003: HUGH MANE
The life of Mark Gilbert is shrouded in mystery. A British expat currently residing in Oslo, Mark’s biographical information is nearly impossible to find. Quite a feat by today's standards. A bit of interweb research instead lead you to a slew of eclectic musical productions released over a sizable but quiet career. Delve a bit deeper and you’ll find that many of these productions have been championed by some of the most respected international djs in the industry such as DJ Harvey and the Idjut Boys.
While Mark has released music under a variety of aliases and labels, it appears he has made it a point not to promote his work by utilizing conventional industry techniques. Instead, Mark continues to prioritize and invest in music over image - making him a rare beast in the dance music landscape. Whether operating under the moniker of Stupid Human, Hugh Mane, or in collaboration with his partner Will Overkill in Eccentric’s Disco, Mark’s respect for the artform is palpable.
It didn’t take me very long to notice Mark’s focus on the deeper and more subtle tracks that critics sometimes fit into the catch all phrase of “balearic” or “leftfield” but in actuality are much harder to define. A wide array of influences are overlayed on Mark's tracks and dj'ing, making his style hard to pin down in neat cliches. However you want to define them, Mark’s productions and mixes consistently demonstrate a commitment to pushing dance music past global boundaries into the cosmic stratosphere. His Excursions mix is no different. Expect an hour of diverse and dynamic selections from one of the best kept secrets in DiscoLand.
INTERVIEW WITH HUGH MANE
Where and how was this mix recorded (equipment)?
In my studio, 1200's DN78 mixer, Cdj's, Pioneer rmx1000, a bit of soft mastering from Masterdesk Bx.
If you could be anywhere in the world listening to this mix where would you be?
My imaginary nightclub, which would be an amalgam of all the special spaces and not so special spaces that occupy a place in my brain.
Some dj’s see recorded mixes as an for “storytelling”. Was this your approach for Excursions or do you see it differently?
Nah, i find the dissection of this craft a bit of a turn off to be honest, just be in the moment with the good and fine people around you.
Are there any standout tracks for you on this one? Why?
The Bill Nelson one tickles me a lot, its got so much going on, guitar, a weird lolloping groove, marimbas, fretless bass, key changes, a killer song and arrangement. Unique…
When a dancer or listener steps into your realm of music, what should they expect?
I had a guy tell me at the end I gave him goosebumps once. i was embarrassed and humbled at the same time.
How is life in Oslo? Why did you decide to move there?
Oslo's skirted alot of what is going on in the world so right now I feel very lucky to be here... lots of well supported culture so from that perspective its great. I moved here for a lot of reasons the main one being to give my little ones space to roam , I lived in the heart of south london previously.
You have been putting out some amazing cuts on your Eccentric’s Edits label. What are your plans for the future?
Thanks, I'm glad to say there's another Eccentrics in the making, one of the tracks appears on the mix, it's a bit of a gremlin.
What is your message to humanity during these unprecedented times?
I am in no way responsible enough to give messages to anyone.
