Full Circle: Markoman - From Slovenian DnB Pioneer to Label Visionary

I. Introduction: The Architect Returns - Markoman and the Dawn of Illegal Audio

In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few narratives resonate as profoundly as that of an artist coming full circle. Marko Zidaric, known to the global drum and bass (DnB) community simply as Markoman, embodies this journey. Active since the late 1990s, Markoman is not merely a producer and DJ; he stands as a foundational figure, an architect who played a pivotal role in sculpting Slovenia's electronic music identity, particularly within the demanding sphere of drum and bass. His career, spanning nearly three decades, has seen him navigate the genre's shifting tides, from pioneering a local scene to achieving international recognition through powerful collaborations. Now, poised to launch his own record label, Illegal Audio, in 2025, Markoman embarks on the next logical step – the realization of a long-held dream, cementing his legacy while simultaneously shaping the future. This venture isn't just another imprint entering the fray; it represents the culmination of a unique and influential trajectory, a testament to enduring passion and a deep-seated commitment to the music that has defined his life.

II. The Genesis: Forging a Scene in Maribor (Late 1990s)

A. Igniting the Spark (1997-1998)

Markoman's impact began in the fertile ground of Slovenia's burgeoning electronic music culture in the late 1990s. While his active presence as a DJ was noted in the local scene as early as March 1997 , the year 1998 marks a crucial turning point. This was the year DJ Markoman transitioned from being a participant to becoming a proactive catalyst, undertaking the ambitious task of establishing a dedicated drum and bass scene in his hometown of Maribor. This distinction is vital; it highlights a conscious effort not just to play the music, but to build an ecosystem where it could thrive. His early DJ activities in 1997 laid the groundwork, demonstrating his passion, but 1998 saw the strategic implementation of plans to cultivate a community around the specific sounds of jungle and drum and bass.

B. Illegal Life & Pekarna Cultural Centre

The crucible for Maribor's nascent DnB scene was the Pekarna Cultural Centre, a vital hub for alternative culture in the city. It was here that Markoman launched his "Illegal Life" events in 1998. These gatherings were more than just parties; they were foundational acts of community building. By establishing a regular presence within a recognized cultural institution like Pekarna, Markoman provided a physical home and a consistent rallying point for enthusiasts of the emerging sound. This strategic choice fostered a sense of identity and belonging, crucial elements for the scene's growth and sustainability. The enduring significance of this initial foothold is underscored by the fact that Pekarna Cultural Centre continues to host major international DnB events decades later, such as welcoming renowned artist Audio in 2025, demonstrating the lasting legacy of the groundwork laid in 1998.

C. The Birth of Illegal Kru

Markoman's initiative quickly attracted like-minded individuals, leading to the formation of the Illegal Kru collective. This group evolved into a formidable force, comprising DJs, MCs, and producers united by their passion for drum and bass, with a particular focus on jungle and hardstep sounds early on. Key members who joined Markoman included Smooth (who would later become a significant collaborator), Tsunami (another future production partner), Hose, Hedon, and Spade. Illegal Kru operated as a multi-faceted organization, driving the scene's development through various activities. They organized regular club nights, such as "Digital Dungeon" at Klub K4 in Ljubljana, and established an annual summer open-air event, "Brejkpiknik," in Ročinj.

Crucially, Illegal Kru extended its reach beyond local events. They actively brought prominent international DnB DJs to Slovenia, exposing the local audience to global standards and integrating the Slovenian scene into the wider international network. This required significant organizational effort and networking capabilities, demonstrating an ambition that transcended merely hosting local parties. Furthermore, the Kru members themselves performed abroad, acting as cultural ambassadors for Slovenian drum and bass. This strategic, outward-looking approach was instrumental in putting Slovenian DnB on the map, fulfilling a role later acknowledged by Markoman's collaborator, Smooth. Illegal Kru, therefore, represented more than a crew; it was an essential piece of infrastructure development for the country's electronic music culture.

III. Sonic Alchemy: The Collaborative Eras

A. Early Solo Steps & The Markoman Sound

Before Markoman became widely known for his potent collaborations, he established his credentials as a solo producer. Operating under his primary alias and his real name, Marko Zidaric , his early solo releases began appearing in the mid-2000s. Tracks like "Mina's Tirith / Dope," released on G2 (2) in 2004, and "Spaced Out / Dark Wizard" on Cell Recordings in 2005, marked his initial forays into vinyl production. These releases, rooted firmly in the drum and bass genre , provided a foundation, showcasing his individual production voice before it intertwined with others. This early solo work established Markoman as a capable producer in his own right, setting the stage for the influential partnerships that would follow.

B. Markoman & Tsunami: Exploring the Shadows

A significant chapter in Markoman's production journey involved his collaboration with fellow Illegal Kru member, Tsunami. This partnership, prominent in the late 2000s and early 2010s, delved into the harder, darker spectrum of drum and bass. This stylistic direction is corroborated by commentary from their contemporary, Smooth, who described their tracks as "a little too dark for me," while still acknowledging their inspirational impact. The track titles themselves often hinted at this intensity: "Plutonium," "Data Corruption," "Ugly Motherfucker," "The Furyan".

Their output found homes on respected underground labels known for championing tougher sounds, further solidifying this sonic identity. Key releases included "Plutonium" (paired with Temper D's "No Favours") on Temper D Productions in 2008 , "Concept / The Furyan" (with Allied) on M-Atome Limited also in 2008 , the potent "Data Corruption" on Culture Assault Records , and the memorably titled "Ugly Motherfucker" on Onset Audio in 2010. They also featured on EPs alongside other hard-hitting artists, such as the "Sleepwalkers EP" on PRSPCT Recordings and the "Killers Of The New Frontier EP" on Onset Audio. This period represented a distinct and influential phase for Markoman, showcasing his ability to craft uncompromising, technically proficient tracks within the neurofunk and techstep-leaning domains prevalent at the time, contrasting with his earlier solo work and paving the way for his next major collaborative venture.

C. Telekinesis: Reaching Global Frequencies (with Smooth)

The collaboration between Markoman and Smooth under the alias Telekinesis marked a period of significant international visibility and acclaim, beginning around 2009. Described as an "up and coming two man outfit" driven by their creative minds, the project emerged after they had already been working together for some time. This partnership wasn't just a casual studio session; it was a focused endeavor that yielded immediate success, quickly gaining support from some of the biggest names in drum and bass, including Pendulum, Matrix & Futurebound, Ed Rush, Audio, Black Sun Empire, Optiv, Dieselboy, and many others.

Telekinesis became synonymous with the cutting edge of neurofunk and techstep, releasing prolifically on the genre's most respected platforms. Black Sun Empire's Blackout Music NL became a frequent home for their EPs, including 2013's "Judgement Day EP" , 2015's impactful "Fight Club EP" (featuring MC Coppa on the title track) , and 2016's "Obey EP" which included the track "Listen". They also made significant contributions to Jade's Eatbrain imprint, including their debut EP in 2013 featuring a collaboration with Concord Dawn and Coppa , and tracks like "Wipe Out" featuring Nuklear. Other notable releases landed on Viper Recordings, Bad Taste Recordings (including tracks on the "Bad Taste LP 4" compilation), State of Mind Music, and Breed 12 Inches. Their remix of Black Sun Empire's "Inpeak" further cemented their status within the scene's elite. Key tracks like "Dark Fate," "NWO," "Break," and "Atlas" became staples in the sets of discerning DJs.

This project represented a powerful synergy. Smooth, in reflecting on their partnership, openly acknowledged Markoman's foundational influence, calling him a "national drum & bass legend" who hosted massive parties and was already releasing music when Smooth was starting out, serving as a key inspiration. Smooth explicitly credited Markoman's early work with putting Slovenian DnB "on the map". Their studio dynamic was described as rigorous and honest; they were tough critics of each other's work, pushing boundaries and avoiding compromise to achieve the best possible results. Smooth noted how they brought out the best in each other, sometimes blending ideas initiated separately into a cohesive whole, ensuring the final product met their shared high standards. Telekinesis, therefore, wasn't just a successful production duo; it was the vehicle through which Markoman, alongside Smooth, elevated Slovenian drum and bass to global recognition, building directly upon the groundwork Markoman had laid years earlier with Illegal Kru. The project successfully fused Markoman's established harder edge with Smooth's distinct production style, creating a potent sound embraced by the neurofunk community worldwide.

IV. Navigating the Spectrum: A Master of Subgenres

Markoman's career is characterized by a deep engagement with the evolution of drum and bass, traversing various stylistic territories as the genre itself mutated and branched . His journey began firmly rooted in the foundational sounds that emerged from the UK hardcore and rave scenes. The early activities of Illegal Kru explicitly focused on Jungle and Hardstep DnB, connecting his origins directly to the genre's initial wave. This grounding in the rhythmic complexity and raw energy of early DnB provided a solid base for future explorations.

As the genre evolved towards more technically intricate and often darker sounds in the late 1990s and 2000s, Markoman's production output mirrored this shift. His work with Tsunami leaned heavily into harder territories, aligning with the aesthetics of Techstep and early Neurofunk. This trajectory culminated in the Telekinesis project, which firmly established Markoman (with Smooth) as a leading force within the global Neurofunk scene. Their releases on premier labels like Blackout Music NL and Eatbrain are textbook examples of the complex sound design, twisted basslines, and intricate rhythms characteristic of modern Neurofunk.

While the user query suggests experience across "all sub genres," the documented evidence primarily points to mastery within Jungle, Hardstep, Techstep, and particularly Neurofunk. There is less direct evidence in the available materials of Markoman producing styles like the smoother, melodic sounds of Liquid Funk or the raw, energetic bounce of Jump-Up under his known aliases. However, his extensive DJ career likely exposed him to the full breadth of the DnB spectrum, informing his overall perspective. His documented production legacy demonstrates a significant journey through core, and notably the more technically demanding, subgenres of drum and bass. This deep immersion and proven ability to excel within these complex styles showcase his technical prowess and adaptability, providing a rich wellspring of experience that informs his current work and the vision for his forthcoming label.

V. Full Circle: The Return to Solo and the Label Dream

A. Renewed Solo Focus

After years defined by intense and successful collaborations, Markoman is now entering a phase marked by a return to his primary solo identity . This "full circle" moment signifies a deliberate refocusing on his individual artistic voice. Examination of recent release data confirms that his output in the latter half of the 2010s and early 2020s has been dominated by collaborative projects, particularly Telekinesis. The explicit mention of "Now again solo" suggests this is not merely a pause in collaboration but a conscious shift, a re-centering of creative energy under the original Markoman banner .

This return is significant. It implies a period of synthesis, where the diverse experiences, techniques, and perspectives gained through working closely with partners like Tsunami and Smooth are being integrated back into his singular vision. It potentially heralds a new evolution in the Markoman sound, distinct from both his early solo work and his collaborative outputs. This renewed focus on solo production provides the creative impetus and a core identity for the next major step in his journey: the launch of his own record label.

B. Illegal Audio: A Vision Forged by Experience (Est. 2025)

The establishment of Markoman's own record label, slated for launch in 2025, represents the culmination of a "long time dream" . This venture is far more than a simple business decision; it's a legacy project deeply rooted in decades of multifaceted experience within the drum and bass ecosystem. Markoman's journey encompasses the roles of pioneer, promoter, event organizer, community builder, solo producer, internationally recognized collaborator, and inspirational figure. This unique breadth of experience provides an exceptionally strong foundation for curating and guiding a record label.

The label emerges from the DIY spirit that birthed Illegal Life and Illegal Kru , the sonic intensity explored with Tsunami , the technical precision and global reach achieved with Telekinesis , and an overarching understanding of the genre's dynamics gained over nearly thirty years. It offers Markoman a platform to not only release his renewed solo work but also to shape a distinct sonic identity, potentially mentor emerging artists (mirroring the supportive role he played for others like Smooth ), and contribute to the drum and bass scene from a new position of leadership. The timing, coinciding with his return to solo focus, suggests the label will be an authentic extension of his artistic vision, forged by decades of dedication. The context of the wider DnB scene in 2025 provides a vibrant backdrop for this new chapter.

C. The Sound Signature & Future Outlook

As the 2025 launch of Illegal Audio approaches, anticipation builds around its potential direction and ethos. Given Markoman's rich history, several possibilities arise for the label's sonic signature. Will it champion the hard-hitting, technically intricate sounds synonymous with his most prominent collaborative work, reflecting his recent solo explorations? Or will it embrace a broader spectrum, perhaps touching upon the various subgenres he has navigated throughout his career? Could the label become a specific platform for championing Slovenian talent, continuing the work he started with Illegal Kru in nurturing the local scene?

These questions highlight the exciting potential of this new venture. What seems certain is that the label's identity will be deeply informed by Markoman's extensive journey and unwavering commitment to quality. Illegal Audio promises to be more than just a platform for releasing music; it represents a statement, a curation, and a new focal point for Markoman's enduring influence on the drum and bass world. Its launch marks not an end, but a significant new beginning in his remarkable career.

VI. Conclusion: Cementing Legacy, Embracing the Horizon

Marko "Markoman" Zidaric's journey through the world of drum and bass is a compelling narrative of passion, innovation, and resilience. From igniting the spark in Maribor with the Illegal Life events and co-founding the influential Illegal Kru collective , he laid crucial groundwork for the genre in Slovenia. His evolution as a producer saw him traverse the foundational sounds of jungle and hardstep before mastering the complex architectures of techstep and neurofunk, evidenced by his impactful collaborations as Markoman & Tsunami and, most notably, the globally recognized Telekinesis project with Smooth. His role transcended mere music creation; he was an organizer, a promoter, and an inspiration acknowledged by his peers.

His return to a solo focus and the impending launch of his own label, Illegal Audio, in 2025 truly represents a "full circle" moment. It signifies the synthesis of nearly three decades of experience into a singular vision. The label is poised to become not just an outlet for his own renewed creativity, but a platform potentially reflecting his deep understanding of the genre, possibly nurturing new talent, and undoubtedly adding a new, significant chapter to his already substantial legacy. As Markoman steps into this new role as label head, the drum and bass community watches with anticipation, ready to witness the next stage in the evolution of a true pioneer who continues to shape the contours of the music he loves.