Mark Knight, an influential figure in electronic music, has made an indelible mark on the industry over the past three decades. His journey, from his early fascination with non-mainstream music to founding the renowned Toolroom Records, is a testament to his passion and dedication. In this interview with House Of Solo, Knight delves into his upbringing, career highlights, and the challenges he has faced along the way. He also shares insights on his latest projects and offers advice for aspiring artists.
Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how it influenced your journey into electronic music?
From as early as I can remember, I’ve been completely obsessed with music. Unlike my peers, my taste was anything but mainstream; it wasn’t pop music that caught my ear. This made me somewhat of an outlier at school, even though I was good at sports. There was just another kid who shared my passion, who’s now my brother-in-law, interestingly enough. We were both enamored with soul, electro, hip-hop, and all these genres that felt groundbreaking at the time. There was this unquenchable thirst to discover new sounds. My Saturdays were a routine of football training followed by music hunting. I had a very particular viewpoint. For instance, I couldn’t stand Duran Duran or any of those pop bands; I was all about going against the grain. The black music scene fascinated me, which, growing up in Maidstone, was seen as somewhat unconventional.
You’ve had an illustrious career spanning three decades in electronic music. What initially drew you to this genre, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
Initially, house music didn’t click for me. My obsession was with black music, swing beat, and soul. House music seemed too synthetic, lacking the soulful depth I craved. That changed when I encountered bands like Ten City, which blended house with a soulful tempo. Plus, my experiences with the club scene and its accompanying lifestyle deepened my connection to house music. It was an evolution, from skepticism to full immersion.
Throughout your three decades in the music industry, what have been some of the highest points in your career, and how did you navigate through them?
Pinpointing specific high points is challenging because I’m constantly looking forward. I don’t dwell on past achievements; instead, I focus on pushing forward. My career has been built on a series of small victories rather than one monumental event. It’s this accumulation of wins, no matter their size, that has defined my journey.
On the flip side, what were some of the challenges or low points you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The music industry’s competitive nature was a shock, coming from a sports background where teamwork and fair play were paramount. The cutthroat environment of music was a stark contrast. It’s not something I enjoy, and I really wonder why it has to be this way, but there it is. We should all be supporting each other. Surely that’s what we built this scene on: unity, community, and collectiveness. But that’s often not the case, which saddens me, I have to say.
Toolroom Records, the label you founded in 2003, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. What inspired you to start the label, and what have been some of the key milestones along the way?
Starting Toolroom Records was about filling a void in the house music scene, creating a home for the music I loved, and a platform for emerging talent. It was about building a community of artists dedicated to pushing the boundaries of house music. Celebrating 20 years is a testament to our commitment to quality music and artist development.
Toolroom Records was recognized as Beatport’s biggest-selling label in 2023. What factors do you attribute to this achievement, and how do you maintain the label’s position as a leader in the electronic music scene?
Our success on Beatport in 2023 stems from a laser focus on our core philosophy: delivering exceptional club music. It’s a challenge, especially for an independent label, to balance commercial success with artistic integrity. And I need to give huge credit to our A&R and label team; their dedication has been instrumental in achieving and maintaining this balance.
As someone who has achieved significant success in the electronic music scene, what do you believe are the most important qualities for aspiring artists to cultivate?
Passion for music is paramount. It fuels creativity and resilience. Developing technical skills and continuously evolving are also critical. The electronic music landscape is always changing, and staying relevant means being willing to learn and adapt.
Your latest album, “Untold Business,” explores the roots of house music and addresses criticisms about the genre lacking depth. Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind this album and its significance in your career?
“Untold Business” is a tribute to house music’s rich heritage and a rebuttal to those who question its depth. It reflects my musical journey and my desire to bring authenticity and soul back to the genre. The album is an exploration of house music’s roots, a huge part of what I’m about as a producer. Each track on the album is an interpretation of a period in time that has influenced me, reimagined through house. There are nods to my heroes Jam & Lewis, Teddy Riley, Marshall Jefferson, and MAW. I loved the process of collaborating with so many amazing artists, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result. I’m positive it will stand the test of time, which is what I set out to achieve.
You’ve collaborated with various artists throughout your career. How do you approach collaboration, and what do you look for in a creative partner?
Collaboration starts with a clear vision. It’s all about the initial idea, and then finding someone who can help bring that vision to life is crucial. It’s about matching ideas with the right talents, ensuring that the end result is greater than the sum of its parts.
In addition to your solo work, you’ve produced tracks for global superstars like Calvin Harris and Jennifer Lopez. How does your approach differ when producing for other artists compared to your personal projects?
When producing for others, it’s a delicate balance between bringing my unique sound to the table and maintaining the artist’s identity. It’s a great challenge that I enjoy, as it pushes me to think outside my usual creative boundaries. For high-profile artists, there’s a bit more freedom to experiment, which can be liberating.
The launch of Fool’s Paradise, your new label, signals a focus on funky, soulful, and vocal house sounds. What inspired this new venture, and how does it complement your work with Toolroom Records?
Fool’s Paradise is a nod to my earliest days in the music scene, focusing on the soulful and funky house music I’ve always loved. After 20 years of honing my craft, I feel I can now do justice to these genres. The label is about maintaining high-quality music that resonates with my deepest musical passions, paralleling Toolroom’s ethos but with its distinct flavor.
As a DJ, you’ve performed at prestigious clubs and festivals worldwide. How do you approach your live performances, and what do you aim to convey to your audience through your sets?
My live sets are about creating a journey for the audience, blending preparation with on-the-spot intuition. My goal is always to connect with the crowd, taking them on a musical journey that becomes a shared experience. I much prefer playing extended sets as you can be way more creative and really take people with you, playing everything from disco to techno. These are the gigs where you really get a window into my soul and see me come alive.
Looking back on your career, is there anything you would change or do differently if you had the chance to do it all over again?
I’d aim for a more balanced approach earlier on, ensuring not to miss out on life outside of music. The importance of balance has become clearer to me over time, and it’s something I strive for now more than ever.
How do you balance the demands of your career with your personal life, and what strategies do you use to stay inspired and motivated?
Balancing career and personal life remains a challenge, one that I haven’t always mastered. However, making this balance a priority is absolutely sacrosanct for me.
Toolroom Academy offers educational programs for aspiring DJs and producers. How do you see these initiatives contributing to the growth and sustainability of the electronic music ecosystem?
The Toolroom Academy is all about nurturing the next generation of talent. What we offer is genuinely amazing and industry-leading; we have some of the world’s most respected producers there teaching students. It’s a bit like offering a masterclass in football from Pelé; we provide specific, high-level learning opportunities within the music industry to get the Toolroom sound. This focus on education and talent development is essential for the sustainability and growth of the electronic music scene and something I’ve always been passionate about.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of Toolroom Records, Fool’s Paradise, and your personal career in electronic music?
My future aspirations revolve around continuing to deliver high-quality music through both Toolroom and Fool’s Paradise, without compromising our core values. On a personal level, balancing my career with being a father and pursuing new ventures like Ballerz keeps me motivated and excited for what’s ahead.
What can you tell us about the Ballerz project you’re involved with?
Ballerz is a new project I’ve started with Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, and Roberto Carlos. A cutting-edge football experience, located in Bluewater, with industry-leading tech, real-time playbacks of goals, a highlight reel – it’s basically the ultimate footballing experience. It’s opening on May 15, and I’m so excited to be involved. It’s bringing together my two biggest passions: football and music, and applying knowledge across both fields. It’s definitely a new challenge, but when you do something you’re passionate about, it’s not really a job.
You also have a Saturday night radio show on Kiss in the UK, which is a pretty big deal. How does this platform influence your work?
My radio show on Kiss is an incredible platform that allows me to express my musical tastes without conforming to the mainstream. It’s a space where I can shine a spotlight on soulful sounds that don’t get a national platform alongside my more main room sound. There are few prime-time radio shows that do that, and it’s something I’m really proud of.
