Brussels-based techno prospect Marhu has already made appearances with imprints such as Electric Ballroom and HE.SHE.THEY in the past, and she recently made a welcomed return to Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE label, for the release of her 4-track ‘Bhajan’ EP.
We spoke to the Belgian artist about the tracks on the new release, her thoughts on the Brussels club scene, what else she might have coming soon, and more. Read the full interview with Marhu below.
Let’s Talk about your new ‘Bhajan’ EP – which brings four tracks to Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE label, how would you describe the tracks in your own words?
‘ Bhajan’ is a fusion of psy-trance and techno with Japanese and Indian instruments. The flutes? They are sweet and full of character, super addictive. Once you hear them, they stay with you haha. I remember when I showed my new work in progress to my best friend in the car and then she kept humming it, I was like ok great this melody is sooo catchy!
And one of the tracks is labelled as a ‘DJ tool’ – how does that differ from a regular track?
Yes exactly. The idea was to complete the EP with this beautiful intro. It sets up the atmosphere when I start my set. The flute is the star again, but I also added my voice to it. The lyrics are all about embracing your individuality, following your own path, not comparing yourself to anyone. It’s about being authentic and following your vision.
You’re from Brussels, which has clubs like Fuse and C12, what’s your favourite memory of being on a Brussels’ dancefloor?
Ooh I’ve got so many memories as a clubber at Fuse! They always had excellent music and that’s what really got me into this techno sound that I love today. Here is a funny one: I remember Chris Liebing was playing at Fuse, but back then techno was still super underground and none of my friends were into this sound at all. So I was like hmm okay no problem and went by myself. I ended up meeting people in five minutes and stayed with them until 7am. That really did something to me, that was like a whole world opening to me! Today is different, techno has become so big everywhere haha!
In the past you’ve released music with Electric Ballroom and HE.SHE.THEY, what’s your typical process when trying to get music to a particular label?
Yes I dropped ‘La Monnaie’ on Thomas Schumacher’s label earlier this year, such a cool fusion between techno and classical, orchestral instruments. Last year ‘Through My Veins’ on HE.SHE.THEY, that was more on the dark acid techno side. When it comes to working with a label, I think the key is making sure that the music aligns to the label’s artistic direction. It has to vibe with their vision as much as mine.
That’s why I’m so happy to have joined the ARTCORE label now. When I exchange with Indira, it feels like we’ve known each other for much longer, we share the same vision.
And which other labels might we see you on soon?
I have a cool release lined up for the end of the year with the Italian brand Galactica. Really hyped for that one because lots of people ask me what it is after my set or online! ‘Timeless’ also has this sweet addictive flavour. I love the little bells in it haha, you will see.
Anything else you want to talk about before we go?
Yes you can go to my SoundCloud page, because I uploaded some edits there that I create for my sets. The recent ones are ‘Don’t Cha’ from The Pussycat Dolls, ‘I Like The Way You Kiss Me’ from Artemas, ‘Video Games’ from Lana Del Rey, and ‘Imagine’ from the French singer Carbonne. Go check them out, it’s free, fast, hot, and sweet!
Marhu – Bhajan EP is out now on ARTCORE Records.