When I first started going out with my boyfriend we, like many couples, had that conversation where we say who our free pass fling is. Mine was Mos Def, his was the actress Rashida Jones. Unlike Louis I went on to see my free pass crush in the flesh at a concert in Shepherd’s Bush, unfortunately the reality of my dreamboat was not quite how I had imagined … Luckily I think I’ve found a new free pass candidate.
London based DJ/ Producer Ryan Maher aka Martelo may ring a few bells for you most recently as Santogold’s tour DJ but there is a whole lot more to learn about this music maker. You will of course know the “Do you all have your 3-D glasses” mixtape and if you don’t, find it now. His steady rise from success to success can be tracked by the caliber of attention he’s attracted and the bookings he’s playing. A-Trak and Kanye West and Coachella festival and of course Fabric to name but a few.
Martelo has managed to fuse a smoothness associated with Hip Hop and R’n’B with that irresistible and current roughness of grimier sounds.Want more? Read on.
Give me 5 words to describe you
Expansive, Exploring, Independent, Humorous, Honest (stolen from the internets)
What was your breakthrough moment?
There was a few, one was the 3-D glasses mixtape I did in 2007 and another was when I was playing at Fabric later that year, after my set I was going to get paid.. and realised I was in the office with A-trak, Mehdi, Switch, SMD, and I thought to myself.. it all changes now. I cant go back to changing rooms and finger spacing after this..
What do you see coming out of the UK music scene over the next couple of years?
Garage has had a big popular re emergence and dubstep is now huge on a much bigger platform .. What’s next?Hmmm.. I cant really say.. its kind of all becoming a lot more mixed up. The French guys are referencing UK Funky and the dubsteppers are referencing techno records and everyones mixing it up in between..
What’s the thing you always ask for on a rider/ the most awesome thing you have received on a rider?
My rider consists of rum and ginger beer, the best thing I have recieved is probably some cheese..
Who are your music heroes and dream collaborations?
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Björk, no dream collaborators yet.. I’m working with my peers at the minute and we seem to be doing ok!
Any advice for other DJs/Producers?
Work hard, grind hard, don’t give up. Don’t go for the glory either.
The most awesome place you’ve played.. a club or a city?
Most awesome club may be a train station I played in Antwerp, they literally closed the platform and set up a rave for like 2000 people. Or in Berlin.. I played underneath a swimming pool.. bonkers. Best city was maybe Glasgow.. sub club gig I did there was insane..
New projects on the horizon? Your summer plans?
Summer plans are to work hard and enjoy myself.. I’m in the studio nearly every day working on new music.. working on stuff with Melé, Toddla, Oneman and going into studio with Sinden too.. keep your ears open.
If you could play/ attend only one festival in the world this summer .. which one would it be and why?
I’d love to play Exit festival again, I played last year and it was one of the most important gigs I’ve done, people still come up and tell me they seen me there.. I was in good company too so the whole experience was definitely one to remember..
Where did the name Martelo come from?
Long story, boring story.. one I may have to keep to myself.. ;)
What is your dream meal including a drink, starter, main and dessert.
(I’m not much of a foodie..)
Ginger beer float
Spring rolls
My mums jerk chicken
Mint vienetta
Now finally.. when we met you were wearing an amazing Michael Jackson Tee, talk me through your style.
I’m pretty much a T shirt and trousers guy.. or stonewash denim.. most of my jeans are from second hand shops, they look better and feel better. I have way too many t shirts and hoodies.. I like windbreakers and bomber jackets.. and I quite often end up dressing like a bouncer.. :(
I also have a shit OCD problem with colours and cross branding.. like I have trouble wearing an adidas t shirt and nike trainers.. I cant do it. so stupid, I know.. Plus I pretty much wear black or grey all the time. trying to brighten up for the summer.. I’m onto navy blue.
