A Conversation with Death on the Balcony
'Saturn & Back EP'
[Artist Interview]
In this interview, we dive deep with electronic music duo Death on the Balcony (Mark Caramelli & Paul Hargreaves) as they join the Saisons Musique family with their captivating new release, "Saturn & Back EP." Originally from the seaside in northwest England and now based between Leeds and London, this veteran production team brings over 20 years of experience to their cosmic-inspired house music journey. Fresh from studio sessions and currently touring in Argentina, Death on the Balcony shares insights into their creative process, musical evolution, and the inspiration behind their latest EP. Join us as we explore the minds behind one of electronic music's most intriguing duos and discover what's next on their horizon.
Q: Hey guys! Welcome to the Saisons family! We're excited to release your Saturn & Back EP with us. How are you both doing?
"We are doing very well, thank you! The winter months are nearly behind us, the days are getting longer. We are happy to have recently released our debut EP with the label and very happy to be a part of the Saisons family. We have just finished off a week in the studio last week & now typing from Buenos Aires ahead of some dates in Argentina!"
Q: For those who might not be familiar with Death on the Balcony, can you tell us a bit about yourselves and where you're currently based?
"We are Mark Caramelli & Paul Hargreaves, both originally from the northwest of England, by the seaside. We are currently based between Leeds & London. We have been DJing and producing together for the best part of 20 years now and separately even longer. It really only feels like it was yesterday and that we are just getting started!"
Q: How did Death on the Balcony begin? What's the story behind your project and your name?
"We met in Leeds around the clubbing scene in 2005 or so and quickly thought that we wanted to get in the studio and start experimenting. The name 'Death on the Balcony' came from a moment in time and a conversation we had at the beginning of this journey together in around 2005/6…
We were in the studio working on some of our first ever material. We had been working a few hours and decided to have a break. Certain life factors and shared experiences of that time led us into a deep conversation about life and death and that you never really know what's coming next; this took place whilst stood… on a balcony… 'Life on the Balcony' didn't have the same ring to it phonetically. So, we initially saved it just as a working title and then it stuck, the rest is history!
Also, in hindsight & as an afterthought at the time, we also liked the mystery, intrigue & theatrical qualities it gives regarding our aka & that it still continues to convey to this day!"
Q: Your latest release 'Saturn & Back EP' feels like a cosmic journey. Can you tell us the story behind this release and what inspired its creation?
"These tracks were actually made at slightly different times, but something about them both felt like they should be together. We felt that they both focused on a strong groove whilst the melodies and vocals provide enough to take you, not completely into space, but perhaps just far enough into orbit to keep your feet on the ground, on the dancefloor."
Q: What was your creative process like for this particular EP? Were there any specific instruments, techniques, or environments that played a crucial role?
"Funny that you mention 'cosmic' as the studio in Leeds has quite a cosmic feel to it, creatively & with subtle lighting to help get yourself in a headspace to dream and transport yourself outside of your surroundings. It's been coined 'The Space Machine.' This seems to work its way into the music.
Sometimes the music guides you when you are in the flow, to the point where you step away and wonder how exactly it happened beyond & as well as flow state, flowing not forcing so to say. We use Ableton and are big advocates of how Ableton aids the workflow and process. We tend to work quite fast and both have our certain strong suits in production. It helps to have two people's minds & ears focusing on music & compositions."
Q: You've released on several respected labels over the years. What made Saisons Musique feel like the right home for the Saturn & Back EP?
"We had followed Saisons from its inception and been big supporters of the music in our sets. We really liked the clear vision, vibe and integrity the label showed and felt that resonated with us and our views. We had sent a few demos in the past and always had a good rapport with Mikael (Kora) even if the tracks were not totally right at the time. We felt these particular tracks were a good fit, and made sure that Saisons was our first port of call with these demos."
Q: Your sound seamlessly blends elements of different genres and emotive atmospheres. How would you describe your musical approach and what influences have shaped it?
"Our music approach comes with an appreciation of the past and what has been before. We look back to the subcultures, new wave & disco scenes in 70's/80's through the early 90's house movement regularly as inspiration, as a guide and something that sets the bar for the quality of your productions.
We try to incorporate our influences while telling the story in our own way. Not necessarily claiming to be reinventing the wheel, as that is difficult after 40+ years of this music, but telling our own version of events, honestly, authentically with passion & attention to detail."
Q: What's your favorite piece of studio gear right now, and why?
"We have numerous actual synths and VST's but surely a special mention has to go to Ableton. Without it we wouldn't be able to work like we do and also believe it or not, it has some amazing built-in sounds. If you know how to manipulate them correctly.
Beyond that we have been using a lot of Kontakt / NI stuff and a few other ones we have picked up. Hardware-wise we have a Yamaha DX100 which is a classic 80's beauty plus Microkorg and Roland JU-06 to name a few."
Q: Outside of music, what other passions or interests influence your creative output?
"The easy answer to this is everything. All life, experiences, travel, film, art, fashion, books, and as much as we love to hate it, or at times just hate it, social media! We have to acknowledge that through certain random factors you can stumble upon something that inspires you.
Even down to the way that we find music these days with the algorithm and also keeping the digital input/stimulus more inspiring, positive with these things."
Q: How has your sound evolved over the years since you started Death on the Balcony, and where do you see it heading in the future?
"The sound has evolved naturally over the years. The most obvious is the tempo. You can kind of gauge the moment by the speed at which the tracks are. Generally, with DOTB, we are always around 118-124 BPM when producing with a few exceptions of course!
We have been putting a lot of work into the studio recently and have 80+ demos finished which are unsigned. So, to answer the question of where it's heading, naturally it will be there! You can get so far ahead of yourself in this industry but have to remember that it's not happened yet. These demos could take 1-2 years before they actually see the light of day!"
Q: What's on the horizon for Death on the Balcony in the coming months? Any tours, releases, or special projects we should keep an eye out for?
"We are heading to Argentina for some dates in Buenos Aires and on April 12th for an outdoor day event in Mendoza for 'Deep into The Valley', also a London date at the end of May for RedFreya & Friends plus in August we will be playing for Balance Festival in Croatia, U.S dates/tour & more to be confirmed.
Releases wise we have one more track with you guys which we are thrilled about. Also, beyond this we have new original music coming on The Soundgarden, Nervous Records, Hoomidaas, Katchuli, Loot Recordings, Suprematic, Sirin Music, Takeaway Music plus some remixes of Ritchie Haydn & Ranta & Massio all before October/November 2025.
As well as the ongoing & continual work as Death on the Balcony...We are also going to be starting to release as 'DOTB' which will stand for 'Dubs on the Back', aimed at creating dub versions of our Death on the Balcony tracks and also original pieces under this name. Beyond this, we have a totally new AKA in the works. We can't mention too much about this at this point. You will just have to be empathetic to the process here and it will hopefully be ready to share sometime very soon!"
Q: The electronic music scene is constantly evolving. What current trends or movements are you excited about?
"Quite honestly when we produce, we are not totally conscious of trends or trying to fit in. Subconsciously there is no denying we are subtly influenced as everyone is, but we try just to be as free as possible when creating.
We have been moving back to more classic House music inspirations recently but that is nothing new as we have been listening, collecting & playing that era since & from 1992 & earlier. Also, enjoying making some more dubby stuff or even dubbed out versions of our 'Main' mixes.
Also engaging ourselves in a totally new project exploring more rave, breaks, dub & deep techno, deeper acid house, electronica & also liquid drum and bass!"
Q: When you perform, what kind of experience do you aim to create for the audience?
"We are not about big tune after another or too many big drops but providing an experience with the moving parts that rise and fall in tune with what is felt by the connection with the audience. It's a conversation and the crowd play as much of a part as the DJ.
The desire is to entertain of course, but beyond that make people feel, think & lose themselves a little, even if just for a moment."
Q: At Saisons, we believe in the connection between music, community, and the natural world. How do you see the relationship between electronic music and nature?
"Music is the soundtrack to all of our lives, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. A piece of music can transport you back to a particular moment, emotion or time in your life. It is connected to all of your experiences in some way or another.
It brings people together and provides a place for us to be equals in a room where people are from all different backgrounds and upbringings. At least, this is what we feel music and nightlife should be, the dance floor connection & escapism. It feels that the challenge for clubs is bigger than ever but this movement is bigger than its challenges and we are sure it will prevail."
Q: A quote or philosophy that has inspired you lately?
"Everything is connected. Be confident but humble. Stay curious. Laugh often. Dismiss limited self-belief. Flowing not forcing. Keep hydrated. Practice gratitude daily. Be abundant. Appreciate the small wins & little things. Manners don't cost a thing!
As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.
What you seek is already seeking you.
Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."
Quick Fire Q&A
Studio session: Morning or night?
"Night!"
Hardware or software?
"Software (at the moment)"
Favorite venue you've played?
"The Brooklyn Mirage NYC - ADID party"
Best city for food while on tour?
"Georgian food was lovely! We were fortunate to be shown around there by our good friends Jimmy (Querubim) and Aza when we played there. Also, Argentina needs a mention too! If we hadn't said New York already in the previous answer that would get a mention too as it has everything."
Beach or mountains?
"Tough one. Both are amazing and we had a beautiful trip to Patagonia with 'Parties for Peace' a few years ago however a beautiful Sunkissed Beach & Ocean is equally great also!"
Thank you for this wonderful conversation!
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