On The Road Essentials: Marco Faraone
Img Cred Above: Fabio Luca Lanzarotti
Marco Faraone is heading into a busy summer, marked by the release of his first music on Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE label. Out August 14, ARTCORE DUO VI pairs Faraone’s two new tracks alongside collaborations from Dubfire and Flug, making for a heavyweight four-track EP. Known for his deep catalog on labels like Drumcode, Rekids, and his own UNCAGE imprint, Faraone brings a darker, more methodical approach to his ARTCORE debut. The lead cut, “Killa,” leans on a cold low-end and sparse, marching percussion, while “Artcore Sessions” enlists H.A.N for a vocal-led piece that rides on shadowy synth swells and kick-heavy breakdowns.
In the middle of all this studio activity, Faraone is also keeping a packed tour schedule, with upcoming sets at some of the summer’s biggest events including Sonus Croatia 2025. Slated to play alongside artists like Joseph Capriati, Ricardo Villalobos, and Richie Hawtin, he will be bringing his signature tension-driven sound to Pag Island’s open-air dancefloors. Between festival stages, boat parties, and club appearances, his travel routine is as relentless as the music he produces.
That makes his personal list of on-the-road essentials more than just a packing guide—it’s a glimpse into the tools, rituals, and small comforts that keep him balanced while crossing time zones. From a pocket-sized drum machine that can turn a hotel room into a makeshift studio, to a film camera for capturing memories that actually make it out of the cloud, each item tells part of the story behind his life in transit. In this feature, Faraone breaks down the gear and keepsakes that travel with him, and the role they play in keeping him inspired and performance-ready.
Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II (Pocket-Sized Beat Machine)
The EP-133 K.O. II is a mini drum machine and sampler that’s small enough to pass through airport security unnoticed, yet powerful enough to derail a night’s sleep. With tactile pads, quick effects, and battery power, it’s ready for music-making anywhere—on a plane, in a hotel, or in a questionable Airbnb kitchen.
I’ve built tracks in green rooms while the headline DJ was still playing. Once, I sampled a drunk man singing outside a club in Naples and turned it into a hi-hat loop that sent a festival crowd wild. I carry a headphone splitter so friends can hear my 3 a.m. ideas whether they want to or not. The pads also double as stress relievers during inevitable flight delays. For touring DJs, pre-loading a few kits before departure is essential—scrolling menus at 5 a.m. with one eye open is not a vibe.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 (My Sanity Saver)
These headphones act like a personal mute button. One switch silences crying babies, boarding announcements, and even that passenger explaining NFTs in row 12. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and have audio quality that can make even the airline safety video sound dramatic.
I use them on flights, trains, and backstage areas where the opening act is pushing 170 BPM. During a 10-hour flight delay, they kept me calm enough to function. The battery lasts for days, and touch controls mean no rummaging for my phone. They’re perfect for resting ears between gigs and avoiding conversations about afterparties you have no intention of attending. Keep them in the hard case—tour life is not gentle.
Kodak Ektar H35 (Because Some Moments Deserve Film)
This half-frame film camera is my safeguard against losing important memories to the endless scroll of phone images. It’s compact, lightweight, and doubles the number of shots per roll—ideal for someone who cannot take only one photo of anything.
Film brings a timeless quality that no phone filter can replicate. I’ve used it to capture friends backstage, sunrise sets, and questionable afterparty moments. Sometimes I hand it to fans mid-set, resulting in some of my favorite and strangest crowd shots. Using a film camera makes you slow down and consider each frame, which is a refreshing change when your default is to overshoot.
Travel Iron / Steamer Combo
Wrinkled black tees don’t communicate “professional DJ.” They communicate “slept in my clothes.” This compact steamer heats quickly, fits in my bag, and helps me look composed even when I’m running on little sleep.
It became part of my tour kit after seeing an unflattering photo of me mid-set in what looked like a crumpled tent. Now my pre-show routine is coffee, steamer, setlist. It’s even saved clothes from spills in emergencies. A steamer is a small addition that pays off in confidence and presentation.
Cortal Customized Earplugs
These are professionally molded to my ears, allowing me to hear the mix clearly without damaging my hearing. They stay in place, feel comfortable, and are tuned for club environments.
I carry them to every gig with the best intentions, though sometimes they remain in their case longer than they should. The difference when I do wear them is night and day—post-gig conversations are actually possible. If you want longevity in this industry, invest in custom earplugs and actually use them.
HACKED Sunglasses
These sunglasses, from my own brand, are my all-purpose shield. They’re lightweight, UV-protective, and sharp-looking—ideal for sunrise sets, long travel days, or dodging questions you don’t want to answer.
I’ve worn them everywhere from Croatian beaches at dawn to fast food stops in Paris. A good pair of shades says everything you need without speaking a word.
Amazonite Stone (Gift from My Wife)
This small green stone is the most important thing in my bag. My wife gave it to me before a tour, and it’s been with me ever since. Some say it brings luck, others say calm—I just know I feel off without it.
It’s been in my pocket during nerve-wracking sets and on countless flights. In a career where USB sticks, chargers, and socks regularly go missing, this is the one item I never lose. Having a talisman on the road is grounding.
Quick Fire Tips for Touring DJs
- Pack three black tees: one for the gig, one backup, one for pretending you didn’t sweat through the other two.
- Set multiple alarms in multiple time zones—and still get a wake-up call from reception.
- Download all your set playlists for offline use—hotel WiFi is unreliable.
- Always carry a local snack: it’s an icebreaker, emergency food, and potential bribe.
- Remember you’re also your own tour manager, tech support, therapist, and sprinter. Dress accordingly.
