You qualified as an aircraft instruments technician. How did you end up behind the sound desk?
Marius: : As much as I hate to admit it, I have always been interested in the game. When I finished my apprenticeship in the air force, I decided to pursue my passion and applied for a position in the sound department at the State Theatre. Even before I finally left the Air Force I started freelancing. I strongly believe that sound is in your blood, and once you realise that the passion is there and you survive the first years of late nights and long hours, you are then hooked!
Can you share some of the defining memories of your early years in the industry?
Marius: : Starting at the State Theatre was definitely baptism by fire. Thrown in at the deep end, had to learn quickly. After only three weeks I was put behind the console to mix my first show. Pressure was huge but it’s the best way to learn. Back in the early 90s the theatre scene was very busy and my time at the State Theatre and later at the PACOFS theatre complex in Bloemfontein has left me with fond memories of great shows. From big scale musicals to brilliant jazz.
Four years ago you established your own company, Audio Logic. What were your goals then and have you achieved any?
Marius: : Through the years there has been shows that I wanted to do and artists that I wanted to work with. I had a list and started ticking off the events one by one. Years ago I did SAMAs, and like lots of events that come and go, I wanted to get back on it. I did it again in 2010 and 2012.
There are still a whole lot of productions I want to get involved in. The larger challenging events are what drive me the most. Designing and operating large events has always been my passion, and every production fuels the fire to do better and I learn from every event. I build Audio Logic on the belief that delivering good service and a professional product will ensure repeat business. This gives me the opportunity to better each event, upping the standard every time.
What is the most important thing a person who enters the audio industry must know?
Marius: : Any discipline in this industry takes its toll. The one thing that stands out is the long hours; if you are willing to cope with working days on end with little rest, spending days away from your family, then you will enjoy every moment. Getting the perfect balance between the work and a social / family life is very difficult. In saying that, I do not believe that there is another career that will provide job satisfaction as this one does.
What sort of challenges are associated with running a company like Audio Logic in South Africa?
Marius: : One of the most difficult things to sell is skill. As the old saying goes… “you are only as good as your last gig’, is so true. My goal with Audio Logic is to provide a specialty service to clients. Not competing with the PA rental business but rather concentrate on providing a specialist solution with high end consoles and microphones for events that require lots of inputs and is of large scale. By no means does this mean that Audio Logic only does big or large scale events, we also do small events and I do get booked as a FOH engineer by lots of artists. I believe in approaching every gig with the same attitude, no matter the size or type.
What do you love the most about your job and what has been your proudest project?
Marius: : I have quite a couple of events that I am very proud of. Being involved with certain projects like Skouspel from almost the start, seeing the event grow into one of the largest events in South Africa. Spending long hours planning and designing the show to make sure that every one of the audience members that attend have a memorable experience. Also working with the top artists in the country, to ensure that their experience at every performance is perfect. It is a fact, if you have a happy artist performing, you have a good show.
How do you feel about the overall shift towards digital?
Marius: : It took me a while to do the mental shift towards digital. Working on the analogue platform for most of my career, I found the digital platform quite intimidating. After realising the advantages going digital, and with technology changing, and with digital desks sound improving, it was the logical thing to do. If I had to compare the events that I do now using analogue, it would take racks and racks of outboard gear and multiple consoles to achieve the same goal. With technology changing at such a rate the digital consoles create the platform to grow and experiment for better shows.
What do you do when you are not behind the desks?
Marius: : I am a huge custom motorcycle fan. I love going for a ride. I like to think of it as therapy. Difficult to explain. Then obviously family time. With the amount of time spent away from home, days of spending time with family is worth gold.
Favourite song of all time?
Marius: : Rammstein.
Holiday destination of choice?
Marius: : Budapest, New York and the far east..
