Marcelo Demarco: My journey in the electronic music scene has been quite an evolution.

Marcelo Demarco, a seasoned veteran in the electronic music scene since the mid-\’90s, has continuously evolved his sound, moving through genres like Psy Trance, Tribal House, and now into Peak Time and Hypnotic Techno. As the founder of SURO Records, based in Ibiza, he champions innovative underground music and supports boundary-pushing artists. In this interview, Marcelo reflects on his South American roots, his latest track \”Amuna Kur,\” and his passion for blending rhythmic textures. With new projects on the horizon, including a release on SCI+TEC, Marcelo remains a vital force in the techno world.

Marcelo, you\’ve been active in the electronic music scene since the mid-\’90s. How has your sound evolved over the years, and what has remained consistent in your music?

Thank you for the question! My journey in the electronic music scene has been quite an evolution. Since the mid-\’90s, I\’ve explored various genres, starting with Psy Trance, moving through Progressive and Tribal House, and eventually arriving at Techno. In recent years, I\’ve focused on Peak Time, Acid, and Hard Techno, and now I\’m delving into Hypnotic and Hard Groove.

What has remained consistent in my music is my commitment to blending techniques from different genres. I love incorporating percussive elements inspired by South American rhythms, which adds a unique texture and energy to my tracks. This fusion not only keeps my sound fresh but also pays homage to my roots.

As the founder of SURO Records, what’s your philosophy behind the label? How do you decide which artists or tracks to release?

As the founder of SURO Records, my philosophy revolves around promoting and supporting quality underground music. Based in Ibiza, we strive to create a platform for artists who share a passion for authentic sound and creativity.

When it comes to selecting artists or tracks for release, my decision is purely based on the music itself. I look for innovative sounds and unique styles that resonate with SURO. It’s all about fostering a community of like-minded musicians who push boundaries and contribute to the underground scene.

Your latest release, Amuna Kur, dropped recently on SURAW. What was the inspiration behind the track, and how has it been received by listeners so far? 

My latest release, \”Amuna Kur,\” was inspired by the desire to create a hypnotic vibe perfect for late-night techno parties. I aimed to craft a track that immerses listeners in a deep, entrancing experience on the dance floor.

I\’m thrilled to share that \”Amuna Kur\” has received fantastic support from respected artists like Chris Liebing, Radio Slave, Sama\’ Abdulhadi, Sam Paganini, D.A.V.E The Drummer, Dave Clarke, and Marco Effe. Their endorsement has been incredibly encouraging, and it feels great to see the track resonate with both fellow artists and listeners.

With three decades in the industry, how have you kept your creative process fresh and avoided burnout?

After nearly three decades in the industry, I still find so much joy in making music. My love for it keeps me energized and inspired every day. I also feel like there’s still so much for me to learn and explore, which helps me stay excited about what I do. I believe I have a lot to give, and that mindset really helps me avoid burnout and keeps my creativity flowing.

Given your extensive experience, how do you see the future of electronic music? Are there any emerging trends or technologies that excite you?

Honestly, there’s one trend that really excites me but also kind of freaks me out. With tech evolving so fast, the possibilities are endless! I’m really intrigued by the rise of AI-generated music. People are using machine learning to create sounds that push the limits of creativity and imagination. It’s wild to think about where this could take us!

You’re known for creating culturally inspired dance records. How do you source inspiration from your South American heritage, and how does it influence your creative process?

Growing up in Uruguay, I’ve always been inspired by my South American roots, especially Candombe, which is our most famous rhythm. It actually came from Africa and is all about those deep, rhythmic drums. I love incorporating that into my percussion because its repetitive sound is super hypnotic and fits perfectly with techno. I tend to steer clear of happier rhythms like Samba or Rumba; Candombe has this heavier, deeper vibe that really resonates with me and influences my creative process.

As someone who’s been in the game for so long, what advice would you give to aspiring producers and DJs who are just starting out?

My advice for aspiring producers and DJs is to find your own identity. Don’t try to please everyone—it’s impossible and just leads to frustration. This industry can be tough, but if you genuinely love what you’re doing and stay true to yourself, you’ll carve out your own space. Just keep pushing and be honest about your sound!

Finally, Marcelo, where do you see yourself and SURO Records in the next five years? What’s next for you after Amuna Kur?

I’m really optimistic about the future of SURO and our new sub-label, SURAW. We’re getting so many amazing demos lately, and it’s something I truly love to see. After \”Amuna Kur,\” I have another single coming out on October 18th called \”Cerebellum,\” which will be part of a new album dropping before the end of the year. 

I’m also working on an EP for SCI+TEC, which I’ll announce soon. I’m super happy to be with such a great label—my last release with them hit Top 2 on the Raw Hypnotic Techno chart on Beatport, so fingers crossed for this next one!