My Musical Influences: Mark Jenkyns

Recognised in equal measures for his expert command of the dance floor, his heavyweight productions and his close affinity to the Paradise and Hot Creations family, Mark Jenkyns has become an undeniable stalwart of the house and techno scene with an impressive and ever-expanding list of accolades that includes release on Suara, Crosstown Rebels, Hot Creations, Defected and VIVa.

The Newcastle native has always relied on skills and talent to prove himself, and with his most recent ‘Sirens EP’ landing on Hottrax and hitting the overall Beatport top 10 within just three days, it’s easy to understand why he holds residencies at Paradise and Abode in Ibiza, and elite party brands like Elrow and VIVa Warriors have him featuring on line-ups across the globe.

A firm believer that positivity helps drive success, unwavering support for Mark’s music comes from a vast range of names across the electronic music scene, from Richy Ahmed, Groove Armada and Riva Starr, to Pete Tong, Annie Mac and Danny Howard – with a fresh focus on production and big plans for 2018, expect to see a lot more names added to that list in the not too distant future.

We asked him to talk about his Big Musical Influences for our new series, here’s his choices. 

Michael Jackson ‘Man in the Mirror’

1. I think firstly I need to go straight Michael Jackson, he was the be all and end all when I was growing up and listened to him every day. I reckon the track I’d choose is ‘Man In The Mirror,’ I used to always wonder who he actually was. Not actually realising it was a song about yourself.

Shakin’ Stevens ‘This ole House 1981’

Shakin’ Stevens – another childhood icon, my aunties used to dress me up in double denim when I was about 4 and play ‘This Ole House’ repeatedly.

Prince ‘Batdance’

I remember when this came out, it was my sister’s birthday party and I badgered the DJ that much to play it he gave me the vinyl at the end of the night. It’s actually mint!

The Young Ones – Living Doll

This was the very first piece of vinyl I ever owned! My aunties once again sorted me out, they didn’t dress me up this time though.

Salt ‘n’ Pepper ‘Push It’

Grew up to this tune, but hearing the legend Alfredo drop it in Manumission at around 6am when the sun was rising will always stick in my head.

Groove Armada – Superstylin’

Another Alfredo moment, he’s got a lot to answer for.

The Conductor and The Cowboy – Feel This Way

Old euphoric is another back in. Its one of them tunes you thought was the be all and end all, quite cheesy but at Cream on Amnesia Terrace just took you off on one.

Matthew Jonson ‘Folding Space’

Hearing one of my favourite DJs, Clive Henry drop this on DC10 Terrace will always stay in my head. Matthew is my favourite producer of all time and this tune is class.

Green Velvet ‘I Want To Leave My Body’

This is one of my favourites by Mr Velvet, simply for how insane it gets.

Maceo Plex – Vibe Your Love

From his 2011 album on Crosstown Rebels. Just an amazing tune, I love how he doesn’t bring the vocal in right until near the end.