After being a fan for quite a while, I was lucky enough to meet mrJustinMartin in Berlin at Alte Münze by accident (Thanks again to Jakob Hildenbrand from Format:B for the invitation!). I watched him play at Panorama Bar with dirtybird family Leroy Peppers, and even at HIVE Club in Zurich with Pol_On and Round Table Knights. Recently, he released his very first full length album on his label dirtybird.    

This is the stylistberlin interview with dirtybird’s Justin Martin about the label, the release, music business, future plans, and Justin Martin on life in general:

* Photograph by dirtybird. All rights reserved

stylistberlin Interview: Justin Martin (dirtybird) May 2012

by Y. Cho

 

dirtybird, the sister record label of Mothership Records, is home of Claude von Stroke,  Justin Martin, Leroy Peppers, J. Phlip and Worthy. Other artists that have already released on dirtybird include Solo, Ardalan, and Nick Monaco.

The label is famous for it’s dirtybird BBQ:

 

Justin Martin’s full length debut album released on 22 May 2012 received very good critics so far. Justin Martin’s single “Don’t go” of his first album “Ghettos & Gardens” is compared to his former release “The Sad Piano” a lot – emotional and melodic:

 

SO: Who is Justin Martin?

“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.”

 

PART 1/6 : JUSTIN MARTIN AND DIRTYBIRD

stylistberlin (YC): It’s been a long way from bartending to become one of the most loved producers in SF. When Barclay Crenshaw and you started this whole dirtybird thing, did you ever believe it would get so big?

Dirtybird actually started as a party before it eventually became a label.

Justin Martin: Never. That was always the dream but I never thought back then that I would be touring the world and djing every weekend for a living. Dirtybird actually started as a party before it eventually became a label. My brother Christian bought a soundsystem and we started doing outdoor renegades with Claude VonStroke and Worthy so the four of us as unknown local djs wouldnt have to be at the mercy of club promoters. We stuck to our guns and kept our sound unique and different from the trends, and because of that it just kept growing into something bigger and bigger. It´s definitely been a dream come true… And now that we have found some success with the whole thing it´s just fun for us to set the bar higher and higher.

 

Looking back on all the years of dirtybird, for what does the label stand now?

We have always stood for fun and creativity. We never wanted to be pigeonholed (excuse the pun) into one genre or sound.  Yes, bass is also a major part of what dirtybird is known for, but aside from bass and fun we have always just tried to push ourselves  creatively.  I think if we had tried to follow trends over the last seven years we would be long gone by now.

 aside from bass and fun we have always just tried to push ourselves  creatively

 

Criteria of chosing artists for dirtybird?

Well, I personally don’t do the choosing.  That´s up to the big boss man Claude VonStroke. First and foremost he is looking for creative and well produced music. A lot of times we get sent demos of people making music that they think is a „dirtybird“ track, when it is actually just a knock off of something that´s already been released.

(Claude vonStroke) is looking for creative and well produced music (…) it helps if you are a nice and humble person as well…

It´s when we get tracks where a producer takes some chances and really gets creative that their music usually ends up getting noticed by Claude. That being said, it helps if you are a nice and humble person as well… you could be the most amazing producer in the world but if you are a nightmare to deal with then you won’t be releasing to many tracks with us, or playing at our party.

 

dirtybird described in three words:

Booty Shakin‘ Fun!

 

What makes dirtybird so special?

I can assure you if you come to a dirtybird party you will smile and dance…. a lot!

I think one of the things that makes us special is that most of the artists we work with know how to have fun, and not take everything so seriously. It´s nice hearing music with an air of fun to it. Thats the reason people come out, it´s to have fun and smile and dance. And I can assure you if you come to a dirtybird party you will smile and dance…. a lot!

 

Justin Martin’s music described in three words:

Bass, Beauty, Bliss

 

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PART 2/6: THE RELEASE

How long did it take to produce your Ghettos & Gardens?

It took about a year to write from the time I decided that I wanted to do it… although there are tracks on there that are older. It was a real challenge with my tour schedule but I was able to take a few weeks off from being on the road to disapear into the studio.

 

Why did you name the album like that?

The title „ghettos & gardens“ came to me one night after my girlfriend brought home some roses.

The title „ghettos & gardens“ came to me one night after my girlfriend brought home some roses. We didn´t have a vase to put them in so we put them into a 40oz bottle instead.*

* editorial: thus the contest 

For those of you that dont know what a 40oz is, it´s a very large bottle of malt liqour or beer that they sell for really cheap at pretty much every corner store in any city throughout America. It has a reputation for being a „ghetto“ drink because it is sold for so cheap and it gets you really drunk. Anyway, she put the flowers in the 40oz bottle and the image of these beautiful roses blossoming from this ugly bottle reminded me in a way of my sound. Ben Watt always described my sound as „tough but tender“ and this image of the 40oz and flowers exemplified the same juxtaposition.

Ben Watt always described my sound as „tough but tender“ and this image of the 40oz and flowers exemplified the same juxtaposition.

I have always tried to create music that is gracefull yet gritty at the same time. Two opposites that work together like ying and yang. Thats what „ghettos & gardens“ is.

 

Is there a favourite track of your own album?

My favorite track on the album is “Don’t go”… it is my most emotional piece of music since “The sad piano“. I really poured my heart into that one and the vocals are just amazing. I was very lucky to be able to record the vocals of Hannah and use her on this track. She sounds angelic.

 

What’s up next?

Right now I am in the middle of a 40 city tour to promote the album, and hopefully soon I will be back in the studio working on my next project.

 

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PART 3/6: THE BUSINESS

 

Vinyls, CDs, USB stick… What do you prefer?

All of the above!

 

All those arguments about the medium with which you play music… what do you say?

Do whatever you do best at, and you can be the most creative with. Creativity is the most important part.

I say do whatever you do best at, and you can be the most creative with. Creativity is the most important part. I think people are quick to hate when they see someone doing something different than themselves. There are the vinyl purists, the laptop djs, etc… As long as you are creative and got people dancing and having fun I’m cool with however you want to do it. Please just don’t take down your entire set up around me while I am trying to dj… that is annoying ;)

 

Producing or DJing?

Both… Producing is so much fun because you get to create whatever you could possible dream of! I get to make songs that I want to hear… And djing is the big payoff… when you get to see if all the hard work in the studio works on the dancefloor… and when it does it is the best feeling in the world!

 

DJing or playing live?

I am a dj… I would love to put together a live set someday though… I think that would be fun. Maybe that is next on my agenda….

 

If you could change some things in the music business, what would it be?

I don’t know… I´m pretty happy and honored just to be part of it all.. so its hard for me to say I would want to change anything. Nothing is easy in this business, but it´s that way for a reason. If you want to be successful you gotta work for it and never give up.

 Nothing is easy in this business, but it´s that way for a reason.  If you want to be successful you gotta work for it and never give up.

 

The hardest time while being a producer/DJ?

The hardest part is definitely being away from home the amount that i am. Part of me loves it but part of me hates it. I dont sleep very well or very much, but it´s a small price to pay to be doing what i love.

 

Your worst nightmare in this business?

Standing in a neverending line at the airport after 0 hours of sleep.

 

The happiest moment so far being a producer/DJ?

I just feel blessed to be making music and working with my friends.

Everyday there is something new. This year alone have been filled with moment like this. Finishing my album was a big one, and playing it to my hometown crowd at our dirtybird party was really special to me too. If I really sat here and thought about it though I could probably list 100 moments just as special to me. I just feel blessed to be making music and working with my friends.

 

If there would be producer heaven, what would it be?

I would be chillin in a studio with MJ, Pharrell, and E-40 makin some crazy tracks.

 

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PART 4/6: THE FUTURE

 

Ardalan, Nick Monaco, Kill Frenzy – artists to watch!

You produced two tracks with Ardalan so far, „Mr. Spock“ and „Lezgo“ – it is really good to see that dirtbird is giving young producers a chance to work with more experienced ones. What makes Ardalan so special?

He is fun and talented. He has a fresh take on music and he is just an all around awesome dude.

 

Nick Monaco and Kill Frenzy are knocking on our doors as well… Any potential here?

FUCK YES! Both AMAZING producers!

 

Your key to success: What’s your message to all the young people out there who want to start producing?

Follow your dreams, set some goals, and don’t quit. If it really is your passion than give it your all. I learned how to produce just by spending a LOT of time on it. Software has never been easier to learn… I had a few people give me tips here and there along the way, but for the most part i learned on my own, so if i can do it so can you. MAKE IT HAPPEN and always be creative!

Follow your dreams, set some goals, and don’t quit (…) MAKE IT HAPPEN and always be creative!

 

Regarding music: If you had known about (it) before, you would have…

Music has been my entire life… and I wouldn´t have done anything different.

 

You have made it quite far in music business, what goals have you set for yourself next?

I would like to produce another album, and I would like to produce music for other artists as well. I love making music and this will always be my life. I always thought that scoring a movie would be fun as well…. maybe someday!

 

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PART 5/6: INTRODUCING JUSTIN MARTIN

Motto of life:

Make It Happen

 

What was your childhood dream and did it come true?

My childhood dream was to either be a basketball player, an extreme skier, or a professional skateboarder… luckily none of those came true because I think what I got is much better.

 

Your brother Christian is doing music with you, how do other family members cope with your profession?

My parents are extremely supportive, and so is Christian. I think they are just happy to see me successful doing what I love.

 

How does your normal week look like?

Crazy! There really are not any normal weeks anymore. Im pretty much on the road every weekend of the year. If I am touring Europe I am usually gone for 2 weeks at a time. I try and get in the studio with people on the road on my off days, but that doesn´t always happen. It usually take me a day to recover from the weekend, but I try and be as productive as I can when I am home in the studio.

Crazy! There really are not any normal weeks anymore.

 

You made your love your profession – music – do you have any other hobbies?

Is having fun considered a hobby? 

I like skateboarding, snowboarding, and watching baseball… Is having fun considered a hobby?

 

How do you relax from stress due to creative work?

My favorite way to relax is to watch a San Francisco Giants baseball game at home on the couch.

 

Your favourite place to retire from work around the globe?

Maui is where is go to get away. My parents live there and I built a studio there as well.

 

Do you listen to electronic music when in private?

Current headphones favorites are Sbtrkt, Disclosure, and Machinedrum.

Yup. Current headphones favorites are Sbtrkt, Disclosure, and Machinedrum.

 

You are one of the most devoted people in a relationship – a lot of people in the business have difficulties maintaining their private lives: what is your secret?

I have an amazing woman who is very loving and supportive and I have no desire of fucking that up.

 

Are you happy at the moment?

YES! Happy but hungry.

 

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PART 6/6: FIN

 If you would interview yourself, what would you ask? And what would be the answer?

Do you like pizza? Yes.

 

Your private message to stylistberlin readers:

Make it happen yo.

 Make it happen yo.

 

 

*******

 Justin Martin on Scion AV:

 

About dirtybird:

‘dirtybird’ has been breaking new ground and dropping basslines since January 2005. The label has always been synonymous with sweaty bass-lines, quirky ideas, and bass driven funk. It is only fitting that a label based on a philosophy of bringing smiles to the dance-floor was created by a party. In 2003, Christian Martin took a risk and bought a giant sound system on his credit card. The party was named after a drawing of a bird that Barclay Crenshaw (aka Claude VonStroke,) used to draw when he was a kid. The line-up was rounded out with Christian’s brother Justin Martin and his room-mate Worthy. All four DJs were tired of the same old San Francisco vocal house that they heard everywhere they went. The grand idea was to change the landscape of San Francisco house music by throwing an epic free party in the park based on this new sound.

Not very many people showed up to that first party but you could sense something special starting… a new era of die-hard dedicated DIY producers all with new productions based on heavy bass-lines, smiling faces and fun. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Soon after, Barclay Crenshaw took on the role of the ringleader and decided that a record label would be the next step. Barclay was from the suburbs of Detroit and he had already seen the likes of Juan Atkins and Ritchie Hawtin rise up from nothing and create their own musical landscapes, so this was a logical progression.

Barclay had been saving money to start pressing records by shooting and editing corporate videos and tv commercials. He had also recently completed a documentary film about house and techno Djs featuring over 40 artists from Theo Parish to Orbital. His girlfriend (now wife) “Aundy” heard about the plan for the label and decided to give her man the greatest gift of all time. She said, “I’ll give you one year to make this record label work. I’ll pay the rent, food and bills. If you make $XX amount of dollars you can do it forever. If you don’t, you have to go back to work for corporate America the rest of your life.” How’s that for a killer ultimatum?

So, in January 2005 the label was born with DB001 “the Southern Draw” by Justin Martin and Sammy D, a super freaky record that landed dirtybird a vinyl distribution deal in Germany. A few months later, DB003 was released. A track called “Deep Throat,” Barclay’s debut record that blazed through over 11,000 vinyls, 20 odd licenses and easily surpassed what seemed to be an impossible financial goal for a 1st year record label. It also introduced the world to the name Claude VonStroke.

Since 2005, the little party in Golden Gate park has grown up. The original crew is all the same with the newest addition of Jessica (J. Phlip) Phillipe. New artists are being singed all the time from the UK, France, Poland, Germany and as far as South Africa. Now the crew is flying around the world, releasing records, and still throwing the best parties in San Francisco – but with a few more people in attendance.

(Source: dirtybird Website)

Meet the crew in this episode of “What’s in your DJ bag?”:

* Special thanks to Exclusive Promo UK.