We had the great pleasure of doing a pre-Chill Q&A with Marc Browstein, bassist of the Disco Biscuits, Conspirator, and Electron for Live for Live Music. With Catskill Chill just one day away, we discuss Marc’s thoughts on performing dj sets, playing with friends from other jambands, and creating a Disco Biscuits city festival in his hometown.

 

L4LM- At Catskill Chill this weekend you’re playing in Electron as well as playing a DJ set. What do you feel are the major differences between preparing for a live band set versus a DJ set?

MB- When I DJ, I play mostly, if not all, other people’s music. For me, DJing is about exploring new music, learning new styles, and just providing a soundtrack for a party.

Preparing for a live show is different because it’s more about agility and fluidity of my fingers. It’s mostly about being well practiced, knowing how to play the songs of course, but the more you play leading up to a show, the better the show ends up being.

L4LM- What kinds of factors are you taking into consideration for each type of musical performance, for example day time set versus night time set?

MB- You get a vibe on the day of the show, and that is the ultimate driver for what ends up getting played. No matter how much you plan it out in advance, on the day of the show there is a force that tells you what to do.

L4LM- Electron is one of your awesome side projects that features both you and Aron Magner of the Disco Biscuits, Tommy Hamilton of Brother’s Past, and Mike Greenfield of Lotus. What is it like playing with these guys, all from some of the top bands in the jamband scene and how does your chemistry on stage as a group compare to the chemistry you feel with the guys from the Biscuits or Conspirator?

MB- The reality is that I’ve been playing with all of these guys for the better half of two decades. It’s like a language even though the way we communicate differs between the three bands. The thing about electron is that we have been doing this for long enough that it’s easy to tell when the next part is coming. Electron has great anticipation of sections of the jam, often led by the natural intuition of Mike Greenfield’s drumming.

L4LM- On Facebook I saw that you are taking song requests for your DJ set- definitely a fun way to interact with your fans and allow them to be part of your creative process. But what DJs and/ or bands are inspiring you right now? Any names you feel L4LM readers should know about?

MB- You’ve never heard of the music I listen to and neither have I for the most part.

L4LM- So after all the excitement of Catskill Chill is over you, Magner, Barber, and Allen have the 3rd annual City Bisco to look forward to in your hometown of Philly. Can you tell us what it means to you to play in the city where the legacy of the Disco Biscuits began and how you feel the event has evolved since its launch in 2012?

MB- You can’t understate how exciting it is to play at the Mann Center, which is the closest local venue to my neighborhood! But in 2014 we have been exploring some of the spots that have significant historical importance in the Biscuits world, and leading up to the Mann with shows at the Trocadero and the E Factory, both  of which we may have played a few of our best shows ever, really highlight this trend.

City Bisco is shaping up to be an incredible experience for all.

 

I want to thank Marc for taking the time to discuss his experiences in a few of his different musical projects. As a huge fan of his, this truly means the world.

Wishing all you #Chillfam an incredible weekend at Camp Minglewood!

– Lily Enchin

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