MARKUS LERCH (DJ / PRODUCER / LABEL DIRECTOR): Markus was always hooked on music. Growing up in a musical family, he also took piano classes. But during his studies in London, he got touched by the pulsating House scene. So back in Switzerland,...

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MARKUS LERCH (DJ / PRODUCER / LABEL DIRECTOR): Markus was always hooked on music. Growing up in a musical family, he also took piano classes. But during his studies in London, he got touched by the pulsating House scene. So back in Switzerland, Markus founded the DJ and production outfit “The Soulpreachers” early in 2003, together with his cousin Michael Lauper. After a London based friend of Markus hooked him up with an underground DJ agency called “SeditionDJs”, everything went exceptionally fast. During summer 2004, Markus went back to London to work at the HQ of his agency “Sedition DJs”. In 2005, as part of his International Business Management studies, Markus used to work for Defected Records in London. Later in 2005, Markus was ready to start working in the studio in order to produce his first ever track “Spirit”. Together with his partner Michael, “The Soulpreachers” teamed up with producer Mirco Esposito (Purple Music, Player Records, Soulfuric, Deeptown Music) and singer “Sybille” (Purple Music, Peppermint Jam, Swing City, etc.) And the Soulpreachers' work was pretty successful, with this first production signed to the Spanish Label Silocasa Records, at this time run by Pacha Ibiza resident Matt Caseli. Released in January 2006, the debut track sold very well and even made it on several major compilations - what a start for Markus and The Soulpreachers as producers! 2006 was also the year when Markus had to finish his studies; however he worked very hard in the studio producing “Are U Ready”, the follow up track to the successful debut single “Spirit”. In cooperation with his partner Michael, they teamed up again with the fabulous singer “Sybille”. Once more, the track was signed to the Spanish label Silocasa Records. “Are U Ready” proved to do very well. Finally released in autumn 2006, it was signed to Pacha for one of their Funky Room compilations. 2007 brought a lot of changes into Markus’ and The Soulpreachers’ musical life. Since Markus graduated as an economist with a BA in Business Administration, he was ready to take a next step in his musical career. At the same time, Michael was thinking of taking a step back from DJ-ing and producing. While early in 2007 Markus founded his very own digital record label “Deeptown Music”, his partner Michael decided not to join the label. Already with the very first release in April 2007, Deeptown Music created a true dance floor classic! The debut release “I Get Deep” by “DJ Le Roi” feat. legendary Roland Clark was hitting Traxsource (www.traxsource.com) charts from day one to stay in the top 10 for three weeks reaching number 3! Also early in 2007, Markus continued working on two studio projects he started back in 2006, at this time with his partner Michael. For the one track, Markus teamed up with English star drummer “Shovell”, who is part of the legendary British pop band “M People”. They produced a burning, uplifting, latin flavoured summer track. Markus even secured remix duties of Timmy Vegas from Soul Central! The other track is going to become a real soulful house stormer with live recorded quality saxophone, piano and bass guitar plus the vocals of a Philadelphia (USA) based soul and jazz singer. Both tracks shall be finished later in 2007 and released on Deeptown Music! Last but not least, let’s get back to the DJ front. Up till mid 2007, Markus was mainly playing together with his partner Michael. Within a short period of time, Markus played at pretty much all leading clubs in his come country Switzerland. Some examples are Kaufleuten Zurich (Purple Music Night), Club Q Zurich (Space Ibiza World Tour / Renaissance World Tour), Supermarket Zurich (Delirium Nights), Acqua Club Zurich (Place 2 Be), Pravda Lucerne, Du Théatre Berne (Absolute Night), Atlantis Basel (Deeptown Music Label Events), and many more. Moreover, Markus used to have a residency for Defected In the House and Purple Music for almost two years playing events at the Castellino Club in Ipsach (Biel/Bienne). He also played at the majority of the leading clubs in London such as Turnmills (The Gallery), Ministry of Sound (Saturday Sessions), The Cross (12 Years Birthday Event) and Neighbourhood, to name a few. As if it couldn’t get any better, in summer 2007 Markus got picked up by the Ministry of Sound to become a headliner for the international “Housexy” events! The first event Markus got booked for is an official after party at the massive Street Parade Festival in Zurich in August 2007. Markus is still DJ-ing and producing under the outfit “The Soulpreachers”, even though his partner Michael has almost resigned from the music business. Markus is more motivated than ever and keeps on living his deep devotion and passion for music! More to come… In order to find out more about The Soulpreachers and listen to some DJ-Mixes just go to: http://www.soulpreachers.com or http://www.deeptownmusic.com

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