2008 according to…Martyn

2008 according to…Martyn

12 December, 2008 | 8.00AM

• Written by: Ryan Keeling
• Filed under: Music News: 2008 roundup, 3024, martyn

It would be fair to say that no other producer had quite the impact on their respective scene this year than Marytn, our top dubstep artist of 2008.

The murky world of dubstep was shaken to its very core by the Dutch producer’s bass driven, techno infused cuts, although ironically, he would sooner call his sound ‘Martyn music’ than be tied down by any genre related tags.

“2008 has been a very very important year for me both personally as well as musically,” Martyn tells Beatportal. “I moved from The Netherlands to the USA which was a really inspiring step. Being in a country where you basically can only accomplish something by working harder than the rest, I managed to build a small studio, make a lot of new music and get my label started properly.”

That label in question is 3024 the imprint that hosted what could be considered his breakthrough track, ‘Natural Selection’, a cut which went on to be remixed by another one of the standout producers of 2008, Flying Lotus.

The only thing I can say is that I just do whatever feels right, I make music to get it out of my system, and when other people appreciate it, it makes me a happier person.

Rather than ‘cash in’ on the interest generated in his sound, Martyn’s year has been one of careful consideration regarding who, and what, he works with.

His remix for Hessle Audio of TRG’s ‘Broken Heart’ was without question one of the standout re-rubs of the year and his favour-returning treatment of Flying Lotus’ ‘RobertaFlack’ was profound in its amalgamation of soul and electronic sound.

Original productions away from his own label were limited to an appearance on Appleblim’s Apple Pips for the fantastic ‘All I Have Is Memories’ and his ‘After Seven’ collaboration with Marcus Intalex on the Manchester producer’s Revolve:r imprint.

But no matter how high Martyn’s profile climbed this year, he says his triumphs are born out of an innate, but simple desire to musically express himself.

“The only thing I can say is that I just do whatever feels right, I make music to get it out of my system, and when other people appreciate it, it makes me a happier person.” We’re not complaining.

Martyn’s Top 3 Records of 2008

1. Flying Lotus ‘Los Angeles LP’ [Warp]

This album really pushed the envelope for electronic music in many ways - truly inspirational. Flying Lotus is on his own little island doing his own thing, and it’s great.

I’m happy his music has been received so well by such a wide variety of people as he deserves it.

2. Martyn ‘Vancouver/Natural Selection’ [3024]

On a more personal level this 12” really underlined my belief that when music comes from the heart, the message will come across.

3.Pepe Bradock ‘Intriguing Feathered Creature’ (Atavisme)

For me, the best house 12” of this year, period. What goes for Fly Lo goes for Pepe as well - on his own little island - doing his thaaang - doing it good - so good .... yeah.

[Photo credit: Josh Sisk]

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