‘It was wild and vulgar and horrible for her’
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Mark Ronson performing live. Picture: Supplied
Source: Supplied
MUSIC producer Mark Ronson spills on fashion, festivals, and why fame has been easier for him than it was for his friend, Amy Winehouse.
You’re coming back to Australia for the Splendour in the Grass festival. What do you like about playing festivals as opposed to solo shows?
It’s a different feeling you get at a festival than your own shows, because 250,000 people come out in the middle of the day. Amazing energy happens. It’s something I discovered quite late because I grew up in New York; you don’t normally have festivals as part of the culture. When I started playing live in 2007, it was the first time I attended a festival and it was just great.
There are some hilarious Uptown Funk parodies on YouTube. How do you feel about people putting their own spin on your song?
It’s amazing. Your song’s been absorbed into the culture, you know? It’s like everyone who’s made one is like, “I want to be part of that.”
You started your career as a DJ in the ’90s. There are a lot of DJs out there now who are making huge amounts of money. What do you think of the scene now compared to back then?
When I got into it, it was different. I was playing in a pub in New York City. There were still massive names, like Sasha, [but] it wasn’t nearly as massive as it is now. It’s blown up to such comical proportions; the bubble will have to burst at some point. But I guess there’s a desire for it – people wanna go out and lose their sh*t to 228 beats per minute for two hours. They [the DJs] are serving some sort of purpose… and maybe being overcompensated for it.
Mark Ronson on the blue carpet in London in July, 2015. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Source: AP
You top best-dressed lists and you recently teamed up with Emporio Armani for an event during Milan Fashion Week. How do fashion and music go together for you?
When I think about the best live shows I’ve ever seen, the music is the most important thing, but you can add an extra dimension with costume. It brings some theatricality to it, and, you know, it’s kind of fun.
You have your own style and your sister Charlotte is a fashion designer. Growing up, did you always have an interest in fashion?
I just dressed like my favourite musicians: at 14, like The Stone Roses; and then at 17, probably like Beastie Boys, with Pumas and fat laces. I think I was 31 or 32 when Version [Ronson’s second album] came out, when I went on the road and thought, “If we go on-stage with this big band, everyone should be dressed the same.” Everyone was wearing suits in the studio – I thought that was a cool idea that complimented the music. I was never fashion savvy; I don’t even think that I am [now].
Your friends Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen had to deal with all the horrible trappings of being a celebrity. Did seeing them go through their issues make you wary of fame?
It was all very intense, but I’m nowhere near as exciting a person to trail. When I saw it happening to them, it was wild and vulgar and horrible. I [thought], “I don’t know how they go through all this sh*t,” but it didn’t really seem like something that was ever going to be an issue for me.
Friends in high places: Mark Ronson hangs out with supermodel Cara Delevingne in Monaco in May. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for TAG Heuer)
Source: Supplied
You’re a public figure, but you also lead a life away from the spotlight with your wife, French actress and model Joséphine de la Baume. Is that important?
Absolutely. I’m fortunate that I can ride the subway, walk in the park. Usually people are just like, “Hey man, I like the music” and keep walking. For other [artists], going down the street to Shake Shack is not really an option.
You’ve said before that it’s hard to step out of the game because it moves so quickly. Do you long for a break?
I’ve definitely learnt to give a little on the reins. I used to feel guilty about two days off in a row. But I also love being in the studio; I love making music. There’ll be time for a break when nobody cares about me any more.
Mark Ronson plays Hordern Pavilion on July 28 and Margaret Court Arena on July 29. Splendour in the Grass runs from July 24 to 26. Visit markronson.co.uk and splendourinthegrass.com.
