Marsolo Interview: “For me, the ultimate goal is to give people goosebumps”

A slew of Beatport No. 1 releases, support from Folamour, East End Dubs and Enzo Siragusa, and being listed as one of last year’s breakthrough DJs by Mixmag would be an immense 18 months for any newly established artist. For Marijn van Vliet, the rapidly-rising DJ from Utrecht better known as Marsolo, such acclaim and exposure has been his reality. 

Hailing from the Netherlands, Marsolo has established himself as a fresh new face on the European house scene, with his tracks ‘Step by Step’ and ‘Spaceship’ earning plaudits from industry forerunners and reaching Beatport No. 1 status, capped off by Mixmag naming him among their ‘Top 25 Breakthrough DJs of 2025’. 

Now in the midst of a run of shows which will include Hide & Seek, Eastern Electrics and Appetite On The Farm — scattered between regular appearances on the White Isle for Josh Baker’s You&Me and Skepta’s Más Tiempo to name a few — Marsolo returned with his first release of the year at the end of June with Run via Three Six Zero Recordings (TSZR). A three track EP unravelling a more emotional side to the Dutch house star, Run was crafted alongside London artist KNWME, keeping the grooves he shot to fame with while delving into more introspective territory, while also being the first time he's worked with a vocalist in the form of O.MMY. 

We caught up with Marsolo to chat about the new release, his tour highlights, how he fell in love with the European house scene, and more. 

Run is an exciting new direction for you in many ways, be it the more introspective direction and the first time you've worked with a vocalist. What can you tell us about it?

"I actually finished 'Run' (the title track of the EP) one or two days before my biggest show of 2025, Creamfields. After I played it a few times I immediately felt like it resonated with people, so I wanted to take this track to the next level.

"So, I went into the studio with O.MMY and finished the final version. The other two tracks ('Oscillation' and 'Inside My Mind') reflected a somewhat deeper side of my artistic vision. A side I didn't want people to overlook. That's why I've merged these three tracks into an EP."

How did the collaboration with O.MMY come about?

"When I realised I needed to find a vocalist for 'Run', I reached out to TSZR to assist me with the search because I knew they had a good eye for musical talent. They instantly felt like Lily (O.MMY's real name) was the perfect match, so we went ahead and booked a studio session in London. We did some brainstorming until we came up with the first draft of the current vocal. The rest is history!"

'Run' shows a more emotional and introspective side to your sound, what spurred this change?

"I wouldn't say it's a change. I've always enjoyed emphasizing the emotional elements in my music. Even with club-focused tracks, I always like to add melodies, vocals, chords, and other elements that not only make people dance, but also resonate with people on a deeper level. For me, the ultimate goal is to give people goosebumps."

Where is your sound heading next following 'Run'?

"The most honest answer I can give to this question is: I don't know. The future of my sound is as big a surprise to me as it is to you. Making music is not a thoughtful process for me. I just make what I feel like making at that particular moment in time."

You've had quite a rapid rise over the past 18 months, how challenging is it to juggle your artistic ambitions with your increasingly busy schedule?

"Being on the road all the time can be quite exhausting sometimes, which isn't ideal for studio time. Especially during summer, when I'm not only playing on the weekends, but also often during weekdays. I've come to realise that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to overcome these challenges.

"First of all, I'm completely sober which allows me to recover from a busy weekend more quickly. Second of all, I go to bed early and wake up early every day I get to spend at home so that I get back into my regular rhythm as much as possible.

"Also, I do kickboxing on a regular basis to keep my body in shape. A sharp body leads to a sharp mind. Although I'm still learning to deal with the challenges of being a touring artist, I feel like I'm making progress every week."

You were named by Mixmag as one of last year's breakthrough DJs, what did that mean to you?

"I felt extremely honoured to be acknowledged by an organization with such a big reputation. Mixmag has been around for a long time!"

What's in store for you this year? You have a massive run of shows and festival lineups, what have you got planned and how are you feeling about them?

"It's a busy year for me! Just to mention a few, I'm playing at Mint XL, Hide&Seek Festival, and Creamfields in the UK. In Ibiza I'm playing at clubs like Amnesia, Pacha, and Hï this season.

"I'm also making moves in the USA. For example, I'm playing at Space and iii Points Festival in Miami, and ARC Festival in Chicago. And there's much more, but it's simply too much to mention."

You're now an Ibiza regular, what has the White Isle meant to you as a fan of house music and has your perception changed at all since becoming a regular?

"To be honest, I never really considered going to Ibiza before becoming a touring artist. I didn't feel the urge because there were lots of raves in Amsterdam to choose from, which is much closer to home. But being on the island on a regular basis really made me fall in love with it.

"There's just something special about the Ibiza music scene that I can't put into words. I'm super happy that I get to travel there so often this season."

“Being on the island on a regular basis really made me fall in love with it. There’s just something special about the Ibiza music scene that I can’t put into words.”

What are some of your past touring and festival highlights?

"I've experienced a lot of highlights over the past few years, but if I had to pick my favourite one it would be my all-nighter at Amber's in Manchester. It was my first time playing at this venue and it absolutely blew me away. The crowd was receptive to a wide variety of music and brought the energy from the first minute until the very end.

"There are almost no photos and videos from that night because there was a strict no phone policy. You simply had to be there to experience it. In my perception, something special happened that night."

Where did your love for the European house scene begin? Did your upbringing in the Netherlands contribute to that?

"I've enjoyed producing many different kinds of music from an early age, but when I was 18 I started going to festivals and club nights for the first time. That's when I fell in love with house music.

I remember going to Thuishaven in Amsterdam for the first time and realizing that house music is exactly what I should have been making all those years.

"For that reason, Thuishaven will always be a special place for me."

Marsolo is set to curate a multi-room show at newly opened Leeds venue Mint XL in October - grab your tickets here. 

Follow Marsolo's profile to keep up to date with his latest events, including FLY Festival Edinburgh, You&Me and Document's opening party.

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