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Merka chats to I Like Music

In 2007 Merka released his debut album 'Beserka'. The first album release for Fat! Records went down a treat with it's chunky blend of breaks, beats and bass. Since then Merka has continued to establish himself on the breaks scene, playing across the UK, Europe and Australia.

With the up and coming release of his much anticipated second album on its way, I Like Music caught up with Merka the afternoon before his set at Chew the Fat - Troublestock at The End in London. We chat about why the breakbeat crowds have the most fun, finding samples in charity shops and what makes for a magical festival experience in the eyes of Mister Merka.

"I Like Music because… life wouldn't be the same without it." MERKA

ILM: You are playing Chew The Fat, the charity event. It's Kid Blue vs Merka. What have you got in store?

Merka: Yup, it's me and Rory. I can't wait to play in the main room. I've played in there before, about 4 times and I launched my album there. I haven't got a single bad memory from the place. It's always brilliant. For me it's the speakers, you can stare at them in awe, they are like rocket machines! It's great to play on them and be behind the faders knowing that you can make them as loud as you want! I'm releasing a hip hop album at the end of the month, if all goes to plan! I've done a breaks remix of one of the hip hop tracks as a single. It's called Mind's Eye. I'm really keen to play that. I played it for the first time on Saturday in Birmingham and I was really chuffed with how it sounded, really really pleased with it, so I can't wait to hear it in there. There's no better day for me than when I get a track back from mastering and get to listen to it as it's finished when you can't touch it again.

Um...I'm going to play some bits and bobs from my album, for the memories for Paul, I know he really liked it. I'm going to try and squeeze in some new stuff as well. We have about 45minutes between the pair of us, so we will be trying to cram in as much as we can. Mine and Rory's styles are quite different, so it will be interesting to see what happens. We have played at the same night before but we've never played together so I don't know what is going to happen. I don't usually plan my sets but you are always in control if you are playing on your own and you know your mind and what you are trying to do. It makes it a lot more fun when someone else is in the mix as well because you have to either keep up with them or push them on, so it should be fun!

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