Even if he’s only 16, Martinus Haase is already one of the most uprising stars in the Future House scene.
He started his musical career at 10, his adventure with Mixmash Records (Laidback Luke label) at 15, and this year is quickly showing that he’s ready to surprise everyone.
With his melodic future house style, the young Dutch prodigy has already developed a unique signature sound, emotional and entertaining. Laidback Luke himself supported his music and trusted in Villa’s stamina for the long road ahead to really break through in the EDM scene, and he guessed right. At such a young age, Martinus has already obtained some great success!
Starting with his debut single on Mixmash “Venture“, to his latest success “Atlas”, both supported by big names as Avicii, Blasterjaxx and Tiesto, his style developed into a solid and enjoyable work of art. A bright future lingers just around the corner for Martinus!
The things that, in my personal opinion, makes Mark Villa one of the most interesting artists in the current scene, and of the Mixmash roster, is his ability to mix progressive house, emotions, and future house together. So much potential here.
A confirmation of his potential is his next step, a really important collaboration that has been just announced, with the legendary producer Laidback Luke. “Rise” will be released on November the 10th.
During ADE, our correspondent had the chance to talk with him, and we are proud to show you this interview!
1. Why did you start with producing? What was the starting point of your career?
I was 10 years old when I heard “Penguin” by Avicii… After that moment I was inspired to start with producing: I downloaded FL Studio 8 just for experimenting and trying stuff out. When I was 13-14, I was working on my music every weekend fulltime. I was sure that I wanted to be a producer, I really enjoyed my time while creating progressive house and my desire was to do that as a job. After deciding this, I finished my first complete track. And here began the Mark Villa sound design story.
2. Your progressive/future style is particular and unique. How did you develop it?
It took two steps to develop that sound. At first, I loved Avicii music and with his sounds inspired I created my own “initial” style. In fact, in 2013-2014 I used to make progressive house. However, when I was 15 years old I wanted to try a different style, challenging myself with influencing deep / future house sounds in progressive house.
That’s why I released my first track ‘Venture’ with that typical Mark Villa sound design.’
3. Laidback Luke called you as ‘the New Avicii’. Those are some important words. What do you think about that?
Yeah… It’s so bizarre to hear it from him, yet so special. He took care of the important start of my career, as he did with Avicii. Being compared with my idol is too beautiful. Being honest, I’d have to say that I don’t see myself as new Avicii. . He is so talented and I am still at the beginning of my career. It is a huge honour to get those compliments though, and Avicii recently started playing my music in his podcast so that’s a massive achievement.
4. You’re on Mixmash for a while… What are your future plans? Can we expect some surprises?
I’m very busy with creating new tracks. I just released a song, ‘Atlas’, for example, but there is more. Also, I have a new collab coming soon with Laidback Luke on Mixmash Family Album, called “Rise”. In conclusion, I have also a solo track in the making, still unfinished.
5. What is your favorite song at the moment? Can you rate it between 1 and 100 and why?
Uhmmm…. That’s a difficult question, I think I’d have to go for “Duke Dumont – I Got You”, I like the tropical influences used in this, and the clip is so cool. I listen to this song when I need some positive input in my life, really really love this track! It helped me through my dips. And because all of this, and the emotional bond I have with this track, I should rate 100/100!
6. Would you like to give some pieces of advice or message to fans?
Be happy with what you have reached and what you have got it. Work hard to reach something and keep working hard, take care of the right people surrounding you.
7.Your young age is a surprise at such a high musical level. Is it hard to manage with this detail or is it a positive thing?
Yeah, I am sometimes compared with Martin Garrix, but I have a lot to thank with my age… Look at Martin, he was also 16 when he made it with “Animals”… But I can’t reach his level. It is not difficult to manage with my young age, I am happy to have all those chances and I am doing my own things.
You can listen to Mark Villa latest success “Atlas”, and make sure to follow his Facebook page to stay updated!
Interview made by Peter Jan Rijpkema. Thanks to everyone that made it possible, to Mark Villa and Mixmash Records.
Davide Muttoni
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