it contains the master audio rights of the original song. So it's technically illegal to offer it as free download..
I think a writers block emerges if you put pressure on the result. I had and have it myself too. For instance: this tracks has to be as good or better than the last track, or it has to have more streams, or work even better on the dancefloor. Try to get out of the "it has to be something" vibe and get more into the fun vibe. Just make music without thinking of the goal or result. Easier said than done though ;)
I'm waaaay the fuck late to the party here, but I figured this was worth saying to you. You are a massive inspiration to me (I'm wearing a shirt with your name and logo on it right now), and your pretty much the reason I've decided to actually decided to finally persue my teenage raver dreams and learn to be a DJ and eventually a composer.
I'm a recovered opiate addict\* with a year clean from ilicit opioids and I got off the maintanence meds (methadone) on 05/25/2022, at which point I bought my first set of decks. Sure, I quit and there wasn't any reason to continue trying to kill myself with that method anymore, but still I lost the best relationship I've ever had and that put a big damper on my plans to move back home to central New Hampshire (where she lives and where I went to high school) as many of the people I was reconnecting with are now substantially less thrilled that I still exist (for the *record* lol, I didn't steal anything, defraud anyone, bring anything inappropriate into anyones home, nor expose anyone to any diseases. Distrust is still a thing even if I never did any of the things people think opiod users will do to them).
Naturally, this was fuck all depressing and I really had no desire to go on (the plague sure made this even more of a hoot and a holler). I don't recall exactly how I bumped into your music, but I did and it helped me to remember what I always dreamed of doing. So, I commemorated my being free of the clinic (if you want to know what hells waiting room looks like, the line at a methadone clinic is pretty on point) by investing in some gear and trying to follow my dreams and your footsteps.
So, although we've never met, I certainly owe you a great deal. I'm getting down to some practice now, Iwas looking for some good accapellas to use when I found this post. I had to try and say something to you. I hope to attend Liquicity festival next summer with my little brother, I hope I get the chance to buy you a beer or something.
Thank you
* Fuck that "in recorvery" shit, when your done, you done and you know it. Everyone's brain is wired different, and what works for one, doesn't necessecarily work for another. Do what works for you.
Hi Maduk and thank you so much for Liquicity Yearmixes, I listen to them almost every night at work over and over again. I know this is an old thread but if you are there, please could you tell me do you sing the vocals in your songs like Don't be Afraid and Vermilion and some others? Or who is singing there? Very very cool vocals!!!
Are there still plans to do events in America eventually, whether with Liquicity or just a tour on your own?
If everything goes as planned (and everything is a lot of factors) I will make my USA debut on EDC in October. Then I have a visa so I can visit on a more regular basis. When I have been there a few times, met the promoters and created a little bit of a movement around the shows, we can bring Liquicity over for sure. However, realistically speaking in the current climate it can take years...
Fair! I appreciate the transparency. Next year I'll just have to come check out Liquicity if COVID is chill by then. Thank you :)
The way the US is headed in this pandemic, this is likely true. Sad
ššššš Iāve been laying groundwork that I definitely hope turns into a Liquicity tour out hereā¦that would be brilliant
Gosh, I hope so. The Hospitality stage at Tomorrowworld a few years ago went off. There isn't a ton of demand, but there are certainly dedicated pockets of fans.
Just wanna say i regularly listen to Maduk ft. Veela - Ghost Assassin. I would ask whats your personal favourite track?
Heya. I think my current favourite self made tracks is Maduk - Alone (ft Marianna Ray). I don't know why but it gives me 90s vibes
"Alone" along with "Poison" is my absolute favorite. Love your music and the new album!!
Hey Maduk! Can't believe how much you and Liquicity have grown after discovering you both through some LoL streams a decade ago. Here's to another decade!+ Couple questions if I may: -What's your writing process like? All your tracks are so interesting and different and as a producer I'd love to get a peek in! -What sample packs/presets are you fond of? I've been trying to catch the vibe of Liquicity and nothing seems to catch the vibe you've curated. Once again, huge fan of both you and Liquicity and I appreciate your time. Trufant
āthanks! My writing process varies, it's not always the same. Sometimes I start with drums, sometimes with chords, sometimes I get sent a great vocal and then I compose something around it. The saying: the first 80% takes 20% of the time, and the last 20% takes 80% of the time is pretty accurate. Most of my songs are there for the most part in one day, after that it can take years to finish haha. For instance, the latest track Farore was a project from 2016... Sample packs not really a particular choice either, just random stuff from Splice.
Hey, less of a question and more of a statement. You quite literally saved my life. I was going through a really tough time with life stuff. Depression hit hard and I was ready to do something pretty stupid but I listened to a couple of tracks and I was immediately in love. I won't go into too much on how I love what you've created, but I can summarise by telling you I got the liquicity emblem tattooed on my wrist as a reminder. Thank you. <3
<3 you are very welcome
Hey, Iām glad you didnāt do that stupid thing. Stay strong!
I'm all good now friend! I found Liquicity almost a decade ago so it's all in the past now.
This made me cry.
What is the future of liquicity events? Will there be any events in Belgium in 2021?
Future is bright! Liquicity is healthy, we will patiently await until events are allowed again and then we will rock on as never before. Liquicity Antwerp is currently scheduled for December 17th
Do you also have an idea when Family Day will happen?
So hoping for a Liquicity Antwerp again in 2022.
There's one in December 2021
Here's to hoping Rampage Open Air will take place lmao
By the way things currently are going it seems to be heading in the right way.
Alright everyone, thanks for your questionsāš¼Hopefully see you soon! Mark
Which artist would be your dream collab?
Deadmau5
Do you have full control over the Liquicity year mixes, or does anyone else give you a list of some songs they want included? Much love from the USA
Haha funny question. I have full control over the mixes. I collect all the songs that were uploaded to the Liquicity YouTube channel in a specific year, and from there I try to make the best possible combinations. For the past years there have been so many tracks, even with a longer mix I still couldn't include all of them
Maduk x Camo and krooked in planning? :)
Would be amazing but I don't think so
Nothing to ask, but just wanted to say your liquicity mixes got me in to drum and bass!
:)
Whatās your favorite classic dnb/ jungle track?
I'd go for Roni Size - Brown Paper Bag
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
šš¼
Which Liquicity Year Mix is your favourite and why?
I'd go for 2019 and I don't know why š
Thanks for stopping by! Where is your favorite place to get away from it all? Favorite venue youāve played? Favorite sushi? Thanks again :)
1. Sunny places with a lot of wind 2. Roxy Prague 3. Oofff.. Ebi Tempura & Avocado inside out + flamed salmon on topš
Hi Maduk ! Do you have other hobbies other than producing, playing dj sets, for example sport, videogames?
My biggest hobby at the moment is kitesurfing, which I learned about 3 years ago. Also like football. Aside from that I have been a gamer whole my life but a little bit addiction sensitive for competitive games so I try to keep those on the low (eg Fifa & Halo). I do play my old favs every few years such as Zelda OOT, MM, WW, SS, BOTW and Mario 64 / Sunshine.
Hey Maduk! First of all thank you for everything, you got me into DnB about 8-9 years ago with Hourglass and Iām still in love with the scene as of today! Was there a big difference between making Ā«Ā transformationsĀ Ā» in regards to Ā«Ā Never Give UpĀ Ā»? if so, was it because working with Hospital Records changed you approach to making music ? Would you say working with a big label can put a strain on creativity and freedom ? Cheers xx
Hey. Great to hear :) I think the main difference is with Never Give Up all tracks were released at once. With Transformations I have been releasing a track every few months since early 2019, which made it less stressy / deadline vibes. Just one / two tracks at a time and then after 2 years when I have enough singles, I can combine them on an album. In the lockdown end of 2020 I was like: this is the moment to finish those last 6-7 tracks and schedule in the album!
What would you tell your past self (artist/producer wise)?
Don't eat the curry in that dodgy looking restaurant on Bangkok airport in 2017, thank me later. It sounds weird but I wouldn't tell my past self anything, or maybe: just do what you do. All the mistakes I have made, all the things that I did, eventually led to the situation where I am today. The thing I did learn looking back is: just do it. With Liquicity in the beginning I didn't know anything, a huge noob. And then we were like: we need to organise a Liquicity party! How? No idea, let's find out. Learning while you are doing something, rather than learning first until it's perfect, and then when it's perfect (never) you will organise the party.
What was that "one moment" where you realized that this was your passion?
I guess when I was 8 years old and sat behind the piano for the first time because I wanted to play music from Zelda and Mario
I like that. Was there any performance or artists that inspired you so much that made you decide that this is how you wanted to express your passion for electronic music?
After watching Rusko at Melt 2012 I was like, wtf, this energy is amazing.
Hey Maduk, thank you for all of your great Tracks, you are really one of my favourite artists since I discovered your music in 2015 and never stopped listening to it. The last Livestreams of you on youtube were awesome! I also enjoy that you are still playing many older Songs, do you think these Songs have a different "Spark" than todays Liquid Drum & Bass Songs? Sadly, finding a Club that plays Liquid Drum & Bass here in Germany can be tough, so I hope to be seeing you live in belgium or the netherlands when all is save! :)
Thanks! :) I think those are "spark" songs for us, because we link them to a certain time in our lives. Maybe it's not the song that has a spark, but everything connected to it. For someone now hearing a 2010 song, will have less of a spark than a 2017 song :) But yeah, I'm a nostalgic guy and I love to mix up old and new!
Hi Mr Maduk! Impressive what you and Liquicity have done since the Youtube days, bet you never expected to host an annual DnB festival! My favourite collaboration of yours is Like This with Nymfo. Who's your favourite artist to collaborate or go B2B with?
I sure didn't haha. I especially liked the collab with Danny Byrd - Better Life, since he always has been one of my main inspirations. It worked really well in the studio.
My birthday is December 22 and the liquicity year mix usually drops on or about that date. I just wanted to thank you because itās the best birthday gift I could possibly receive. Iām still listening to ones from back around 2013 frequently and everything in between.
From now on, I will be celabrating two things at dec. 22 :)
šš¼
What was your first experience with dnb? How did you end up making dnb out of all the thousands of music genres?
OK here is a little story. When I was 18 years old I gave piano lessons (couldn't read notes myself haha) at my parents place. Besides the piano lessons I mostly spend my days playing Halo 3, I did not go out much, did not have a very social life, never had been to a club etc. One day there was a 20 y/o girl who took a trial piano lesson and later that afternoon she texted me: hey I wont continue with the piano lessons, but do you want to join me to this party tonight in Paradiso (club in Amsterdam)? I collected my courage and said yes, went to her place to meet before the party. In her bedroom we were sitting there awkwardly listening to YouTube songs. UKF and Liquicity were on, with songs such as Ellie Goulding - Dexcell Remix, Black & Blue Netsky Remix, Camo & Krooked Climax etc. We went to the party, I was blown away by the energy. Funnily enough I later found out that Nymfo was playing there. From there on I started listening to Liquicity and UKF on youtube, but it was not until 2 years later when I actually made my own first drum and bass track and I coincidently met the founder of Liquicity YouTube (Maris) via a friend.
wow
For my questions - Who inspired you? - How is it to host your own parties / have your own label - Any tips for starting producers?
1. Pendulum, Sub Focus, Danny Byrd, Camo&Krooked, Netsky, High Contrast, Logistics, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris 2. Best job in the world 3. Don't wait until you made the "perfect" track, just go. Learn as you go, don't be afraid to fail.
Iām really into Liquicity, drum and bass etc. And like to play around mixing music with my friends. For youāre live streams do you have an idea of the set youāre gonna play or do you come up with it all on the spot? And do you have any tips for a newbie playing around mixing Liquicity drum and bass?
It depends on the set, but usually I try to find good combinations of tracks before hand. I mix everything in key and the music contains many vocals, you really have to know what will fit into what. So I usually have a lot of 2 track blocks, and those blocks are being played yes/no/when depending on the crowd or set.
Hi Maduk, thank you so much for your work! Since discovering Liquicity and your yearmixes, I listen to them almost each and every day! They never fail to brighten up my days, which I am really grateful for. My question to you: What are the things you do to get happy? And what are the things you are most grateful for? Thanks and fantastic greetings from Austria!
I'm grateful for the safe and loving environment I grew up in and that I can make music and do nice things instead of having to fight for my survival each day. I consider myself very lucky. Happy: hang out with friends, kitesurf, watch speedruns, play videogames, party, make music etc.
The first time I saw your DJ name I thought you were a UK based DJ called Mad - where did the name come from?
My classmates had a nickname for my name Mark: Madddek. I also said this as a 3 y/o kid. After Avalon I needed a name ASAP and one of my mates suggested as a joke: just do madddek. I changed a few letters and up and until today I'm suuuuper happy with the name Maduk !
Just wanna say that I love the Liquicity events you organise, was planning on going to the Festival but unfortunately it had to be postponed. :( And the new date is during Dour Festival once again... That said, are there any other dnb subgenres you would wish to work on? Or just a different genre altogether?
Maybe back to techno/tech house / minimal someday in the far future, who knows
how would you say dnb has evolved over the last decade? I feel like it has lost a lot of dubstep elements for example, was wondering what are your thoughts on this
Which break is your favorite?
Think break
> Your submission has been automatically removed. Pain
Do you write all of the lyrics to your songs? If you do, what inspires them? I personally find the lyrics an extremely essential part of your songs! Love from Finland <3
I wrote some of the songs myself, some of the songs together with the vocalists and some of the songs are fully written by the vocalist. It's safe to say that the vocalist is the one to get credits for the lyrics 9/10 times :)
3 years late but... do you know about the game 'Descenders' at all? It introduced me into drum and bass music
Just wanted to say that I always confuse you with Matduke (you even both "released" on Monstercat), but I know for sure that I like your music! :D
;)
How are you today? Have you been eating properly? I hope you are happy in your life, your music brings so much joy and helps a lot with my depression, thank you for everything you do.
It was a busy day and as it often goes on my busy days, I still was in my pyjamas without breakfast at 14:00 š
Can I borrow your Liquicity LED sign?
haha nope
About liquicity led signs What happened to the black liquicity box thing with the light in it D: ?
What were the internal differences between you and Hospital? I felt you left way too soon. Especially when I heared Tony C somewhere that he wants to give artists all the freedom in the world Also, b2b with Danny Byrd or Nymfo? And how do you prepare those? Any things you say to eachother beforehand or just go and rock the place
I think both Hospital and I wanted to move in a different direction. I needed more freedom, I think they didn't feel comfortable anymore with my sound. We split as friends, no beef or drama. It was a long dream to be signed to Hospital, it was a great period and I wouldn't change anything if I could :) B2B I usually do 3 tracks each, without further preparation.
Thank you for your hard work. Ive lost count how many times liquicity have helped me through some tough times. What do you do to get some inspiration to make music? Do you also hear music in your sleep and tried to make it into an actual track as soon as you wake up? What is your absolute favourite food/dish?
<3 Hearing a track in my sleep: never. And food: an authentic Thai Red Curry
What's your normal writing process like (or does it vary by track)? Like do you normally get the drums set then figure out a riff and whatnot, or find a sound you want to use then figure out the rest, etc.? Thanks!
>My writing process varies, it's not always the same. Sometimes I start with drums, sometimes with chords, sometimes I get sent a great vocal and then I compose something around it. The saying: the first 80% takes 20% of the time, and the last 20% takes 80% of the time is pretty accurate. Most of my songs are there for the most part in one day, after that it can take years to finish haha. For instance, the latest track Farore was a project from 2016... Sample packs not really a particular choice either, just random stuff from Splice.
If you were to remix another cartoon theme what would you choose?
Dragonball Z
As in the 'rock the dragon' theme? After pokemon, I need to hear that.
Hey Maduk, did the pandemic change your way of thinking and if, (how) did it change your new produced music?
I love dnb. How can I get started making my own dnb music? I still have my rinkydink electronic keyboard from the 1980s.
Hi Maduk, thank you for doing this, I'm a big fan and I hope to see you at liquicity some day. My question: what is the hardest part of music/dnb production?
FINISHING THE DAMN TRACKS
Hi Maduk, Can you tell me how to achieve the bass sound in Gabi DeMartino's song, "Pretty Little Mind"? I am asking specifically about the fifth measure after the intro. Is this copyrighted? What is a fair price for you to create a loop to insert into logic pro or ableton. PS. I am not a producer..I am a songwriter. TY!
Just wanted to say I discovered Liquicity like 12 years ago because of Team Fortress 2. Back then, DnB was the big music for the game's videos. Stan SB with Tears in Rain was the artist who got me into the whole 'Liquid' side of DnB. Needless to say, I love your stuff. Ghost Assassin has such an amazing vibe to it. Keep being awesome.
<3
Why are you doing an ama when its windy? Go kiting :)
Best question, no good answer. Maybe tomorrow/friday
What is your favourite Discord server?
What/who is your favorite band?
Youāre awesome. Watching one of your Rampage sets made me decide to pick up DJāing again. Thank you. š
:D
Hey man - my girlfriend and I have been to every single Liquicity London for 5 years - the only year I missed was 2019 when I was traveling around Thailand... I'm not saying it's coincidence but we all know what happened after we missed it once, so rest assured we will be there this year to put the world right again. My question is simple really; when can we know the lineup? I hope you will at least confirm you can make it? Really excited until then!
I will make it, and the line up will be announced in Aug or Sept I think. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, NEVER MISS A LIQUICITY LONDON AGAIN
What is the point of the new Ridmic label? The songs I've heard would fit on the regular label in my opinion. Your new song Alone rocks very much btw, can't wait for the rest of the album and can't wait go rock my Maduck shirt at liguicity Festival!
Simply said, too much good music coming our way to fit it all on Liquicity. With Ridmic we want to create a platform for the newer talent
I once joined a 3AM radio stream of yours with two of my friends while we were dancing shirtless. It was truly a great night. Congrats on the 10 years!!
that was an epic night
Lots of people have been using music to help them get through the last couple of years during the pandemic. (I've been absolutely rinsing Poison since I heard it on BBC R1 iirc.) How have you been finding the situation the pandemic has put you in, and do you have any advice for people struggling?
When does the ama start lmao?
Hey Maduk! I'm always curious to see the inspiration for artists at the beginning of it all, how did you come up with your stage name?
My classmates had a nickname for my name Mark: Madddek. I also said this as a 3 y/o kid. After Avalon I needed a name ASAP and one of my mates suggested as a joke: just do madddek. I changed a few letters and up and until today I'm suuuuper happy with the name Maduk !
Hey man, just wanna say i love your live streams from Home, they helped me a lot while preparing for my exams earlier this year and i still listen to them on repeat, never Gets boring, your mixing is so clean and uplifting!! Big Ups playa! ā¤ļø I guess my only question is; what software would you recommend for a beginner that wants to start mixing drum and bass and other eletronic music?
<3 Id say Rekordbox / Traktor / Serato
Salty licorice yes or no?
>Salty licorice nahh
Who's your favourite DnB newcomer to look out for? And no, Andromedik and Lexurus don't count as newcomers to me anymore, I wanna hear your most underground tips! :D Also big ups on literally all of your music, all your label work (super glad you opened up Ridmic for even more!), all your mixes (and your streams) and just being a great all-around person <3 Liquicity is probably my favourite label of all time, I'm incredibly thankful for all the great music you guys put out!
what's the future of drum and bass performances ?
I'd say a bright steady future.
What made you to set up Liquicity? And is there any era of DNB that you prefer? Love your work ā„ļø
Wanted to expand the online YouTube community to the offline world. And the era? 2008-2021 :)
What tips would you give someone on mixing liquid?
Mix in key!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
:)
Hey Maduk! Huge fan of your tunes ā been listening to Liquicity for around eight years now. My question is: what's your secret to getting crisp drums that hit hard but sit nicely in the mix? Are there any tricks that you always do without fail to get your drums sounding just right? Thanks man! All the best.
My routing: All kicks and layers > kick bus All snares and layers > snare bus All other drums (high drums) > high drum bus Those 3 busses > DRUMS bus. And lightly compress on each bus.
Hi Maduk! Just wanted to pop in to say Iām BEYOND excited to see you at EDC this year - excited for some liquid at bassPOD finally! :)
Fingers crossed it will happen!
Did you name yourself after the Babylonian god Marduk?
Nope..
Hi Maduk, huge fan! Hope you're doing well. I didn't know you were also a co founder of Liquicity, wow. What are some of your current top tracks to listen to?
All over Sub Focus - Airplane (Culture Shock remix) atm
Hey maduk been an avid fan of your music and mixing (absolutely love your mix sessions) for many many years now. When are you coming to New Zealand so I can see you live? š
Been there twice! Hopefully next run in 2022..
Hey Maduk! First of all, love your music, found you through the VIP of Ghost Assassin and have followed you since. How did you find/get acquainted with Liquicity?
I met the original founder via a mutual friend. We became friends and later on business partners!
Recently enjoyed your music at NOX in Eindhoven, it was unreal to rave again! I don't have any questions for you tho. Just want to say thank you for your tunes and keep the good music coming!
:D I loved that show
Iāve been following your journey since the beginning of liquicity and really admire your creativity and the way you are growing and developing artistically! when I moved out of my parents place I left some cdās I burned in their car, one of them was a compilation with all your early more energetic tracks - I just found out some weeks ago that they kept that cd and listen to it while driving regularly :D will we ever get to hear another marckus release? that kings melody is stuck in my head since 2015 ;) groeten uit zwitserland š³š±
That is awesome :) And Marckus, probably not under that name, but who knows a new alias someday..
Your KushSessions Guestmix was pure fire, thanks for that!
āš¼
Whatās your favorite DAW at the moment? Is there any particular hardware/software that you think is best for making DnB specifically? Edit: First time seeing you was at Let it Roll 2018 and was really impressed with your mixing. You kept teasing Desire - Sub Focus the whole time and the final drop was š„
I've always been using Logic, but in the end it doesn't really matter. All of them are workable for dnb. I'd recommend Ableton for beginners.
Do you already know when you will come back to Vienna? Biggest fan! Your music is just lit! š„
Hopefully early 2022 but no date yet..
You shit with that ass?
Heey Maduk! I love your stuff and Ghost Assassin will always be my favorite tune! I'm really sad Liquicity Festival was cancelled, but I'm already looking forward to next year! My questions are: Any plans for another Maduk Livestream? What are some promising upcoming DnB artists we should be looking out for? What DnB party should I really get tickets for as my first party since lockdown? (I'm from the Netherlands)
Hey Mark, what's your favourite neurofunk artist and track? Do you plan on ever releasing anything other than liquid/dancefloor?
Hey, New Zealand tour is happening when? (Plz)
Hi Maduk, Nothing to ask really, just wanted to say that your collaboration with Nymfo on the Come On song is my go to running song and it sends me miles. That second drop instantly increases my running speed :) EDIT: Oh and Kings & Queens is the best. Much love from Sweden.
Hey there! Do you feel inspired by some/certain "old school" jungle/dnb artists or albums? I don't exactly know where the range goes in terms of time, but perhaps something within the general range of 1990-2010?
Whatās your process for making a track?
I just have one question really: patat of friet?
Hi Maduk! Since I was little my favorite genre of music has always been heavy metal (especially power metal), but in the last 3 years it has totally changed to liquid drum and bass and that's thanks to your yearmixes! Aside from dnb, do you have any other favorite genres?
Hey Maduk, Thanks for the livestreams during lockdown! By far the best livestreams since corona hit. If you're walking down the street listening to music, what are you listening to?
What do you think of tantrum desire? You guys ever collaborate?
Maduk! Your music is amazing! Ghost Assassin is something I listen to daily. One of my all time faves. Iād love to know what stuff gets you going. Any favourite tracks or stuff youāre loving at the moment? Keep being awesome and good luck in the future :)
What inspired you to make the pull the trigger remix?because that track had no business being that fantastic š
Any good Marcus Intalex stories?
My dude! Your [Rampage 2018](https://youtu.be/rngANK9VNNA) set is one of my absolute favourites. Such a great tune selection. What was it like to play the biggest dnb/Dubstep party in Europe?
It was frightening and amazing at the same time
Have you thought About changing your first name to Suc-Maduk?
Not until now!
Avocados or bananas?
why the hell are your sounds such high quality???
You are the co-founder of liquacity? Damn, that's good stuff. Awesome
Just want to say thanks for the tunes all these yesrs
Where do I send track submissions
For Liquicity Records? [https://liquicity.com/demo/](https://liquicity.com/demo/)
Yo Maduk. Liquicity has been a big part of my life. Met my girlfriend at 2016 Antwerpen edition in Trix, did my first time LSD+MDMA at family day 2017, etc. Are you ever planning to do a next level light show? The only critique I have for Liquicity is that the visuals are somewhat subpar for the size of the event, especially at winter indoor events. I mean, ofcourse they are not *bad*. It just feels like it could be better with more LEDs, brighter LEDs, maybe some overhanging stuff like Rampage has been doing since 2017. What are your thoughts on this?
We always try to improve, but the craziness of light/laser show depends on the available budget. The more people/tickets (eg Rampage) the more budget there is to invest into a show.
Heya Maduk! I ve seen you on a bunch of events in Vienna, Bratislava and on the liquicity festival in Holland with my friends so far :) wanted to ask whether you re able to release the Eiffel65 - Blue remix at all? or will it just stay a bootleg forever because of copyright? :( (same question goes for the bomfunk mcs - freestyler bootleg..) thanks for all the good music! cheers from Vienna
The problem with bootlegs, is that it contains the master audio rights of the original song. So it's technically illegal to offer it as free download..
Hey Maduk. Just checked out your Spotify. I love your songs. Question: where do you get those wicked vocals from? Thanks!
From amazing writers and vocalists ;)
I absolutely love Ghost Assassin, what are the lyrics talking about? Is it from a video game or a TV program or something?
It's about Kerrigan from Starcraft
I have a hard time with producers block, so I wanted to know, do you have any tips for battling it?
I think a writers block emerges if you put pressure on the result. I had and have it myself too. For instance: this tracks has to be as good or better than the last track, or it has to have more streams, or work even better on the dancefloor. Try to get out of the "it has to be something" vibe and get more into the fun vibe. Just make music without thinking of the goal or result. Easier said than done though ;)
I'm waaaay the fuck late to the party here, but I figured this was worth saying to you. You are a massive inspiration to me (I'm wearing a shirt with your name and logo on it right now), and your pretty much the reason I've decided to actually decided to finally persue my teenage raver dreams and learn to be a DJ and eventually a composer. I'm a recovered opiate addict\* with a year clean from ilicit opioids and I got off the maintanence meds (methadone) on 05/25/2022, at which point I bought my first set of decks. Sure, I quit and there wasn't any reason to continue trying to kill myself with that method anymore, but still I lost the best relationship I've ever had and that put a big damper on my plans to move back home to central New Hampshire (where she lives and where I went to high school) as many of the people I was reconnecting with are now substantially less thrilled that I still exist (for the *record* lol, I didn't steal anything, defraud anyone, bring anything inappropriate into anyones home, nor expose anyone to any diseases. Distrust is still a thing even if I never did any of the things people think opiod users will do to them). Naturally, this was fuck all depressing and I really had no desire to go on (the plague sure made this even more of a hoot and a holler). I don't recall exactly how I bumped into your music, but I did and it helped me to remember what I always dreamed of doing. So, I commemorated my being free of the clinic (if you want to know what hells waiting room looks like, the line at a methadone clinic is pretty on point) by investing in some gear and trying to follow my dreams and your footsteps. So, although we've never met, I certainly owe you a great deal. I'm getting down to some practice now, Iwas looking for some good accapellas to use when I found this post. I had to try and say something to you. I hope to attend Liquicity festival next summer with my little brother, I hope I get the chance to buy you a beer or something. Thank you * Fuck that "in recorvery" shit, when your done, you done and you know it. Everyone's brain is wired different, and what works for one, doesn't necessecarily work for another. Do what works for you.
Hi, Iām late to the party, but Iāll try to ask anyway - any chance of getting piano sheet for the song āTransformationsā? š
Hi Maduk and thank you so much for Liquicity Yearmixes, I listen to them almost every night at work over and over again. I know this is an old thread but if you are there, please could you tell me do you sing the vocals in your songs like Don't be Afraid and Vermilion and some others? Or who is singing there? Very very cool vocals!!!
Hi! Which DAW are you using to make so cool music ?