Marco Lys: Brighter Days, Deeper Roots, and a New Era of Groove

For over two decades, Marco Lys has been one of Italy’s most trusted names in house and tech, a craftsman whose records have fueled countless nights across the world. Yet the last two years have marked something different: a rebirth. His remix of Cajmere feat. Dajae, Brighter Days became one of the biggest tracks of 2023, dominating clubs, TikTok, and festival main stages, while reintroducing his name to a new generation of ravers.

In this conversation, Marco opens up about the evolution behind the viral success, the balance between experience and reinvention, and how a Venice-born artist continues to bridge underground authenticity with global appeal. From studio lessons to world tours, from Bob Marley remixes to late-night moments at Hï Ibiza, this is the sound of an artist who’s still discovering new reasons to dance.

The journey began in the heart of Venice’s underground. After more than two decades in music, Marco Lys is embracing a new chapter with renewed purpose and clarity.

“These past two and a half years have felt like a real rebirth for me, even though I’ve been part of the scene for a long time,” he says.

“I’ve welcomed this new chapter with huge enthusiasm, and the experience I’ve gained over the years has given me a much clearer sense of awareness. What I find really exciting is that many people who are discovering my music now also start digging into my older tracks and bringing them back to life.”

When Marco’s remix of Cajmere feat. Dajae – Brighter Days dropped, and few could have predicted just how far it would go. By summer 2023, it was everywhere: festivals, radio shows, viral clips, and DJ sets from some of the world’s biggest names.

“Its rise wasn’t instant and maybe that’s exactly why it has lasted so long and still feels fresh today,” he says.

“The track came out in November 2022 and started being played by some of the biggest names in the scene, including Marco Carola, Honey Dijon, Green Velvet, and Chris Lake, before really exploding around April or May when the summer club and festival season kicked off. The wave of booking requests started arriving months later, which I expected, as that is just how it happens. Remix requests increased significantly as well. I would not say it changed my creative approach; it only affected the amount of time I have available in the studio to make new music.”

Few producers ever create a record that becomes the soundtrack of a season. For Marco, Brighter Days was exactly that kind of phenomenon, a track that united dancefloors with its raw groove and universal optimism.

“I think the magic came from using the strongest parts of that vocal, the iconic ‘Uh Oh I Need’ and the shout of ‘Brighter Days’ that launches the drop, combined with a solid tech house groove, the kind I love, with a syncopated rhythm and a conga loop that makes everything more driving and cool.”

“While I was working on it, I could feel something special taking shape, the kind of moment that gives you goosebumps, but I never imagined it would become this huge.”

After the global explosion of Brighter Days, Marco’s schedule turned relentless. The travel, the pressure, and the energy of thousands of people waiting for that one song became part of his new reality.

“Of course, traveling that much around the world isn’t exactly easy,” he says.

“There are long flights, little sleep, and you still have to give your best every single night. I try to live a healthy lifestyle, eat well, which isn’t always easy on tour, get as much rest as I can when I’m home, and stay active.”

These days, his sets come with a sense of anticipation, and playful control.

“Nowadays, people come to my shows expecting to hear and dance to Brighter Days, so I like to make them wait for it a little, just like a band saving their biggest hit for later in the concert. It’s a bit like making love… you build the tension until that epic moment.”

While the record took him to every corner of the world, two places stand out in Marco’s heart, the United States and Ibiza. For him, they represent two sides of the same euphoric spirit.

“Americans and the Ibiza crowd, who during the summer season are often the same people, definitely share the same pure love for partying,” he says.

“Playing in the U.S. sometimes feels like stepping into an American movie; they celebrate exactly the way you’d imagine. Both in the States and in Ibiza, the crowd is always warm, full of energy, and deeply connected to the music I play.”

After the global impact of Brighter Days, Marco’s next move was both bold and heartfelt: reinterpreting one of the most iconic voices in music history. His new remix of Bob Marley, created alongside Miami-based artist XIE, is already making waves on dancefloors worldwide.

“I worked on this remix together with XIE, a talented DJ and producer based in Miami. When we received the original stems of Bob Marley’s track, I had to admit it was an emotional moment. It felt like holding something truly precious that you need to handle with care. That same respect guided the entire process. I wanted the remix to honor the spirit of the original, keeping those authentic reggae elements in the breakdowns while turning it into something energetic and fresh for the dance floor.”

The project is still waiting for official clearance, but that hasn’t stopped it from spreading among top DJs.

“We’re currently working hard to get the track cleared, but in the meantime, we’ve already sent it to some top-tier DJs to build support around it. The feedback has been amazing. More and more DJs are asking me for it, so fingers crossed we can get it officially released soon. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, I think we did it right.”

Staying relevant for over twenty years in an ever-changing industry takes both humility and hunger. For Marco Lys, it comes down to one thing: curiosity.

“I think the secret is never to stop learning and never stop being curious,” he says.

“Every day there’s something new happening in music, new talent, new influences, social media always evolving, new energy from the next generation of ravers, and that keeps me inspired.”

“I’ve always been open to change while staying true to my roots. What really helps is that I still love spending time in the studio and adore playing for a crowd. It’s where I feel most creative and free. When that passion stays alive, everything else follows naturally.”

Through all his evolution, Marco has managed to walk the line between underground credibility and global accessibility, creating a sound that connects without compromise.

“For me, the key has always been to make music that I would want to dance to myself,” he says.

“I came from the underground, so that energy is part of who I am, but I also believe that music should connect with people everywhere, not just a niche scene. I listen to what’s happening around me, but I never chase trends. I take what inspires me and translate it into my own sound so it feels fresh but still authentic. When the crowd feels that honesty, they respond in a real way.”

After more than two decades behind the decks, Marco Lys is still finding new highs. The past year marked one of the most fulfilling chapters of his career; a period defined by viral success, sold-out shows, and a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded him of why he fell in love with music in the first place.

“One of the highlights of 2024 was definitely playing at Hï Ibiza when FISHER invited me to join him,” he recalls. “It was a huge honor because that club and that night are so special, mad energy from start to finish.”

The night offered a reminder of the scene’s camaraderie and spontaneity. “What made it even more memorable was meeting Patrick Mason, who played a house set right after me. He’s an incredible artist and such a positive person,” he says.

“He told me he’s been a fan of my tracks for a long time, and when he found out he’d be playing after me, he was genuinely excited. He even gave me ten minutes of his own set time and stayed on stage dancing next to me the whole time.”

That moment, he says, captured everything that keeps him inspired.

“It was one of those beautiful, spontaneous moments that remind you how much love and respect there still is in this scene. That night really captured why I still love what I do, music bringing people together in the most authentic way.”

As 2025 unfolds, Lys’s focus remains sharp: evolution, collaboration, and connection. They’re the same principles that guided him from his early days in Venice to today’s global stage.

“There are some inspiring collaborations on the way, but I’ll keep the names secret for now,” he says with a smile. “What I can say is that I’ve also been working on new solo tracks that I can’t wait to share. Each one feels like a new step forward for my sound.”

He reflects on another milestone that feels symbolic of this new phase. “One of the biggest highlights of this year has definitely been UNVRS, which was another milestone to directly play this new iconic venue in its first year of opening. 2025 is already shaping up to be full of milestones, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep evolving and connecting with people through my music.”