Mach V
October 2nd, 2003 by susanna
Real Name?
‘Mark Julian van der Vord.’
Job?
‘Not at present, no… got any?’
Habitat?
‘South London, specifically Brixton.’
Hobbies / Passions?
‘Miko, music, photography, DJing, VJing, being a fence sitter, watching golf tournaments on the telly, watching movies, Chelsea FC, being self opinionated and cantankerous (and being mostly wrong), laughing a lot, Big Chill, SoxaN, Sofa Sessions, Mooch, Haven4, Raya, Dierdre our cat, Forum Dwellers, seeing my friends get recognition for their achievements, eating out and finally, listening to prog.’
Favourite food?
‘Sandwiches.’
Drink?
‘Why not? I’ll have a G’n'T.’
Ideal evening chilling at home?
‘Watching a really good movie with a bottle of red wine, a delivered take away, the missus and a few choice friends.’
Ideal evening chilling out?
‘Going round to a friend’s house and doing the above.’
Favourite places?
‘I do love London, for all its foibles, but also Big Chill Festival grounds are pretty special. I particularly like being around Kirsty and Dr Em, too.’
What are you reading these days?
”Space’ by Stephen Baxter – it’s alright, very ‘old skool’ sci fi.’
Are you a political animal?
‘Yes, I’m a fluffy liberal bunny! 
’
What gets the goosebumps rising for you musically at the mo…
‘Been listening to some ELP recently ‘Hoedown and ‘From The Beginning’ specifically. Some Atomic Rooster too, a really excellent drum and bass white label that I have no info on. ‘Capoeira’ by Infrared and Gil Felix. Mix CDs: Del Gazeebo’s, Monkaiboy’s last couple, Digger’s latest, Miko’s Chilli Dog mix, Johnny Clash’s latest and John Eden’s mixes other bits: Herby Vor’s boots, also lots of MTV Base. The Phuturistix LP is worth it.’
Top ten influences of all time (musical or otherwise)?
‘Way to go with a general question! I’ll limit it to just musical influences… hmmm: In no particular order: Robert Fripp, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Brock, DJ Marky, Pete Lawrence, Hexstatic, John B, Adam F, Quincy Jones.’
What are you working on at present?
‘A DJ Mix & VJ clips for Saturday’s SoxaN, my CV, this questionnaire.’
What would most like to achieve over the next five years?
‘Financial independence, World Peace, a pony.’
What would you like to see change most in the world over the next five years?
‘A realisation that if you think it’s right, it’s probably wrong.’
Highlight of your life?
‘Getting married to Miko.’
Top Big Chill moment?
Too many as a punter: The first Enchanted Garden. Hexstatic on the open air stage at EG1998 (?). Meeting Elliot at Naxos 2000. Naxos 2002! Forming SoxaN… But playing at the Big Chill is always a top moment and always a pleasure. Each one of them has been special and nerve-wracking in their individual ways.
Describe the essence of The Big Chill in a few words…
‘An emotional catalyst. Where I want to spend the rest of my days. The best way to extend your childhood. The best festival ever!’
