John Martin was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland during the time when the country was in turmoil due to political and religious unrest. His childhood was most definitely out of the norm but his mother’s love of music was encouraged as a distraction from the outside influences. She planted the seed which was to grow into John Martin the Dj.
But it was in the early 90’s that his interest spiralled, clubs like Circus Circus in Banbridge, Charlie Haggertys in Bangor, Co Down and Kelly’s (which went on to become known as Lush years later) in Port Rush were his weekly haunts, listening to Dj’s such as Gleavey D, Jacko, Glen Molloy and Marty C soon got him hooked on house music an John’s journey into the world of Dj’ing began.
He got his first set of decks when he was 18 and spent many hours locked away in his bedroom creating and perfecting the type of music he enjoyed. This was initially much to the annoyance of his family and close neighbours, but his persistence soon paid off. He quickly progressed from his bedroom to playing in local pubs and clubs soon making a name for himself and creating a following throughout Belfast.The years that followed saw him become a resident Dj in Kudos@ The Parliament in Belfast and playing at Kilwaughter House in Larne. His name was starting to spread, but in 2006 his big break came, the mighty Lush (Kelly’s) in Portrush picked him as their breakthrough Dj. He was actually playing in the club where his addiction to music had originated from, this would be the night that would be forever embedded in John’s memory.Coach loads of friends and followers travelled up from Belfast to Portrush on the many occasions that followed where John was seen to play alongside Nik Fanciulli, Jon Checcini, Jon Carter, Col Hamilton and many others.
Even though John creates his own style of music he has had many influences , Dave Seaman, John Digweed, Nick Warren, Paul Oakenfold, Anthony Pappa and BT (Brian Transeau) to name but a few.But the biggest has got to be Sasha, which John enforced his admiration of the Dj by naming his daughter after him, it was Sasha’s style and technique that John aspired too in his dream to become a Dj.Currently the likes of Ricky Ryan, Desyn Masiello and the SOS Collective encroach into John’s style of music, this ranges from Deep House, Tech, Funky, Vocal and Progressive, he makes what he likes to play and what his many followers like to hear but always ensures that it is rammed with soul an emotion.
John’s main aim and dream in life would be to be a professional Dj and producer. He has already released an EP with Recode recordings and has another track due to come out with them. He has also released a track on Deso Records. He has an EP coming out very soon on Whose Haus Records and just been signed to Andy Newlands new label Pulsed Records.
2012 is definitly looking promising for GSEP.
Labels:
Pulsed Records
Recode Recordings
Deso Records
Whose Haus