Chris Marino: I really just want to touch people with my music

New York based artist Chris Marino has initiated his musical odyssey with blends of driving melodies and hard-hitting techno grooves. Self-educated in music theory and properties of the piano since the age of 12, Chris is no stranger to the quality and individuality brought to the modern tracks of 2023. Inspired by music and movies, the artist always strives to move listeners with his musical creations. His single \”Nonstop\” on SURO Records is a perfect example of the distinctive energy and rhythm that\’s demanded today in the Peak Time Techno genre. Recently, Chris presented the second release “Imprint” on SURO Records. So, let’s talk!

ー Hello, Chris! We are happy to see you on the pages of Tune in Mag! How are you? If you had only 30 seconds for introduction, what would you tell about yourself?
ー I’m a 28 year old retired United States Marine from New York that has always had a profound passion for music and movies. I’ve been producing dance music and djing for almost 10 years and have been playing piano since I was 12. Movies and music have shaped my life immensely and have made me who I am today. 

ー Chris, your journey into music started with self-education in music theory and piano at a young age. Can you share how these early experiences have shaped your approach to producing music today?
ー When I was about 12 years old I began to learn my favorite sections of my favorite songs on the piano. At first I learned each song by memory, watching various different YouTube videos of other people playing the songs from a birds-eye view. While training in the Marine Corps at about 20 years old, I began to develop a more comprehensive understanding of music theory from my several years of learning songs on the piano. This is arguably the biggest turning point in my artist development as it opened up a world of possibilities for my creativity. It was at this moment I believed I was actually capable of living my dream as a professional music producer. 

ー Your debut single \”Nonstop\” on SURO Records has been described as embodying driving melodies and hard-hitting techno grooves. What inspired the creation of this track?
ー My track “Nonstop” on Suro records was my first independent label signing and personally the heaviest track I’ve created. At the time at least 😉 This track was heavily inspired by the contemporary peak time techno scene which has been becoming more and more prevalent every day. When I started this track about a year ago, I discovered the vocal sample and knew it had immense potential for a techno track. After some minor adjustments to the sample’s key and tempo, I was immediately encouraged to develop a rhythmic bassline to fit the track. Once the bassline was developed, and the goosebumps were triggered, the rest was history. 

ー Moving on to your new release \”Imprint\” on SURO Records, can you tell us about the concept behind this track and what makes it unique? What about your work with the label?
ー After “Nonstop”, I wanted to express my melodic roots a bit more in my next project. Nonstop was undeniably a heavy hitter, but to me it lacked the melodic properties that I’ve come to appreciate along my journey. With one hand of creativity on driving-techno, and the other on melodic traits, I developed a synth idea that really excited me. After honing down and perfecting the concept for this tune, I came to a realization that this track truly was an imprint of what I’ve come to love in music: rich in melodies, and heavily bass-driven. The rest of this track came together smoothly, and soon after that I sent it over to its new home at Suro. The team at Suro Records has been nothing short of incredible. They’ve shown real admiration for my music and style while also prompting new projects and ideas from myself for the future. Not to mention, their artwork for releases is absolutely beautiful and fits the techno scene perfectly. I cannot wait to work with Suro many more times in my future endeavors. 

ー Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your sound and production style in the techno scene?
ー Musical influences come from everywhere. But I would not be where I am today without Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz. I’m sure there’s a large number of people who can relate to their life being changed the very first time they heard “Strobe“. That track is arguably the most influential dance track not only to me, but to the entire dance music scene. Deadmau5 encouraged my high school self to explore modern EDM to the maximum degree and I am forever grateful for that age of music. Having said that, I am definitely one of the biggest Eric Prydz fans on the planet. To me, he is the most consistent and unique music producer in the game and I cannot see that ever changing. His massive vault of incredible tracks, amazing melodies, and unfathomable live show experience is something that has not been replicated by anyone else. He is the most profound inspiration I could ever think of, and he always will be. Eric, if you’re reading this, I love you and we should definitely collab soon.  

ー What do you think about collaborations? Who is on your dream collaboration list and why?
ー I love collaborations! I think it’s an incredible way to inspire new ideas for yourself and for artists with similar goals and styles. Some of the most influential tracks out there are collaborations of my favorite artists. While Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz are the fathers of my artist development, my current taste in techno and production leads to a wholehearted desire to work with Eli Brown, Charles D and Layton Giordani. These guys are absolute titans in the techno scene right now, each of them with their own specific sub-niche in the peak time realm. It would be an absolute privilege to work with these guys but like I said, collaborations with any artist can turn into extremely valuable projects. You never know what combination of artists can lead to something extraordinary!

ー Being based in New York, a city with a rich electronic music history,  what do you think about the electronic music scene there?
ー Being a born and bred New Yorker, I am indeed spoiled by the colossal dance scene surrounding the city’s boroughs. Having spent countless nights at the Brooklyn Mirage, the Navy Yard, Superior Ingredients and all the other amazing clubs and venues, I’m wholeheartedly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had to indulge in the amazing productions this city has had to offer. What I love most is that it’s not one particular sound or style that caters to New Yorkers. Each venue hosts an awesome variety of different experiences for each and every music lover. I’ll never forget my first Electric Zoo festival at Randall\’s Island in 2013. This was my first time attending a festival and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Being able to experience the likes of Bingo Players, Tiesto, Dada Life and so many more kingpins of the scene, there’s no wonder I myself am trekking the path to one day hopefully play to a similar crowd. I wouldn’t be the music advocate I am today without this city, and there’s no amount of potholes in the Long Island Expressway that can get me to deny that. 

ー Beyond music, are there other creative outlets or hobbies that you\’re passionate about?
ー So I come from an Italian-American family of avid baseball lovers, food-eaters, and movie watchers. I’m a 90s baby that grew up watching the New York Yankees in one of their greatest ages as a franchise. This motivated me to play baseball every year of my childhood up until I was about 18. As I got older, and the lower back pain ensued, sure enough I just started playing golf instead. As you have probably guessed, a part of my DNA From being both Italian, and from New York, is the tradition of Sunday sauce, and a classic bacon, egg, and cheese. I’m not sure if the average person considers food a hobby, but for most Italians, they can almost consider it a religion. As for creative outlets, I’ve always gotten a tremendous amount of influence from TV and movies. Films such as Inception, “Forrest Gump”, and almost all the “Rocky” movies have a very special place in my heart. While these films are incredible, they are nothing without their original scores. Imagine “Jurassic Park” without John Williams\’ classic theme, or even “Titanic” without Celine Dion’s voice. These movies are nothing without the emotional pull on the heartstrings their scores give us. Like I said earlier, these movies and their notes behind them have perpetually inspired me at a young age. As an aspiring artist, all I could ever dream of is giving other people in this world that same feeling. 

ー We offer you a short blitz survey:) Share with our readers your favorite:
ー book: \”Flags of our Fathers\”. I should definitely read more books but this one was incredible. I could cry just thinking about it;
ー film: “Goodfellas”. This is a hard decision to make as I have at least 10 movies that are considered a favorite, but I\’d have to say, Goodfellas. It\’s just an absolute staple in my family for so many reasons, so if I could only pick one, I\’d have to take the Scorcese classic.
ー dish: I’m a big breakfast guy. Always have been. So it would be a classic bacon egg and cheese. Forever. It’s just a perfect sandwich and I really don\’t think I can live without them in my life. I certainly don\’t want to.

ー How do you see your development? What about plans for the future?
ー Like every artist, you’re never done learning or developing your craft. It’s a constant effort to better yourself to get where you want to be. As for my future plans, I would love to keep perfecting my sound, and honestly sample movie quotes in more of my music. I believe the combination of the two presents a world of possibilities to explore. I could see myself happily DJing, and creating music of that style for the next 30 years or so. When the time comes where I can’t raise my own hands in the air anymore, or jump up and down in the DJ booth without having a stroke, I’ll decide to turn in my headphones. After that point, it would be an absolute privilege for me to work on movies, TV, or any type of film. To give me footage to write an original theme or score to would be an unreal fantasy for me. Again, I really just want to touch people with my music the way others have touched me with theirs.

ー Thank you for the interview! We look forward to the new releases from you!
ー Thanks for having me, guys!

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