DJ Jess Marquis Silences ‘Rocker vs. DJ’ Video with Remix
Written By Tania Fuentez
While debate over prerecorded DJ sets and EDM’s validity rages on, one industrious New Yorker stands his ground with four to the floor. DJ Jess Marquis says art speaks louder than words, “so what could I do but remix a rebuttal” to Rolling Stone Magazine’s (Italy) recent video pitting rock loyalists against underground clubbers.
Lucky for me, he’s got a lot more to say in this month’s exclusive with Tania Fuentez Media, including whether he’s been naughty or nice! But, we all know the answer to that one …
TFM: What was your initial reaction to that now-infamous Rocker vs. DJ? Think it was a fair assessment considering the state of today’s dance music and EDM scene?
JM: The old guard is constantly holding barriers to the new wave. Whether it’s Republicans or religion or Rolling Stone Magazine, there are always those longing for a past that likely never existed in the first place. Rock ‘n’ roll is not dead any more than EDM is here to stay. Spirit and creativity come from the soul, whether you prefer four Beatles or four to the floor kick drums. What struck me as ironic about the advert was that rock music has essentially been the same for over 50 years: two guitars, bass, drums, and a vocalist. How can the old guard be satisfied with the same sounds for so long? I love rock. I play guitar. I also love to dance and love to get lost in a wave of bass. EDM is exciting not because it’s simply the next fad, but because of how it’s made. Anyone with a laptop can bring life to anything from their aural imagination. There are no rules, and no excuses. Simply put, EDM is punk rock.
TFM: You’ve been a very busy man since we last chatted, so fill me in on what’s new and poppin’ right now … like Brite Nites!
JM: Brite Nites has quickly become New York City’s premiere night for electro and progressive house. I can’t even believe some of that talent I’ve opened up for! Sharing bills with Alvaro and Martin Solveig and Carnage and TJR … it’s wonderful to watch the best in the business at work, as well as a chance to share my favorite tracks, mixes, and my all around ecstatic love of DJing. When I’m not prepping my sets, I’m busy producing, remixing, and recording my podcast, Radio Free Marquis. I put my hands to the heat of East Village streets, memorize the rhythm and beat, and try to share that with the audience and the world.
TFM: Have you noticed a shift in public opinion about all things avant-garde lately, especially in nightlife and club culture? Good, bad or indifferent?
JM: There seems to not be a shift away from avant-garde, so much as a general apathy towards it. Perhaps because it’s so easy to connect with others of the same mindset online, it’s not demanded of us to be as inquisitive as we should be. Risks and artistic disobedience need to be rewarded and encouraged. There could definitely be more intellectualism in EDM. There should certainly be more danger. And there absolutely should be more sex.
TFM: Best way to spend the holidays in NYC. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got planned …
JM: I honestly love DJing during the holidays. NYU has skipped town back to their parent’s house, which leaves only the diehard kings and (drag) queens and things of nightlife. These intimate dance floors with only the most dedicated of clubbers have been some of my favorite holiday memories!
TFM: As a DJ/multimedia artists and performer, what’s on your wish list for Christmas this year? Is it naughty or nice!
JM: Don’t need to wish for naughty. That seems to find me regardless. With all the success of Brite Nites and lots of new productions in the timeline, I wonder … does Santa deliver interns?
NOTE: All photos and video courtesy of DJ Jess Marquis.
Recommended:
DJ Jess Marquis: https://djjessmarquis.bandpage.com/
DJ Jess on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djjessmarquis
Webster Hall: http://www.websterhall.com/
Tania Fuentez is a New York-based professional journalist specializing in fine art photography, creative writing and visual arts, providing an outlet for all forms of independent, underground art. You can contact her at:[email protected].
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