In on the record, we speak with members of the Precious Sound community about their music truths, precious mementos, and more.  

This week, we sit down with Precious Sounds QA Manager and DMM Cutter, Marcus, and take a dive into his extensive experience in recording and mixing music of all genres as well as his own music passions, like playing the guitar in a postpunk band.

The Frequency: What did music mean to you growing up?

Marcus: Music has been an elementary part of my life since early childhood. My brother was a hard rock DJ, and would make mixtapes and gift me records for birthdays and Christmas. He even recorded some of the first music video shows on German television on VHS for me (which ran way too late to watch as a little kid). Music was something magical, and I treasured each new record I added to my collection in a way that kids today just can’t understand. After records came tapes, then CD’s and minidiscs, then mp3’s and streaming... Now we are back to records, but Silver, Gold and Platinum ones!

The Frequency: What most excited you about Precious Sound’s silver, gold, and platinum records?

Marcus: What most excited me about the concept of making precious metal records, was that it is unprecedented. The technology to make records has been around for a long time, and this is true innovation in a field that was stagnant for many years. Being part of the team that developed an entirely new medium was very exciting to me!

The Frequency: What song or artist would you like to see (and hear) on a gold record?

Marcus: I would love to hear a Sia song on a gold record. I think the high level of production, depth and detail would complement the medium fantastically.

The Frequency: What role did music play in your life today? 

In my teens I started working as a house music DJ, my first foray into the music industry. But after college I entered the workforce, and music moved into the background... Until I decided to finally change Industries in my early thirties. I opened a recording studio and record label, and really started my journey into the music business.

The Frequency: That's amazing, where has your journey taken you in the music business? 

Since then, I have been deeply involved with every aspect of music on a daily basis. From recording, mixing, quality control and mastering, to the sales and promotional aspects of the business. And even though my passion became my job, I still listen to music purely for pleasure every day. I also began writing music for publishing companies, and playing guitar in a band. And now I have gone full circle- from listening to recording, mixing and writing records, to cutting them.

The Frequency: What's your favorite spot to hear music?

Of course my listening spot in the studio offers the most precise and immersive listening experience at my disposal. But the place I discover new music is my car. Since I have a relatively long commute every day, it gives me a perfect opportunity to sift through new releases on Tidal and Spotify, and to update my playlist.