After a three-year wait since his chart-topping EP on Robsoul, London-based DJ and producer Marlon George is back, this time breathing new life into Colm K & Elaine’s 2011 track ‘Basics.’ Having already gathered a loyal following and a play in Room 1 in Fabric, this much-appreciated rework again showcases Marlon’s fantastic sampling skills, which unfolds over nine minutes of sublime, soulful house. Part bomb, part DJ tool, this release is the culmination of a journey for a track that has consistently gained support and demanded its moment in the spotlight.

Off the back of this epic remix, we had the priviledge of sitting down with Marlon for a rare chat about the release, his inspirations, figuring out his creative process and much more!

WWD: Hey Marlon, great to meet you! What’s happening in your world at the minute?

Hey, thanks for having me. Working mostly! I’ve also started going back to the gym again recently which has been excellent for my mood and general well being. Then there’s spending time with loved ones (easier said than done!) and of course doing music.

WWD: Congratulations on launching Lilac Records. Can you talk us through the first release?

‘Basics’ was originally signed with another label and people were really into the track, so after two years I just thought I’d do it myself. It will probably be the only release on Lilac. I asked my good friend and amazing producer Mihai to do a remix which he did in a day, hence the Deliveroo bit!

WWD: What was the inspiration to start your own label and how did your remix come about?

I did the edit during Covid actually whilst the Six Nations was on, and I was using another tune from Sunwaves as reference. I managed to knock 80% of the track out in about forty minutes!

WWD: Where did you grow up and how did your environment shape your relationship with music?

Well a lot of my family are musicians in some way. My nan and grandad met at an orchestra when they were sixteen. My old man is a DJ and my mum is also massively into her 70s stuff – Diana Ross, The Supremes, Dionne Warwick. I grew up with a lot of music and records around the house.

WWD: Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?‍

Honestly, I’m still figuring it out! Over the years, I probably feel most inspired when digging online and coming across sick or obscure music. This is good for sampling, which used to be the main way I started my music. I was probably more free in my approach when I was younger and I intellectualize music a lot more now. It is not flowing out of me as easily, you know? I think I can speak for many creatives when I say there is a lot of financial and societal pressures today, so having that all important mental space (and of course time) to create is more difficult to manage. 

Going out and hearing great music is also very inspiring as well. Seeing Ricardo for instance, always makes me feel pretty turned on!

WWD: Can you describe the connection between your music and your UK roots and how they continue to influence your music today?‍

I started clubbing properly in Leeds about 2011, and that left a huge impression on me. I still think about those nights when I pack my record bag. 

WWD: As someone deeply rooted in the House scene, what state is it in right now? What notable artists are emerging?

First of all, I don’t think I’m deeply rooted in any scene! I am just doing what I’m doing. House music’s foundations are built on equality, community, love, freedom and dancing. Nowadays, it’s definitely a bit more businessy, which is natural. The gentrification of house music! There are still lots of people out there who care deeply about the music, and that’s what’s important. We need vinyl, and we need parties 😉

On that note, I wish there were more venues in London with after 6am licenses. I wish there were more residents. I also wish that artists had the freedom to create without working three jobs, and that a house didn’t cost eight or nine times the amount of our wage!

Re artists, the following guys are hardly emerging but I’m really into Loidis. He is mad good. Also my dearest friend Alex Celler is a super talented producer with an impressive catalog of music at such a young age. 

WWD: What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Probably playing abroad for the first time, in Hungary. That was a riot. 

WWD: If you could play B2B with any DJ, who would it be and why

I would probably do a B3B with Marvin Gaye and Roy Ayers. How jokes would that be! They would be chill guys with some serious shellers up their sleeves.

WWD: When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing?

Thinking about music.

WWD: Finally, what do you have coming up in the next few months? 

Music wise, I’ll be building my studio a bit more and doing another solo EP before the end of the year. Very excited about that. I’ll also be finishing off a dub techno EP with my friend Astralure in Australia after that.

DJ wise I’m set to play in the Middle East at some point as well, which is mad!

WWD: Looking forward to listening! Thanks for the chat 🙂 

Thanks a lot!

‘Basics’ is available here