Some already know Marcos as DJ Coshmar, the nick name he used to produce his first mixtape during the 90s and two turntablists’ LPs : “Politically Uncorrect” (2002) and “Concrete or Abstract” (2007), both 100% built from vinyl & turntables only. Some already know that DJ Coshmar is also a graffiti writer since the 80s and the head honcho of Star Wax mag since 2006.  Born in Las Palmas (Canarias Islands) and grew up in Paris suburbs, he is curating vinyl compilations and blasting the stage worlwide. From street block party to resort, Coshmar has spun in Germany, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Spain, Belgium, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Philippines. Fast interview.

A drink ?

Yes, natural juice with no sugar added.

Your first experience to Djing?

It’s been a long time, I can't remember exactly, circa 1993. I think I started with scratching, especially with my homie Laurent Darees. I used to ride BMX freestyle and do graffiti too. I had several skater friends, and we all became addicted to scratching, performing scratch tricks and doing combos like we used to do on BMX flatland or while skateboarding. However, I was the one who was more focused on Dj sets and spent a long time finding the best transition between two tracks…

Your first experience to beatmaking?

My first beatmaking experience involved producing, editing and remixing beats with scratching for the intro of my first mixtape around 1996. I always did it with my friend Laurent aka DJ Resda, because he had bought a cassette multitrack. A few years later, I got a computer and the Sonic Foundry Vegas software...

The DJs that drive you crazy systematically?

There are a lot of DJs who perform very technical scratch routines, but I have not witnessed many DJs who do solo DJ sets live and direct. Often they focused solely on scratching. Also, there are a lot of DJs who can spin at the tempo but nothing happens, or almost. I have very good memories of the DJ sets by Egyptian Lovers around 2009, DJ Jazzy Jeff around 2018… And among the best live DJs, are Rock Hard Bastard Tour co-produced by Compos-it in Paris in 2013, as well as the French band as BNN, Scratch Bandit Crew…

To dress, a pair of?

Lightweight shoes or sneakers. Sandals are dope too cos they don’t need socks.

Your favorite track from "Concrete or Abstract" album and why? 

"Vive La France" because Crooked Eyes made a great mix, and I changed polite sentences into informal (“vouvoiement en tutoiement") by scratching. I also hacked lyrics, notably Véronique and Davina's old tonic gym lesson, into a totally different speech…

Party on a human scale or big venue?

It doesn’t matter as long as there’s a good sound system and connection with the dancers - party people.

Hardware or software?

Hardware but software is better for travelling.

If I tell you zen

Sharing a relaxing massage and slow life with your best partner.

Your favorite record store?

A store where you can dig various styles, from rare old grooves to modern electronic music and mostly second hand. So it doesn't really exist yet but Amoeba L.A store look like ! In the past, I used to regularly visit a hip-hop store in Paris-Les Halles, but they no longer exist and today I don't have a place where I go regularly…

If I tell you design?

Minimalist, colorful and lettering but I can appreciate other styles too.

If I tell you graffiti ?

Adrenaline rush, friendship, and self-expression ! I started in Saint Ouen City (93) with Stuck and Sain. I am still painting...

What job would you like to do if you weren’t a DJ?

Artistic director for venue, festival or creative company.

Your favorite appli?

Don’t used so much. I like Shazam and I feel happy when the application can’t recognize the song I’m spinning (laughs).

If I tell you vinyl?

Best support ever for listening music but could be more deadly if it works with less petrol.

Do you have other passions?

Yes! Drawing, bombing, cooking, and now I can shoot, edit and make movies.

What are you top 5 new releases

- Hometown Heroes "The Process" Feat. Brad Baloo, Dj Yoda, Edo.G

- The Yussef Dayes Experience "Live From Malibu" 

- Various Artists "Star wax x Mid vol.7"

- Tine Poppy "Mon Sega"

- Black Flower "Magma"

What are you top 5 oldies  

Not only so old song like 60/70’s song but it is what it is :

- Fabe "Détournement de Son" Lp

- Rob Swift "Salsa Scratch" Feat. Bob James & D-Styles

- Jahdan Blakkamoore "Buzzrock Warrior" Lp

- Cymande "Cymande"

- Louis Jordan "I Believe in Music"

Interviewed by Invisibl Journalist