24/02/2026
Germany’s Marc Lenz delivers a powerful two-track debut on Damian Lazarus’ Rebellion imprint, with his latest release, ‘Breath’. With a career spanning over a decade, including releases on notable imprints such as Crosstown Rebels and Nick Curly's 8bit Records, as well as his own Degree Records imprint, Lenz continues to refine his sound, rooted in deep, organic house. Now, he brings his studio nous into 2026 with ‘Breath’, expertly balancing powerful, rhythmic drive with immersive mystic intricacies.
Q: Please introduce yourself
I'm Marc Lenz, a DJ and producer from Germany. Musically and in my productions, I work in the realms of deep house, progressive house, and house music. It all depends on my mood. I also run the label Degree Records.
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
Jesus, is it true or fake about turning water into wine?
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Eternal life. The world has changed so much over time. It would have been very exciting to witness it all.
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
Hans Zimmer, from the movie Dune. I love the movie, and I would have won an Oscar for it.
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
I was very influenced by Crosstown Rebels and Cadenza when I was younger. I've loved their productions ever since I started making music. They're so musically diverse, which has always impressed me. And of course, in my youth, I listened to a lot of hip hop and loved Pete Rock's productions (groovy and deep).
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
I started making music when I was 16. Back then, I bought my first 1210 turntables and a Technics battle mixer. Back in the days, I was heavily influenced by turntablism. I played hip hop on American military bases and also listened to 2-step and house music at home. A few years later I made the step into the world of electronic music. With producing music, I also became more involved in the structure of music. And now I release music on Crosstown and Rebellion, labels that have always been in my record bag…. that’s crazy.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?
Be like a spring. Never stop flowing. Only when it keeps flowing does the water find its way to the ocean. And it's exactly the same with music.
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
There are many wonderful memories and moments from gigs that I'll never forget, whether in a club or at a festival. But I once had a birthday party that was crazy. A long time ago, I rented an apartment; the building was going to be sold, and I was the only tenant. In my living room, there was a DJ booth and a good sound system. We simply wanted to celebrate my birthday. And it ends with four days partying. I celebrated there with friends, about 60 guests, and some DJ friends. Of course, that wasn't the original plan. But it was four crazy days with friends in one apartment, and nobody went to work :-)
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
I'm constantly evolving, just as tastes evolve. In the past, a lot of production was done with external equipment, but today the quality of plugins has improved so much that it's possible to produce everything with a single computer. That obviously makes things a lot easier. My style is very emotionally driven. Bad days bring forth melancholic, deep songs, and good days tend towards peak-time or house music.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
Funk, soul, and R&B. I love stuff from the '60s and '70s. I love that era, and when I listen to it, I draw inspiration from it. They had great basslines, vocals, and of course, that positive vibe.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
It was new energy for me, a musical revolution.
1- Nightcrawlers "Push the Feeling On“
2- Armand van Helden "Funk Phenomena“
3- Faithless "Insomnia“
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
Fusion Festival. It's one of the best festivals in Germany. It lasts for several days and has a very diverse musical range. I've never had a bad time there, whether as an artist or a guest.
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
First of all, I'm really looking forward to the release on Rebellion. That's going to be great. Then there's a release on Warung Records with the singer Cari Golden. I'm also happy to be working with her again. Then I have a remix on Kling Klong in the pipeline, and maybe another one on my own label. Other things are still in the works. We’ll see.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
That's a secret ;-)
Marc Lenz - Breath [Rebellion]