San Francisco has been the home for many of many artists in the world. It has been an influential location for people to become inspired and to create art in its many forms. The city’s attractions are many, yet, there is the one constant outlet that has inspired everyone that has listened – and that is dance music. It’s why Mark Farina has been captivated; by the spirit and its sounds, this Chicagoan native, like many now call San Francisco his home.

His signature sound is deep and penetrating, flowing between the mind and the body, everything he touches is like fine wine –it’s food for the inner-soul. With the anticipation in the air, as time draws near, he waits for the sound of the crowds to cheer as there are only a few days until the Love Parade arrives.

The first Love Parade to hit North America had an attendance of 30,000+ in year one with an expected 80,000 dance lovers attending for year two, are you excited to hear how people in the dance community has embraced the concept of the Love Parade?

I had a feeling it would grow, SF is the perfect city for this kind of thing, with such a strong electronica community and open minded mentality.

This year’s Love Parade in San Francisco has expanded for the entire weekend with pre-parties, post-parties, and weekend parties throughout the city in celebration of the Love Parade and the idea of Dr. Motte’s “Love, Peace, and Pancakes,” how do you see the Love Parade different, or special compared to other dance events like Glastonbury, Fuse-In, or Coachella?

For the USA, Love Parade is very unique. Where as a lot of other large events have a strong "band" line-up, Love Parade remains largely a DJ thing.With the dissappearance of the rave culture in a lot of America, there are few all age electronica events these days.

Any memorable moments from last years parade that you can share to those who might think otherwise from coming to San Francisco to experience this version of the Love Parade?

Going under the Bay Bridge on a warm sunny day listening to great tunes outdoors.

Love Parade and Woodstock have the same essence, same vibe. Two events that wanted to bring love and peace; colorful and open-minded people together in one location, with a massive party with some of its most popular entertainers of their time. Do you see the correlations to this and Woodstock?

There are some similarities. SF is still the leading city in the USA to carry on the Woodstock vibe. Although electronic music in the US isn't as popular as rock-n-roll was during Woodstock.

" Some new people will notice for sure. I think a couple more cities could use "Love Parades" to promote new electronica to all ages. SF already is more DJ oriented than a lot of cities in America. ".

-Mark Farina on Loveparade San Francisco 2005

Do you believe dance music, or dance culture is just a fad like what most people in the general music business believe?

It's definitely not a fad, but dance culture in the US had taken a dip in popularity due to the difficulty in throwing safe parties for all age crowds.

Do you think the parade will or have opened some eyes to those that haven’t paid attention to dance culture? Do you think this event will eventually revitalize the presence of dance music in the mainstream culture in America?

Some new people will notice for sure. I think a couple more cities could use "Love Parades" to promote new electronica to all ages. SF already is more DJ oriented than a lot of cities in America.

What are you opinions about the city of San Francisco in general? Why do you think so many people are attracted to the city as you have been coming from Chicago?

It's one of the few cities that are almost European in scope (in the US) smaller, you can walk lots of places. The weather is one of the best anywhere and it's not over corporate here like suburbia.

San Francisco has been one of the most influential spots for underground dance music within the last 10 years, how has being here changed the way you see dance music?

Being in SF for the last 10 years or so I've been able to check out many great local and visiting talent. If I were based in a smaller underground city I might not have heard all the different styles of house SF has to offer week after week.

You’ve been with Om through most of your professional career. You’ve helped built the label with you prestigious “Mushroom Jazz” series and as the label has turned 10 years old now, it is one of the few underground labels that has stood the test of time (within underground labels), what are you’re opinions of this San Francisco-based House label?

I am honored to be part of the Om family. Part of the reason they are still around is because they do other genres than house such as groups like People Under The Stairs, Ming and FS, Soulstice, etc... All over the States Om has a very reputable name, it appeals to house heads and other crowds too.

You’ve just released the fifth installment of the “Mushroom Jazz,” a line of hip-hop/downtempo grooves that you have championed since the genre began, what do you think of the hip-hop that’s in the mainstream these days compared to those that you support?

The "modern" style of hip-hop today doesn't have the same feel I like. A lot of the new tracks instrumentals are strange and moody. I like a gritty sample based style.

Lastly, can you give a heads-up on anything to keep an ear out for, or anything else on the end of 2005?

Om benefit for victims of Hurricane Katrina...not sure when this is happening, I guess contact Om for info?