MARTYN
[live]
Throughout the many layers of his winding journey in electronic music, Holland native (now Washington, D.C. resident) Martijn Deijkers, aka Martyn, has always stood in a genreless scene of his own.
Though his influences are wide-ranging, Martyn’s music is deeply inspired by the futuristic and melodic aspects of Detroit and Chicago. His rhythmically diverse sound floats across Drum 'n' Bass, Dubstep and various strains of Bass music, just as smoothly as it traverses House and Techno, and encompasses abstract ambient soundscapes. Based on musicality and energy in equal parts, Martyn’s layered tracks are a rapt exploration of melancholy, futurism and dancefloor hypnotism. Over the years, his tracks have become archetypes for the next direction(s) that electronic music ends up moving. From the mesmerizing dub techno/dubstep of “Broken” (2007, Revolve:R), to the 2-step/House swing of his inimitable “Broken Heart” remix (2008, Hessle Audio), to the Dubstep/2-step/House crossover of his debut album’s smash hit “Vancouver” (2008, 3024).
His surprising second album, Ghost People (2011, Brainfeeder) took his sound in a new stratosphere entirely. The 4/4 dancefloor stormer “Masks” set the tone, as did his astounding sci-fi epic “We Are You In The Future”, connecting the dots for his other underground classics: “Miniluv” on Ostgut Ton, his remixes of “Gentle Giant” for Tiga and “Acid Bells” for Efdemin, and his Detroit-tinged foray “Newspeak” on Dolly. After signing with legendary UK imprint Ninja Tune he released his third long player The Air Between Words in June of 2014. Largely a more introspective analog sounding record, it features sublime collaborations with none other than Four Tet and Inga Copeland (of ex-Hype Williams fame). With Falling For You he has released his first solo 12" on Ostgut Ton in October 2015. Most recently he has co-produced Virginia’s album Fierce For The Night (Ostgut Ton, May 2016). Together with Steffi he's performing live as Doms & Deykers, they've released the EP Dedicated To Those Who Feel and the album Evidence From A Good Source (3024, 2016) under this moniker.
As a DJ Martyn is as uncategorizable and all-encompassing as his production style, as displayed on his landmark fabric 50 mix or his 2012 Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1. Known for his risk-taking selection and long, seamless sets, he’s played at iconic venues the globe over. He’s also well seasoned within the international festival circuit, playing the likes of Sónar, MUTEK, Dimensions/Outlook, Decibel, Bestival, Lowlands, The Big Chill, Club to Club and Unsound. Beyond DJ’ing, his live sets have a distinct Martyn vibe condensed into an hour of upbeat energy and intricate improvisation. Recently he has been collaborating with vocalist and producer Inga Copeland in live settings as well. He's also a resident at Panorama Bar, at Make It New in Boston and New York's Good Room.
Besides DJ’ing and producing, Martyn runs the vibrant 3024 label together with long time collaborator Erosie. The duo (Martyn as A&R, Erosie as Art Director) have formed a visionary stack of releases over the last 6 years, with a colorful roster that includes 2562, Jacques Greene, Redshape, Trevino, Leon Vynehall, Steffi, Julio Bashmore, Addison Groove, Instra:mental and remix work from Ben Klock, Zomby, Flying Lotus and Shed.
Outside of 3024, Martyn continually pushes the fold and finds ways to connect arts and scenes, whether with his various work with RBMA, his cultural work for the region of Piemonte in Italy, or being part of Ninja Tune events across the globe. Additionally, in 2010 Martyn starred in and soundtracked a beautifully poignant and moving short film by Dutch director Ramon Gieling called Great Lengths. In 2013, he wrote music for the British/American fashion designer duo Rag & Bone’s Men’s and Women’s Shows for New York Fashion Week. Continuously innovating, Martyn is always looking for new ways to shape his ideas about electronic music.