Marc Monka: In my productions, I try to reflect the constant motion of life - the effort, change, and growth we all experience.
We are excited to welcome Catalan electronic music maestro Marc Monka to Rave Me Hard!
Marc is known for his impressive skills, creating powerful, high-energy tracks with catchy rhythms and strong, driving beats. Although his career has taken him through different genres like Drum & Bass and Hip Hop, techno has always been the heart of his music.
In this interview, Marc talks about the making of his upcoming EP "Tribal Codes", how his background has influenced his sound, and gives us a glimpse into his career and what’s coming next. Enjoy!
Marc is known for his impressive skills, creating powerful, high-energy tracks with catchy rhythms and strong, driving beats. Although his career has taken him through different genres like Drum & Bass and Hip Hop, techno has always been the heart of his music.
In this interview, Marc talks about the making of his upcoming EP "Tribal Codes", how his background has influenced his sound, and gives us a glimpse into his career and what’s coming next. Enjoy!
RMH:
Welcome to Rave Me Hard! How does it feel to join the label, and with your upcoming EP Tribal Codes dropping on January 31st, how do you feel this release captures your signature style and represents your artistic journey so far?
MARC MONKA:
Hey there! I'm really excited to join Rave Me Hard and share this special release with everyone. Tribal Codes is the consolidation of what I define as the most danceable and engaging techno, infused with influences from funk music and the instantaneous, fast-paced energy of modern life.
This release is a deeply personal milestone in my artistic journey. It represents a return to my roots - where it all began. While I’ve explored other genres like Drum & Bass and Hip Hop, Techno has always been my center, my grounding force. With Tribal Codes, I’ve channeled everything I’ve learned from these diverse influences into a sound that’s raw, powerful, and reflective of my evolution as an artist.
This release is a deeply personal milestone in my artistic journey. It represents a return to my roots - where it all began. While I’ve explored other genres like Drum & Bass and Hip Hop, Techno has always been my center, my grounding force. With Tribal Codes, I’ve channeled everything I’ve learned from these diverse influences into a sound that’s raw, powerful, and reflective of my evolution as an artist.
RMH:
As a Catalan DJ and producer, how has your background influenced your music and approach to techno? Are there any regional sounds or cultural elements that inspire your tracks?
MARC MONKA:
Growing up, I was deeply influenced by legendary artists like Ben Sims, Jeff Mills, Oscar Mulero, and Cristian Varela. Their music taught me the importance of storytelling and progression in techno.
In my productions, I try to reflect the constant motion of life - the effort, change, and growth we all experience. My tracks often carry this message of transformation, using hypnotic rhythms and dynamic layers to create an emotional connection with listeners. While my sound isn’t overtly catalan, the Mediterranean spirit of passion and drive is at the core of everything I create.
In my productions, I try to reflect the constant motion of life - the effort, change, and growth we all experience. My tracks often carry this message of transformation, using hypnotic rhythms and dynamic layers to create an emotional connection with listeners. While my sound isn’t overtly catalan, the Mediterranean spirit of passion and drive is at the core of everything I create.
RMH:
Looking back, what have been some key moments or milestones in your career that shaped the artist you are today?
MARC MONKA:
Looking back, I’d say that persistence and consistency have been essential to consolidate my artistic personality. My career started deeply rooted in techno, but life’s circumstances pushed me to explore other genres. That shaped my perspective and enriched it. Performing in front of 5,000 people was an incredible experience, but at some point I realised that success isn’t about numbers - it’s about growth, connection, and authenticity.
The challenges I’ve faced have shaped my vision and allowed me to reconnect with what truly drives me: creating meaningful music for me and listeners.
Today I’m grateful for everything the journey has taught me - specially curiosity, which keeps pushing me forward.
The challenges I’ve faced have shaped my vision and allowed me to reconnect with what truly drives me: creating meaningful music for me and listeners.
Today I’m grateful for everything the journey has taught me - specially curiosity, which keeps pushing me forward.
RMH:
Outside of your own music, you’re also the founder of Monka Studio, where you mentor aspiring DJs and producers. What inspired you to take on this role, and how has it influenced your own creativity?
MARC MONKA:
I’ve always loved teaching. Even as a teenager, and just for fun, I found myself helping others improve their DJ skills and productions. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I saw an opportunity to turn this passion into a personal project, Monka Studio, to share my experience as a DJ, music producer, and sound engineer with aspiring artists.
Monka Studio is still growing, and my goal is to expand it as a hub for creativity and learning in the future. Teaching not only allows me to give back to the music community but also awakens my own curiosity and creativity. Every student brings a fresh perspective, and their passion motivates me to improve and challenge my own approaches to music.
Monka Studio is still growing, and my goal is to expand it as a hub for creativity and learning in the future. Teaching not only allows me to give back to the music community but also awakens my own curiosity and creativity. Every student brings a fresh perspective, and their passion motivates me to improve and challenge my own approaches to music.
RMH:
As an artist and educator, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to anyone looking to break into the electronic music scene?
MARC MONKA:
Do it for the love of music. Passion should always be your driving force, not the pursuit of fame or the dream of playing at a big festival. If your motivation is purely financial, this isn’t the path for you. Focus on your craft, enjoy the process, and stay true to yourself.
If you put in the effort, stay consistent, and approach everything with authenticity, opportunities will come naturally. The most meaningful successes come from doing what you love and doing it well.
If you put in the effort, stay consistent, and approach everything with authenticity, opportunities will come naturally. The most meaningful successes come from doing what you love and doing it well.
RMH:
If Tribal Codes were a movie, what genre would it be and what would the plot be about?
MARC MONKA:
If Tribal Codes were a movie, it would be a science fiction thriller. The plot would revolve around a futuristic civilization where rhythm and sound are the key to communication and survival. Challenges, limits, adventures… a story that evolves while characters navigate an unpredictable world.
RMH:
With Tribal Codes on the horizon, what else can fans expect from you in 2025? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances you’re excited about?
MARC MONKA:
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year with a lot of new music on the way, including some fresh collaborations that I can’t wait to share. I’m also kicking off a vinyl-only series on my YouTube channel, which will be a unique experience for those who love the analog vibe. Of course, I’m hoping to get out and perform live, so keep an eye out for upcoming gigs and events - there’s a lot to look forward to!
Editor: Olly Kuskova
