Like To Get To Know You Well: Martin

Let's start at the beginning. What was the first record - single or album - you bought with your own money? HONESTLY!

That I remember, Adam & The Ants - Prince Charming...ha!

How did you get into DJing?

Going to raves in the early '90s and wanting to find and own the tunes I was hearing out, hunting them down and playing them, mixing them together just seemed the next natural thing I wanted to do so I bought a primitive set of Soundlab direct drive turntables and a Kam mixer and taught myself. After a few years practicing in the bedroom I was confident enough to try and get some gigs so handed out mixtapes - yes, cassettes! - and landed a bar residency off the back of that!

What for you are the key cornerstones of a great DJ set?

Well firstly I would say it's important to know your crowd, and I like to get to know my clients to understand their musical tastes. Then knowing your tunes and being able to read a dancefloor and being adaptable - switching from genre to genre to cater for all ages, watching the crowd, if a certain tune gets everyone up, you end up going in a direction you couldn't plan!

What 3 records are impossible for you to leave out of any DJ set?

Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free

Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough

Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

Tell us about a favourite wedding DJing experience of yours...!

A recent wedding at Hope St Hotel in Liverpool, which kind of sums up question 3 really. Reading the room I dropped 'Valerie' by The Zutons and the floor erupted! Everyone who wasn't dancing got up and the party stepped up another level. Speaking to the bride later, it turned out to be a long standing favourite of everyone's within their group of friends.

What 5 artists best represent your variety and diversity of musical tastes?

Well cheating a little by saying House music is my passion so I couldn't not mention it, but so many DJs & producers I couldn't pinpoint just one! So artist specific....

Chic; I LOVE Disco and Chic still stack up today at the forefront of that era.

De La Soul; The inspiration for so much of Hip-Hop and great party tunes!

James Brown; Soul and Funk are a big influence and he was/is The Godfather of Soul!!

Depeche Mode; 80s pop, mastered!

Oasis; Indie is sooooo good and what better band to represent that genre!

What one track is your surefire guaranteed floorfiller?

The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger. Bouncy, fun indie that always gets even the most stubborn chair-dwellers up!

What's the most unusual or memorable first dance record you've ever played?

Well, It wasn't strictly a first dance but it followed straight from it, being a Father/Daughter dance. The track was a cover of Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N Roses who are a favourite of mine. Anyway, everyone was circled round the floor and it was a special moment, not a dry eye in the room, including myself haha!

What 10 albums would be your Desert Island Discs?

In no particular order;

• Oasis - Definitely Maybe
• De La Soul - 3 Feet High & Rising
• Johnny Cash - American Vol.1
• AC/DC - High Voltage
• Cymande - Cymande
• The SAM Records Anthology
• The Beatles - Abbey Road
• Wu Tang Clan - Enter The 36 Chambers
• Happy Mondays - Pills Thrills & Bellyaches
• Various - Cream Classics Vol. 1

Do you have any big DJing no-no's?

Overworking the mic! Also, not taking guest requests, if the event format permits - weddings, birthdays, if you think the song will work at some point it'll only bring people onto the floor!

Fundamentally, what can a couple expect from you as their wedding DJ?

A professional yet friendly personal approach tailored to their big day! I like to get to know my clients so expect a chat prior to find out about their musical preferences and experiences, their guests too. Combined with over 30 years' DJing experience I have the knowledge to read a room to keep you & your guests dancing all night with songs you know & love, and some that you may not remember or know, but will come to love!

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Thanks to Martin for a class convo! You can book Martin here!