LOCAL FORM: Maro
A quick musical rundown with ILIO Records boss Maro…
They say that a jack of all trades is a master of none. I’m not sure specifically who they’re talking about when they say this, but I’m certain they’re not talking about Markos Milios, aka Maro. Even though he has his hands in so many different creative pies, each project possesses a magic quality that somehow seems greater than the last. When I first met Markos, the founder of local label ILIO Records, it took me a moment to realise I was speaking to none other than one of my favourite artists on the circuit: Hank YM, aka Hank Youngman (his other production pseudonyms). Crafting lush deep house, breaks, and electronica, all influenced by jazz, disco, and ambient, both of “Hank’s” vinyl releases (‘EP 214' via Nerang Recordings and ‘Wabi Sabi’ via Source Records Centre) are undoubtedly amongst the most regularly spun tunes within my collection.
Shortly after, I was even more delighted to realise that his former alias was none other than Warren Raww - a creative project forged with fellow artisté Vlad Gavrilov. Like a dirtier, grittier, club maturation on his Hank YM output, Warren Raww holds a no-limits, hi-octane approach to dance music. When I dropped their track ‘Meekong’ at my first ever gig at Revolver Upstairs, it was met with a sea of “yewww’s”.
Years have passed, and whilst the legacy of ILIO, Hank YM, and Warren Raww lives on, Maro emerges. A delightfully exotic take on his key genre interests, Maro focuses on unlimited creativity, deviating from the mundane with music that extends beyond club play. Dig in. You won’t be disappointed.
Taking time out from his schedule, Maro had a snoop through his archives, pulling out 3 tracks that have influenced his sound.
CLASSIC:
Erot - Haribo (1997)
'Erot is an artist that was taken way before his time, an amazing producer from Norway with a handful of releases before his passing in 2001. I inherited this record a few years ago and can't remember a set where it hasn't made an appearance. Every aspect of it oozes style, creativity and overall ~vibe~. It's hypnotic, trippy, and yet somehow familiar. I honestly can't pick a more perfect record. The label 'footnotes' ended up contributing to the evolution of 'Sex Tags' too - a bit of waxophile trivia for you.'
CURRENT:
Es.Tereo - ‘Perception’ (Forest Drive West Remix) [2021]
'After hearing Forest Drive West's latest EP on Livity Sound (currently most loved electronic music label), I was hunting for more. When this remix of Es.Tereo's 'Perception' popped up on my radar, it was instant love. FDW has a way of sucking you into this trance with all of their productions. More of this, please.'
FIRST:
Untzz - BDOH001 (2012)
(the whole thing) sorry.
'This was super hard. I had been listening to electronic music since I was about 12. But when Babicka, Freddie Norwood, HVCK and Dass held a party in Adelaide to raise funds for this release, I was smitten. It was the first vinyl I bought, and my relationship with those guys inspired me to start what is now my longest-running occupation. I even base ILIO and a lot of the design/style choices on Untzz still. It was a label of love, friendship and fun. I remember dancing to it for the first time, sharing a few sweaty hugs. Aww. getting teary, sign me off. '
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