Green Velvet
Bigger Than Prince (Martinez Brothers Remix)
Chris and Steve Martinez or The Martinez Brothers as they’re known to the rest of the world, although looked upon by much of mainstream music media stateside as relative new comers to the powerplay pantheon of house DJ’s and producers, have been infusing the club scene with some of its most defining tunes and adorning magazine covers since they were barely teenagers. On the heels of an incredible 2013 which saw them author their first Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1, a globally viral remix of Green Velvet’s “Bigger Than Prince” (which you can stream below) and hold down one of Europe’s hottest club residencies at Ibiza’s Circoloco; we had a chance to chat up the hottest duo in club land about their current American tour, future hip-hop productions, their recent monster Coachella performance and working with Seth Troxler. Read the full transcript below, and for our friends in the Green state of Colorado we have a very special treat. The Martinez Brothers bring their show this Saturday to Club Vinyl in Denver and we’ve teamed up with our friends at TheHundred Presents to give you Ninjas a chance to get in on the action. Hit the jump after the interview for official details on how to enter!
The Music Ninja (TMN): Thanks so much for taking a second to answer a couple of questions for The Music Ninja. We know you guys are being pulled in a thousand directions every day, so let’s get right to it. A lot of people, in North America especially, seem to think the two of you appeared out of thin air and don’t realize you’ve been holding down residencies at some of the most cutthroat club nights in Europe since you were in high school. Has it been a bit overwhelming to have been plying your craft for so long, but having this avalanche of hype form behind you basically within the last two years?
The Martinez Brothers (TMB): The schedule has definitely picked up a lot in the U.S. for sure. We played a lot in New York since since we started playing and and also in Miami where we have been residents at Space for a while now. Chicago has been good for us for a while too. Even though, we’re from New York, we are for sure more known in Europe and it’s been great to see how artists like us who have a foundation in European clubs are getting more attention in the U.S. now. We’re looking forward to hitting Denver too this time round.
TMN: You guys have been in the midst of an American tour which included some of the states’ biggest events including Ultra/WMC and Coachella, as well as some amazing club dates at Spybar in Chicago and of course this weekend at Vinyl. How do you feel your reception has been in the U.S. this year?, especially compared to your extended stays in Europe where you guys are kind of like the hottest thing since sliced bread over there right now.
TMB: The reception has been really strong and we’re happy that we can get to stay more in the US now. We had an amazing Ultra / WMC this year. It was our first time playing Ultra Music Festival. We played a sunset set. It was dope. We also started a label and lifestyle brand with Seth Troxler and we did a party with him at WMC on the terrace at Space. In general we love playing with Seth as we have many of the same cultural references. We always love playing Spy Bar and that was good as usual. Would have to say playing Coachella was definitely pretty special. We loved the Yuma tent and being part of a big festival like that with all kinds of music is always eye-opening.
TMN: 2013 must have been an insane year for you two. Between having an incredible residency at Circoloco, one of Ibiza’s most amazing clubs and playing your first Martinez Brothers Essential Mix for the almighty Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. Have things been slowing down a bit through the first quarter of 2014, or have your production and travel schedules seemed to become even more hectic?
We took a month off at the beginning of the year and have been taking weeks here and there. We also work alot on the road. We produced two sound tracks for Givenchy fashion shows in Paris already this year. We’re about to launch our label Cuttin’ Headz which is a vinyl only label. The first release is by us. The jacket is a drawing done by us and will be screen printed and released as a limited edition. We are also working with some other New York artists on followup releases – Destination Void (phil moffa, brendon modeler, DJ spider). Those guys are making some ill techno and they’re from New York. We’re also working with our boys Jesse Calosso and Filsonik. Then there’s Tuskegee with Seth and that collaboration that is pure magic. We got a lot done and now the travel is about to get crazy for the summer touring schedule.
TMN: Not that the two of you can be pinned down to just house music of course. Your last mixtape, Warhol*Basquiat* 2, mostly eschews house in favor of lush, jazz- and funk-fueled rhythms. Where does your guys’ rich and diverse music background stem from?
Alongside our house music productions we’ve been working on building our hip hop sound. Warhol*Basquiat was our first mixtape. We’re working on a Bodega Bamz mix tape now that will feature people like Raekwon and Asap Ferg. We have our dad to thank for our love of music mostly. He went to the Garage back in the days and he shared the love with us. He also introduced us to Timmy Regisford and MAW sets and those guys pretty much gave us our first introduction to house.
TMN: Well thanks so much for answering all of the usual stuff, but now it’s time for the lightning round. Just a few fun questions to round us out.
TMN: You guys have been tagged as cratediggers from an early age. What has been your favorite record store in the history of time regardless of if it’s still in operation?
The first record stores we ever went to were Vinyl Mania and Dance Tracks when they were still open, and those definitely hold a place in our heart. We bought alot of our “foundational” records there, not to mention alot of friends and artists that we met just by being there. Glad we were able to catch the tail end of that era in NYC, we miss it alot!
TMN: What was the last piece of music you purchased?
Last vinyl that came in the mail was an album by Joe Zawinul called “Dialect”. Some world and even electronic sounds from one of the founders of Weather Report. Good Stuff!
TMN: Last great live concert experience regardless of genre?
We’ve just seen Little Dragon recently and they really blew the roof off. They got into some techno at the end which no one expected. Her voice is amazing and really distinct, and it carries really well live!
TMN: Okay guys, once again thank you so much for taking the time for The Music Ninja, and we cannot wait for your Denver debut at Club Vinyl this weekend. We honestly can’t remember the last time a club show has had this much buzz behind it in Denver, and are so thrilled for a chance to be a part of what will no doubt end up being a gigantic 2014.
Read on for official details on our ticket giveaway for The Martinez Brothers’ show in Denver this Saturday!
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