Derek Marin, founder of the Faucet Music label, passes away

Passing of Derek Marin and impact on the electronic scene

Producer, DJ, and founder of the record label Faucet Music, Derek Marin, passed away last Friday, July 31, 2026, at the age of 52. The death was confirmed by sources close to the artist and collaborators through various official statements, with the cause of death not yet made public. His passing represents the loss of a constant asset in the international underground circuit.

Throughout his career, Marin operated under multiple aliases, with Modest D, Platonik, and PLOY being the most recurring in his discography. Through these identities, the American artist consolidated his position in the house and techno ecosystem, establishing himself as a pillar of the New York electronic scene before settling permanently in Berlin, Germany.

Record label structure: Faucet Music and affiliated labels

Derek Marin's career began in percussion, playing drums during his childhood before transitioning to electronic production and DJing in his teenage years. By the mid-1990s, his presence was already a staple in the programming of New York clubs. In 2001, he formalized his structural contribution to the industry with the founding of Faucet Music.

Faucet Music functioned as the parent company for an independent network of record labels, driving the creation and management of specific subdivisions such as Subtrak Records, Like Button, and Modest Music. This corporate network released an extensive musical catalog characterized by minimalist rhythmic sequences, groove-focused basslines, and clear technical influences derived from tech house and classic acid, consolidating a standard of quality in underground production.

His productions were licensed by multiple labels in the global market, demonstrating high commercial viability within the specialized sector. Over more than three decades of uninterrupted activity, Marin signed official releases on labels such as Get Physical, Plastic City, Superfreq, Nervous Records, Toolroom, Little Helpers, and Thoughtless Music, maintaining a constant volume of releases that spanned both physical vinyl editions and distribution on digital platforms.

Activity in the New York and Berlin club circuits

Marin's technical development was solidified with his move to Berlin. In the German capital, the producer maintained regular activity in the booths of clubs such as Golden Gate, Gretchen, and Minimal Bar. Simultaneously, he maintained his operations in New York, recording performances at venues such as Polygon, Eris, and Louie & Chan.

Outside the strict environment of clubs and dance floors, Marin diversified his sound and professional repertoire by working as a soundtrack composer for various audiovisual projects. During his final years of his career, he maintained a low media profile with the specialized press, although he continued to operate actively in the studios, releasing unreleased audio material and collaborating regularly with other established producers in the international underground scene.

Official reactions from the music sector

Following the confirmation of his death, entities and professionals from the electronic scene issued official statements. The record label Sonore Music published an institutional message highlighting his technical ability.

Derek was an extraordinarily talented producer, an exceptional DJ, and a dedicated member of the underground.

— Official statement from Sonore Music

British DJ and producer BEC used her communication channels to confirm that she had recently worked with Marin on joint minimal house and techno productions, dedicating her last public performance to the producer's memory as a sign of professional respect.

• Artistic identities: Derek Marin, Modest D, Platonik, PLOY.
• Record labels founded: Faucet Music (2001), Subtrak Records, Like Button, Modest Music.
• Releases on international labels: Get Physical, Nervous Records, Toolroom, Plastic City, Superfreq, Little Helpers.
• Residency and recurring performance clubs: Golden Gate, Gretchen (Berlin); Polygon, Eris (New York).

Sources Consulted