With a background in body building, Mark is not only unique when it comes to his productions but has a tendency to physically stand out in a crowd, making him one DJ that is not easy to forget. Mark continues to have a keen interest in the health and nutrition industry, owning his own nutritional supplement brand.
He has a family that adore him and fans that aspire to be like him, however, it’s Marks enthusiasm and outlook on life that’s as inspirational and energetic as each one of his sets played. We can only hope to see and hear more from the man who is “living he’s dream each and every day”.
Your popularity and experience leaves little doubt in a person’s mind that you are a world class DJ; at what age did the music first captivate you?
I have been into music my whole life, it’s been a stable part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I fell in love with house music in my early teens and since then it’s been the most awesome relationship I’ve had, now I’m lucky enough to live my dream each and every day!
Do you still get amped with each set that you play as you did in the early days?
I do, more so in fact, because now I understand crowds and people a lot better, so waiting to see their reaction to a new song is still just as exciting as it has always been. Now that I am doing it professionally I get to play at new and exciting places and with some of my heroes, who wouldn’t get amped at that!
As with the general music industry, becoming a well known professional DJ that stands out from the rest is not an easy task, what do you think it is that sets you apart from others, making you unique?
This industry is very difficult to break into, I agree. I think you have to have something different to offer, after all DJ’ing is entertainment. I think the fact that I used to be a bodybuilder has helped me stand out from others physically; making me more recognisable, at the same time that will only get you so far. So I believe that my musical style is very unique too. On top of that, I truly love what I do and I hope it shows through in my music.
Which DJ or DJ’s do you find inspire you?
DJ’s that have a continual passion for the music are the people that I respect, locally DJ Fresh, Roger Goode, Ricardo Da Costa, Roger D’lux and Lady Lea are inspiring for the above reasons and for their contributions to the industry and their consistency. Internationally there are a whole host, but my personal favourite is the one and only Carl Cox, he is a legend in so, so many ways.
In your opinion, which young talented DJ’s should we keep a look out for in the future?
There is so much incredible talent out there its difficult to pinpoint just a few! Right now Dylan Holshausen, Royal K, Blayze, Josh Borrill and Peter Booth are the guys catching my attention.
Your love for your children is very apparent, if any of them wanted to follow your same career path, what advice would you have for them?
My girls are my soul and my life and everything I do everyday is dedicated to them. I’m not sure if I would want them, as girls, to follow this career path, but if they truly wanted to I would tell them to always be true to their hearts, keep their love for the music, treat everyone with respect (you never know where your next gig may come from). Treat it like a business but live it like your dream. Always remember that your crowd is number one and your job is to entertain. Don’t get involved in industry politics; it will only ruin your love of what you do. Always think of yourself as an ambassador for what you do and most importantly always remember and love the people that support you and are behind you, without them you cannot live your dream.
What has been your most memorable experience as a DJ?
Wow, isolating that is very difficult, because every single gig I play has something memorable about it. Most of my best memories come from milestones in my career and my firsts. Playing one of my own productions for the first time was an awesome experience; it was at H20 and was a truly emotional experience to see thousands of people enjoying one of my creations. Playing for the opening parties for the F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain 2009 was truly incredible, it was my first international gig and I was so nervous, but I handled it and loved every second. My birthday party at Sutra last year was overwhelming, we banked on around 600 people, and around 1400 showed up!
If not a DJ, what do you think you’d be doing? Do you have any other hidden talents you’d like to share with us?
I own a nutritional supplement brand, M-Nutrition and have been involved in the health and bodybuilding scene for years as a nutritionist, author and magazine contributor. I also own Flexual Records, my record label that allows me to release my own and other talented artists’ productions internationally.
A professional DJ generally lives a hectic lifestyle, what do find helps you to unwind and relax?
I have recently taken up scuba diving and I am hooked! It’s such a wonderful, different, quiet and peaceful world under the ocean. When I’m not doing that I like to do family things with my girls and beautiful girlfriend Vanessa, read, exercise and watch movies.
What can we look forward to from Mark Stent over the next few months?
*Where do I start! So much is going on. I am busy with releasing two CD compilations this year, one on Soul Candi and the other on More Music. I have a party in an up and coming movie later in the year with DJ Fresh, Bad Brad and Kurt Darren. DJ Morgan and I have teamed up to form Big Boyz (making noise!), a DJ duo with a twist. I am busy negotiating bringing out a ‘Mark Stent signature series’ of clothing with a big clothing brand. DJ wise, I will be playing at the F1 Grand prix in Bahrain again, doing my first set in Botswana and doing a UK tour later in the year. Production wise, I have some incredible EP’s coming out with remixes by legends such as Kyle Watson, Tom EQ, Defunct, Jackinori and Aquilaganja. Aside from all of that I will be ripping up the decks all over my beloved South Africa!*~
Click here for Mark Stent’s DJSA Profile
Article by Kim Simpson
