Between The Beats: Motor City Drum Ensemble | Resident Advisor

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Two years ago Danilo Plessow was one of the busiest DJs on the circuit. But after releasing a string of sought-after EPs and compiling a DJ-Kicks mix in 2011, the Stuttgart native known to most as Motor City Drum Ensemble suddenly disappeared from view, and his previously packed release schedule all but dried up.
MCDE is now back on tour, which is where the latest installment of Between the Beats finds him. We shadowed Plessow from the Boiler Room and Corsica Studios in London to a gig in Aix-en-Provence and an appearance at Lyon's Nuits Sonores festival, with a stopover at his new home in Utrecht in between. During the time we spent with him, he told us the full story behind what led up to his disappearance from public view, what happened during his enforced break and what's changed since.
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Music In Order Of Appearance:
Marcus Worgull, Motor City Drum Ensemble & Dominik von Senger - Untitled #1
Motor City Drum Ensemble - Raw Cuts #6 [MCDE]
Marcus Worgull, Motor City Drum Ensemble & Dominik von Senger - Untitled #2
Motor City Drum Ensemble - L.O.V.E [Studio !K7]
Motor City Drum Ensemble - Sp11 [MCDE]
Marcus Worgull, Motor City Drum Ensemble & Dominik von Senger - Untitled #3
DJ Sprinkles - Grand Central Pt1 (MCDE Bassline Dub) [Mule Musiq]
Credits:
Producer & Director - Patrick Nation
Director of Photography - Sim Higginson
Executive Producer - Ryan Keeling
Production Assistants - Lisa Telfer Brunton & Alex Mitchell
Dubbing Mixer / Sound Designer - Ed DL
Colourist - Adam Clarke www.absolutepos...
Film Production - Clockwise Media www.clockwiseme...
Special thanks to:
Boiler Room
Corsica Studios
Seconde Nature
Nuits Sonores

[@DemetriNocturnal]

"Once you're into music there is no way out... If you're in it for real... if you're in it for the right reasons... you will never lose this. This is always going to stick around with you." Well spoken Danilo!

[@ryanx3584]

Probably the best name in the business. And incredibly refreshing for this to start off with him conversing about his anxiety. These docs are tip top.

[@urbanjunior]

i agree! they shed light on the things you don't see when you watch a set, which is exactley why these docs are great.

[@LiftingPeanuts]

This series of documentaries is incredible. Keep e'm coming!

[@Boyjevski]

I was in the show at Aix-en-Provence. Never seen such a good DJ there. This place close at 1 a.m, and generally, there is nobody at the end because everybody move out to other places. But this time, everybody wanted the DJ to stay (this is at 10:50). One of the greatest DJ's i've seen in my life.

[@MrBati122]

I really like this guy, he's calm, humble and not cocky at all. Would love to see him live.

[@Francisftw753]

MrBati122 Definitely a must see man.

[@skevhugh3536]

seen a tiny bit of him at parklife 2018, super clean

[@alabaster1913]

He really reminds me of a Haruki Murakami protagonist: swimming as a kind of calming therapy, listening to music, living a contented, appreciative kind of lifestyle etc.

[@Herjos]

alabaster any movie suggestion?

[@cyrilgtf]

"let's say I haven't got into the 4 figures yet but there's 1 record I'm after right now. If I see this for sale I'm definitely gonna spend 4 figures" PUREST AND DEEPEST PASSION FOR THE MUSIC AT 4:09

[@fimpson]

wow this was surprisingly personal - really well done RA! very mature and quality approach to documentary making

[@r0kh0r]

totaly agree

[@benskinner8580]

This is great to see an artist just being open and honest. It’s easy for people to make assumptions just because he’s playing a massive crowd that he must be doing great. I’ve been having anxiety problems for a while and it’s nice to see how he explains it. Been into his tunes for a good few years, he rocks the boiler room too, would love to see him live 👍👍👍

[@Swindel67]

Can't believe this came out 9 years ago can genuinely remember it being uploaded. Miss the scenes series from then as well.

[@sabrinag3059]

Same! I remember I was living in Amsterdam at the time and was in house heaven

[@nicdgreek]

Great interview with MCDE. That guy is one of my favorite producers/DJs. Good to see artists out there who are more about pushing quality music than just partying and fame.

[@ro55ker]

This guy is hands down the most underrated guy in dance music.

[@jakesharp1426]

Seems like an absolutely lovely guy

[@patrickshortall1848]

So cool that Todd Terjes randomly in this

[@ruigrguerreiro]

I didn't think it would be possible to like MCDE even more than I already do, but it is! Thank you RA for this amazing feature.

[@devonkronenberg5831]

Evisu jeans, Air Max's, West End shirt, Bob James record in the collection, great tunes... this dude knows what's up!

[@dopesensi]

Shame it's not 1997

[@DiscoBunny505]

I definitely understand what that sort of anxiety feels like.

[@cristianoneto7]

Me too

[@TheseOpenRoads]

Its just important to know that these feelings multiply on each other and that in the end your thoughts are the ones causing you to feel the way you are feeling. Breath, and trust that it will pass. For me, music always helps to sooth my mind when I cant get off of these negative topics.

[@jaimiewatson1059]

Me too luv the fact hes realy honest helps lots of people with the same issues like myself BIG RESPECT ❤❤

[@mesmemo2373]

DR Claire Weekes... Please read her books if you have issues with this

[@Silverred2012]

Love his openness. Love his music. So good to see the real deal. It is not high life all the time.

[@mechinosiec]

One of the most inspiring videos i saw in last half a year!

[@GregQchi]

Danilo is such a G. Great label, great DJ.

[@TheJodenye]

What a lovely guy he is. I would not have been so cool about the rewind though!

[@electricbreeze]

Me neither! I thought that was a bit of dick move by Nic Tasker.

[@rendy5092]

Jeez, i still hope to see this guy around in Utrecht, such an inspiration.

[@lookmomonlycomputer]

just see him yesterday night in my hometown, what a blast...

[@yaboyonlinerage]

MCDE is so awesome, i just discovered him over boilerroom. Keep the Disco stay alive!

[@jaimiewatson1059]

Luv his is sencere honesty and luv for music like myself 😍😎😎

[@JaveAsecas]

I felt the same problem when anxiety came to my life in the middle of my career. Had to stop too. But when u understand that it's only a thing that u must accept and let to be with u, u become stronger and it slowly dissapears cause ure not focusing on it. And also, i came back to djing and improved my sets cause now my negative emotions are not affecting the result. All has something good for you. Just learn of it.

[@TheseOpenRoads]

RA - I watch this video almost every second day, I LOVED the Nina Kraviz BTB and the Martinez Brothers one was alright BUT.. I love the videos coming from the channel.. and would love to see more Between the Beat soon!!!

[@gasdorficmuncher9943]

finally a decent documentary on electric music and life styles that's not boring

[@joelynniv2688]

Well done. Refreshing when I hear an artist speak and appreciate him/her more.

[@Nomisyahu]

"Once you are into music there is no way out" Damn true. Love this guy, great dj/producer and apparently also a great person.

[@tomjcox1993]

Only just saw this such a good doc! Big ups RA.

[@pauflo1996]

"once you're into music, there's no way out!" - Motor City Drum Ensemble

[@nitefors]

Not only a great document, but a stunning picture and editing as well. "RA" - you guys rock! Thanks for contacting MCDE, I'm a fan.

[@MrBermo1406]

great insight into a touring DJ - not all as glamorous as an outsider looking in! need more of these vids

[@bobbynetz5058]

So awesome to see a dj that isn't a complete psychopath

[@Martim804]

What a nice and real guy, thank you for this doc, well done

[@f.p.8577]

not totaly into this kind of house, but very into this humanity and honesty... great doku..

[@philtaase5810]

Always loved your music. Thanks for sharing! I needed to watch this🎧💚💪🏿🙏🏿

[@TokinBloke]

i adore this man. Honestly my favourite DJ, and such an inspiring human being.

[@xplosivepop]

We want more "between the beats" !!!

[@mstacks]

These series are really good, keep up the good work RA.

[@katannamon]

I know the feel. Anxiety can be harsh at times. But it really does make you stronger in the end

[@HOUSEWARMING]

Brilliant portrait. Nice cinematography, honest thoughts, what can i say - thanks!

[@durkit]

Love his records, love him DJ'ing and this puts up another few notches in my estimation. The real deal. Nice one.

[@frederikvandaele6374]

great series, it gives an insight in the life of touring

[@Jakuzadoc93]

More of these! Really really refreshing format!!

[@STU2891]

keep doing more of these 'between the beats' please, so interesting!

[@technotrig89]

I love MCDE. Need to see this guy play. Come to Manchester please!!

[@viktoriapastorova3719]

sending positive energy to this guy!

[@chancesofrain6480]

love the girl asking him to stay up till 8am :)))

[@sveetam]

What a great end to a great vid of a great master! Thanks!

[@0hJRo]

Another great film, keep them coming RA

[@thomasssswinn]

the coolest guy

[@ndrec]

he is a really nice and genuine guy

[@dattrax7]

This series is top notch!! Very personal glimpse into djs we love. Thanks!!

[@Lowerhaightstreet]

What a great documentary

[@patolomeus]

Cool video, Danilo! Props from motor city Stuttgart!

[@Swindel67]

What a legend.

[@jackwong4896]

Saw this dude at Tokyo recently was epic :)

[@D0CT0RS0UL]

True spirit ! Good & positive ! Nuff respect !

[@llennonbrown]

This was awesome, it would have been so funny if you had included a bath scene in this video too! :P

[@MrSoundAmigo]

This is a really cool video!thank you so much

[@bevboyz]

he played only a few months ago in Manchester. He is also here for the Warehouse Project at some stage this year

[@champloomusic]

no way, that was one of the best moves by a host of the boiler room ever!

[@CUDZZZ]

Met this guy at the Triphouse store in Rotterdam where he did a special set. He's a walking, humble and genuine music library!

[@Vicentinisimo]

Definitely a nice one...and indeed seems to be a great guy apart of a great producer..

[@MeuleurDaugustins]

Wow! So that's how it feels to be passionate about something.

[@orvilleyssel1714]

More of these please!

[@chattyman4740]

Can't believe this is 10 years old! Hope he got sorted out; he has something called GAD, a general anxiety disorder; it's the worst fit for the DJ lifestyle as the best way to treat it is routine, exercise, healthy eating, and therapy & therapeutics if it's really bad. Things to avoid, booze, drugs, stress, working odd hours, excessive travel, potentially he was doing all the things that heighten the effects of GAD. Booze is the big one, anything that suppresses the nervous system is a bad idea if you have anxiety. It tends to go away on it's own when you change your lifestyle.

[@vicarioltd]

12:30 That Todd Terje - Motor City Drum Ensemble moment, damn!

[@AudiodOughnuts]

Absolutely incredible Between the Beats.

[@jayach09]

love it, such a genuine guy.

[@SamanthaEmmenes]

awesome! this SO made me smile!! thank you

[@RichardE6000]

It's at Spitalfields Market in the East End, Shoreditch area....

[@paddiosfscott5982]

Great piece!

[@nozza001]

At 11.31 that is definitely a sample for a future track!

[@sagara1990-n2g]

I am also holding the same illness. And music is loved.

[@IsaacMandujano]

Excellent documentari

[@georgeservice]

'That's a buy for sure I love this' = Ammadou Ahidjo

[@jf3490]

4:19 Does that oaf have any idea who the fuck he’s talking to?

[@mandemonKet]

Amazing music Amazing guy

[@cacophony1]

You sure this is resident advisor? Lack of bubbles in that water are telling me this is fake. Inspiring video anyway, i have GAD and it fucking sucks, im so glad he sheds a light on it.

[@casty1098]

Amazing!!

[@2step]

inspiring, what a great person!

[@andrewhurstmbe6155]

Like his honesty

[@lofimusicbygrizzlybeatz]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Rahaan1]

Very good!!! respect!!!!

[@jonzyzyzz1990]

what a sick guy I can relate

[@TheLucaaw]

Thanks

[@MrLonelyrager]

"Once you're into music, there's no way out"

[@OsmoseSound]

Well done.

[@dannyd2007]

Dj Sprinkles - Grand central Part I (MCDE Bassline Dub) @14:06

[@matteandrews3994]

His best ever work IMO

[@FrankbaLand]

Thx homie

[@FantasticCamilo]

I love him

[@jasnploy]

I've been following since the Raw Cuts Vol 1 release and wondering why he hadn't put more new material out

[@ninefingers8895]

tolles Video

[@ColourSoundAudio]

really cool guy.

[@HarrisonBos]

3:43 you can see a copy of troupeau bleu-cortex right there!

[@FMMirande]

very interesting!

[@catrionag3810]

wow hes amazing

[@GiGiPai]

Does anyone know what that white record is? he's been playing it a lot recently. You can see it on the left @ 10:05...All white with red writings on the label. It's pretty much a 909/808 drum track