Mark Reeve is a techno journeyman, releasing on labels including Cocoon, Soma, Terminal M and many othesr over the course of his 15-year career. But its his releases on Adam Beyer’s Drumcode that remain some of his most memorable. The likes of ‘Run Back’, ‘Far Away’, Distance and his mini album ‘Breathe’ are all impressive examples of his studio prowess, while the Frankfurt-based artist recently made a return to the label with the excellent cut ‘My Mind’ on A-Sides Vol.10.
Reeve typically explorers the groovier and more melodic side of techno, perhaps due to his roots in Frankfurt’s legendary ‘90s rave scene, frequenting Sven Väth’s iconic Omen. He catches up with EDM Tunes to chat through his history, tease a new collab with techno’s biggest artist and share the process surrounding his new EP ‘Body Drops’ out now on Drumcode.
You’re a fascinating character in that you’re UK born, but spent much of your life living in Frankfurt as arguably a fully integrated German. Tell us the backstory.
“Well, my parents got divorced 30 years ago and since then I have been living in Germany. Dad English, my mum German. The good thing is my parents became friends after a time and everything was dealt with in an adult manner. The move was hard at first, but after one year I settled in nicely.”
Culturally speaking, what do you appreciate about German life that you don’t get back in the UK?
“The German way of life is definitely a little bit more stiff. I really miss the jokes and English banter a lot. But in Germany some things are structured more, which is also a good thing to have.”
Choose one: Kaffe und Kuchen or scones w/jam & cream?
“None of both, I love a good Tiramisu. Bella Italia lol.”
Tell us about some of your fondest early raving memories in the legendary Frankfurt rave scene and how that shaped you?
“Well, as I turned 16 I just simply could not wait and tried to get into the Omen in Frankfurt. Weeks and weeks it did not work, but then finally I got in. It was Sven Väth that changed my life. Since day one of stepping into that club I knew this is my music.
When did you first start writing music and what was your set up?
“In the beginning it was Cubase back in the 90s, then I slowly moved on to Reason and then Ableton Live.”
How do you see techno nowadays? There seems to be lots of influences from early 2000s Frankfurt in the music the last few years.
“Yeah, things have changed a lot. I think nowadays there are lots more genres and obviously through social media a lot more paths you can take.”
Who are your most enduring musical heroes?
“For me I would probably say Jeff Mills, but also Sven Väth and Carl Cox have always been people I follow.”
Are you into manifestation? Do you approach each year with intention and set goals? If so, can you share anything about what you’d like to achieve career-wise and personally in 2026?
“I always set goals. This year is to be back at Tomorrowland. I hope I can perform there again.”
Tell us about your new EP ‘Body Drops’ and the production process surrounding it? Where does it sit in the context of your wider discography?
“I have been inspired by minimal tech house, but at the same time keeping it more techno. Meaning faster and also having some techno elements inside. The Body Drops EP is the beginning of a newer, more modern sound.”
What other things are you working on in your studio? Plug what you’ve got brewing and coming up!
“Well, Adam Beyer and I have an EP we are working on. So I guess that is my main priority at the moment.”
Tell us about a highlight you’re anticipating in 2026?
“I guess collabing with Adam will be my highlight of the year. The first track is already sounding so good and I cannot wait to see the reactions!”
Mark Reeve’s ‘Body Drops’ is out now on Drumcode. Catch him playing Drumcode Mallorca 8-10 May. More info: https://www.drumcodemallorca.com/
