JustinMartin-300✮ JUSTIN MARTIN – facebook / twitter / soundcloud

As the late Oscar Wilde once said: “life is too important to be taken seriously”, an ethos that Justin Martin is sticking with despite achieving soaring success over the last six years as a producer and international DJ.

Justin initially pricked the ears of the electronic music community in 2003 with his first record ‘The Sad Piano’ on Ben Watt’s Buzzin’ Fly label. Everyone in the electronic music food chain got involved, from the A list DJs like Derrick Carter and Pete Tong that were playing the track, to the international music press that were raving about it. It even translated to the German underground, with Poker Flat licensing it for Steve Bug’s ‘Bugnology’ compilation. Like someone that goes bowling for the first time and gets five strikes and a turkey, Justin couldn’t really have hoped for a better entrance.

Feeding off the energy of the San Francisco underground and mentored by fellow super producer Claude VonStroke, Justin was intrinsically involved with the development of dirtybird records, appearing on its first four releases. Justin was soon ready to take flight, releasing a string of solo EPs which flaunted a very unique sound and garnered still more respect among fellow DJS and heavyweight’s of the scene.

In 2010, such respect prompted an invitation for Justin to DJ mix Pete Tong’s infamous “Essential Mix” series and also landed his felicitous placement on the front cover of DJ Magazine. Justin continued to roll out two further killer EPs on dirtybird, which were collaborations with his protégée Ardalan. “Mr Spock” earned recognition from major digital news outlet NPR as “surrounding sounds with tactful little details: the hissing white noise; that chubby, wet bass kick. This is music that doesn’t need to be heard on the dance floor, though it does work awfully well there”. What followed was “Lezgo”, which knocked down the genre walls and pretty much remained a firm fixture in every DJ’s box throughout 2011.

As well as his formidable arsenal of original productions, Justin is now equally known for his collaborations with his brother Christian as The Martin Brothers, producing such hip-hop influenced hits as ‘Duckface’, ‘Stoopit’, ‘Dum’. Justin has also made his mark remixing such bona fide classics as Radiohead’s ‘Nude’, Marshall Jefferson’s ‘Mushrooms’, TG’s ‘Revox’ and remixes for labels such as Fools Gold and Greco Roman, firmly establishing himself as the man to make big tracks even bigger.

2011 found Justin in the perfect position to work on his boldest project to date, his debut artist album and he couldn’t be more enthusiastically happy with the results. “Ghettos & Gardens” long player will be released on dirtybird late spring 2012, with a string of stunning singles to support the release.

Demand for Justin’s skills behind the decks has skyrocketed with his bookings schedule constantly crammed to capacity. With dates everywhere from Panorama Bar (Berlin), Fabric (London), Space (Ibiza) and a full album tour for summer and fall 2o12, its no wonder Justin’s diary is reading like the dreams of a professional raver. Stateside he continues to be a regular fixture at the dirtybird events in San Francisco and beyond.

Music journalists typically describe Justin’s sound as ‘melodic and tough’ with his music encapsulating both melody and emotional depth yet always with enough undeniable ass shaking properties to translate to the floor.

“I’m always trying to find music for my DJ sets that rattles sound systems, but still has enough melody and interesting texture to expand your mind even if you’re sitting at home on a snowy or rainy day.”

He remains as enthusiastic as ever to be involved in the scene. When recently questioned by Resident Advisor on what he’d be doing if he wasn’t a DJ or dance music producer he just replied: “Wishing I was a DJ or music producer.”

By all accounts it’s hard to tell him to wipe that smile off his face.

TWITTER INTERVIEW 06.17.14

Apart – What / where / who was your first experience of electronic music?
Justin Martin – probably in high school when i first hear the @bjork album “debut”, shortly after that i discovered drum and bass

Apart – Which artists had the greatest impact on your decision to pursue being a DJ?
Justin Martin – definitely the legend @MRGOLDIE! when i first heard his album “timeless” my life was changed forever!

Apart – Describe ‘your sound’ in three words?
Justin Martin – BOOTYSHAKIN’ EARTHQUAKIN’ FUN!

Apart – What are your top favorite 3 clubs (or cities) that you have performed at?
Justin Martin – 1.) @HOLY_SHIP! 2.) @warungclub 3.) @GreekBerkeley 4.) @mezzanineSF…. there are so many more! hard to pick just 3

Apart – Is there one place or club that you haven’t DJ’ed at yet, that you really want to?
Justin Martin – i’ve heard so many great things about @BobBeamanClub from my friends, id love to check that place out someday:)

Apart – Tell us about your recent productions. Any new tracks or remixes?
Justin Martin – tons! i have a new EP w/ @Ardalann coming out on @dirtybird_sf this summer, & a rmx of a track called “stay” by @HenryKrinkle_ plus a rmx of @NADASTROM’s “fallen down” on @dubsided & a rmx of @OKKenna‘s “relations” on @dimmakrecs just came out

Apart – Can you Youtube us one track that we can expect to hear you play next Friday in Milwaukee?
Justin Martin – i will definitely be dropping this on 6/27 in Milwaukee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xgn_SNMQQQ

Apart – When your not listening to electronic music, what do you like to listen to?
Justin Martin – i like everything! jazz, hip hop, classic rock and everything in between! music is my life

Apart – One last questions for ya, finish this sentence: Nobody would ever guess that I _________
Justin Martin – …that I eat other things besides just pizza