Some albums arrive like a collection of songs. Others hit like a declaration, a manifesto, a lived-in philosophy wrapped in music. Mark Masguro’s “B-Emo: To be Emotional is not a Suggestion It is the Lifestyle” belongs to the latter camp. It’s not just an album—it’s a full-bodied statement about identity, emotion, and the alchemy of past and present sounds. From his Zürich base, Masguro has pieced together an expansive, self-produced project that is at once nostalgic, cinematic, and pulse-racing.

At its core, B-Emo is an artist’s autobiography told through sound. Masguro grew up immersed in the musical currents of the ’80s and ’90s, and you can hear it instantly. There’s the shimmer of Italo-Disco, the grit of early Hip-Hop, the kinetic grooves of Acid House and Hip-House, and the dreamy layers of Trance and Goa. But this isn’t a throwback exercise. Instead of copying, Masguro reinterprets, folding these references into sleek modern electronic production. The result is like standing in two eras at once—past and present colliding in a way that feels both familiar and brand-new.

The layering is meticulous, but it’s never cold—it breathes with emotion. It captures exactly what Masguro is trying to do here: wrap electronic pulse in emotional storytelling.

There’s “Devil’s Trap,” where Kael Sott and Beatman join the fray. This one hits heavier, the vocals raw and urgent against production that’s almost cinematic in its menace. It’s the kind of track that could sit comfortably in a club set or on a film soundtrack, and it shows Masguro’s knack for fusing functionality (you can move to it) with depth (you can also feel and think through it). The balance of dance energy and introspection is one of the album’s greatest strengths.

The diversity across the record is also striking. Masguro is clearly not content to stick to one lane. He’s got tracks that lean into trance euphoria, others that ride on hip-hop swagger, and even moments that feel like ambient scores from a spaghetti western if they were filtered through a synth-wave lens. That adventurous spirit gives B-Emo a sprawling quality—it’s an emotional journey rather than a neatly packaged product.

What makes this project particularly personal, though, is the context. Masguro recorded everything in his home studio, a space he’s been building for years, tinkering with sound design and honing his craft. That intimacy shows. There’s a sense of freedom and experimentation, like every knob turned and layer added carries a piece of his history as a DJ, breakdancer, and producer. The DIY ethos doesn’t come across as lo-fi, though—on the contrary, the production is polished and layered, but with a human touch that avoids the sterility some electronic records fall into.

And then there’s the title: “B-Emo: To be Emotional is not a Suggestion It is the Lifestyle.” It sounds tongue-in-cheek at first, but the more you live with the album, the more you realize it’s a guiding principle. This isn’t music made for background listening; it demands that you feel. Whether it’s the euphoric lift of trance-inspired melodies or the shadowy weight of hip-hop beats, Masguro wants you to ride the waves with him, unguarded.

There’s also a playful side to the project. When asked what curators should know, Masguro cheekily warned listeners to be careful not to “accelerate too hard during the last track” if they’re driving. That says a lot about his approach—serious artistry that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

In the end, B-Emo works because it’s not just an album, it’s a reflection of a lifelong love affair with music in all its forms. It’s eclectic but intentional, deeply personal but widely relatable. Masguro proves that being emotional isn’t just a mood—it’s a mode of living, and he’s inviting listeners to join him in it.

B-Emo is big, bold, and brimming with heart. Put it on, lean into the emotion, and let the past and future collide in your speakers.

We spoke to Mark about his journey so far.

Do you have an interesting moment or story from your early life that has had a significant impact on your journey into music? 

MARK: Oh, there's really a lot to tell. I've always been fascinated by all the new musical movements. Be it hip hop, hip house, rave, jungle, etc. I've always kept my ears open and discovered a lot. I used to listen to Kate Bush's album on repeat before I went to sleep. She's simply a fantastic artist. My biggest idol, technically, is DJ Djaimin, aka Dario Mancini... he captivated me immediately with his dream sequences on Couleur 3. He deservedly had a hit with "Put Your Hand in the Air" featuring Mr. Mike.

Are there any artists that were influential to your musical journey? How have they inspired your sound as an artist?

MARK: Oh yes, I've certainly been influenced by many. There are truly many great artists. Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Armand van Helden, and so on. I'm always looking for consistent artists with their own signature, a trademark, so to speak.

How would you describe your sound to new listeners? What do you think sets you apart?

MARK: That's a difficult question! Because I don't know, or I just pretend. Basically, I want to be open to everything. I give every opinion a place. Only when I know what it's about do I start discussing. I give everyone a voice. That's how I feel about my music, too. There's something for everyone. The basic tenor is that I want to engage the listener so they can enjoy and forget, as well as process.

What’s your creative process? Where do you normally start when it comes to writing and recording? Do the lyrics come first?

MARK: The lyrics usually come at the end. Of course, that's not necessary. So far, I've only added the lyrics at the end. I have the feeling that the sound actually calls for the lyrics, or the feeling.

Have you had any challenges or adversities in your life that you feel have shaped you as an artist?

MARK: Yes, that happened to me. I was promised DJ gigs and even positions as a producer. Yes, I was completely exploited. Am I any the wiser now? No, not really.

Are there any moments or achievement from your career so far that you’re most proud of?

MARK: Yes, now. I've finally realized my album. It's my life's goal. I'm very proud of it. It never ceases to amaze me what I've created. It gives me great joy.

Which do you prefer, the creative process or live performance? Or do you enjoy both equally?

MARK: At live performances, you can feel the people. These are energies. As a DJ, you should be aware of that. It's always important to tell a story. Be it a film, cooking, or even sex... everything has a structure... everything has a beginning and an end... I also want to calm people down a bit from the fast pace of life... one should never forget... everything you do has a certain quality.

Do you as an artist require fans to fully understand your message in each song or do you encourage subjective interpretation from every listener?

MARK: Basically, everyone interprets things differently. First, I want to reach people with the message: drums, melody, arrangement... The cherry on top is the vocals, the message of what the track is trying to convey to you.

Does the political landscape have an impact on your music, or do you keep your personal opinions separate from your work as an artist?

MARK: I've made political songs. But I think I've moved away from that. I make music to liberate people and to let go. But be careful... socially critical topics are political. Think of jealousy, love, and suggestions... you can twist everything however you want. I'm not politically oriented; I'm more of a social critic.

What are your future plans? Any new songs/projects on the horizon?

MARK: My future plans are clearly to compose music and touch people. Thank you for the interview and the great questions! I enjoyed it.

“B-Emo - To be Emotional is not a Suggestion It is the Lifestyle.” is available now on all major streaming platforms

Listen to Mark Masguro and other similar artists on our Spotify Playlist ‘New Music Spotlight - Indie & Alternative’

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