Marc Glasser, aka Dubbel Dutch to many that do not know him personally, has been a stalwart of the underground music scene since his first proper releases as a producer in 2009. Since his initial prominence, he’s worked with dancehall legends, from remixing Vybz Kartel and leaving a memorable stamp on Popcaan’s debut record, performed around the planet, and released music with labels such as Mixpak and Unknown to the Unknown. Glasser’s respect and admiration for global music styles, including dancehall, cumbia, and South African house, combined with a knowledge of classic UK funky, jungle, and hardcore tropes, help begin to explain his appeal to listeners around the world.
Shake! gave us at DRAW the chance to interview Glasser for takes on his influences, the dynamic nature of the electronic and club music scenes, and his life as a traveler. The timing for Shake’s show with Dubbel Dutch on November 4th, with Doctor Jeep and Fens warming up, couldn’t be better, because we’re bringing his Mixpak cohort, Murlo, to Good Life next week on November 10th.
Interview by DRAW Boston (somekid & Insha)
DRAW: First off, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions from us. To start off, outside of the musical tastes you grew up on and became associated with at the beginning of your career, what are other specific sources of influence for you — be it environments or a type of media? Are there specific creators who have been a source of inspiration for you recently?
DUBBEL DUTCH: I like watching these “10 hours of waterfalls” 4K nature compilations on YouTube while I work. They remind me of those giant 70s era “moving” waterfall pictures you see hanging up in Chinese restaurants in NYC. Psychedelic drugs and meditation are a big source of inspiration for me outside of media, they let me access ideas that are less ego driven or all about me and give me a sense that anything is possible. Recently I’ve also been into the deserts around Los Angeles. I’m inspired by them because despite the extreme conditions, everything adapts and finds a way, and there’s an unrelenting struggle of hope and survival that’s at the center of everything I do.