interview: DJ Elroy

Webster's defines a master as "an artist, performer, or player of consummate skill" -- and not many words could better describe Martijn ten Velden. Over the past 20 years, Martijn has established himself as a world-renowned DJ/Producer and he has no intention of slowing up now. Martijn will kick off his debut US Tour tour this week at Beta Nightclub... And there is nothing more inspiring than watching a master at work.

Greetings Martijn, thanks for taking a few minutes to talk with us.  How has your summer schedule been thus far?

It's been pretty hectic but great. The season kicked off when I played at the opening of Amnesia in Ibiza. Amongst many gigs all over the place I also played at Dance Valley in Holland and at Global Gathering in the UK.

We've got a lot of ground to cover so let's jump right in - Sum up your musical career from the beginning through today... You went from a drum kit to being a hip-hop DJ and with a few side projects in between moved to an EDM jock and producer. What were you doing for work before you made music a full-time career? At what point did you decide that you'd prefer playing house to hip-hop?

When I was 16/17 I Worked in a kitchen for a while... First washing dishes and then as assistant chef. After moving to London when I was 18 I pretty much got into producing straight away. I would also play the odd DJ gig to make some extra cash and for a couple of years I even busked in the center of London to make ends meet. I started playing house in 1999. It was the vibe in house clubs that blew me away and pretty much converted me straight away. What I liked most was that everybody let everybody else just be themselves -- which was totally the opposite at hip-hop parties at the time.

Will we be seeing any scratching or other elements of hip-hop in your sets?

I drop a capellas and sound effects over the top. I don't scratch over the top even (though I could); I'm not a big fan of scratching over house music.

What gear do you prefer to perform with?

CDJ-1000s and the EFX 1000.

And how about gear in the studio?

All my gear is digital nowadays. I use the Mac Pro with Logic 8 and a whole bunch of plug-ins and sample libraries.

What sets you as a producer apart from everyone else? Can you describe the 'Martijn' sound, or is it something a bit more subtle?

I think I'm my own biggest critic so I always spend a lot of extra time on all the little details in tracks and people tell me they can hear that. I think I also have a certain groove in my tracks that people can recognize as typically me.

You've got an arsenal of original material and remixes under your belt, most notably your chart topping "I Wish You Would" and your recent remix of the Shapeshifters’ "Chime" (the classic Orbital anthem). What makes a track work on the dance floor?

A good groove, a good drop, a good melody, a good mix down, a good hook... it can be so many things.

Your signature sound has been described as "twisted-electro-minimal" but you've also got elements of house, techno, and progressive to round out your style. You're a bit ahead of the curve; what's the next big thing after electro-house?

In most places it has already been replaced by tech-house.

You work well both alone and with others - your partnership with Toolroom's Mark Knight has been hugely successful and your most recent collab project Splittr with Mark Yardley (of Stanton Warriors fame) has been making a buzz in music circles as well. What do you look for in a music partner? What elements does a collaboration need to be successful? What are the benefits of working with someone? And what's good about working alone?

I like working with people who also know their way around in the studio so we can take turns sitting behind the computer. This way the other person can step back for a while and just listen and have the headspace to come up with another little idea...When you work with somebody it's important you're having fun because that will shine through in the music. Working alone is harder because there is less vibe in the studio. But on your own you have more time to experiment with your own personal sound.

Let's take if from the music to a more personal level -- There must be days when you wake up and realize you're living the dream... How do you keep your feet on the ground?  

I first came to London with a single ticket because I couldn't even afford a return. I used to be so poor I couldn't even buy food at the end of the month. So every day I wake up I'm just grateful for what I have because I'll never forget where I came from and I also know I could lose it at any time.

With so much world travel you must spend a lot of time at airports and in planes - what do you do to keep yourself sane?

I always listen to my iPod so I don't have to hear the constant onslaught of totally over the top security messages which drive me insane!

Do you have any wild groupie stories you can share? Pictures might be helpful...

(laughs) I'll keep those stories to myself...

What's one of your favorite online radio stations or mix shows?

Pete Tong's Essential Selection.

Do you spend time on any music-related message boards?

No... Except for my myspace page.

You've come a long way in the past few years - award nominations for your Toolroom Knights Vol 1 mix compilation, 'Best Artist' and 'Outstanding Remixer' at 2007s House Music Awards as well as hit productions, hot remixes, world tours and more -- what does it take to be a success in the industry nowadays?

Hard work, determination, talent, patience and a bit of luck.

What projects are you working on now?

I’m working on two new solo productions at the moment. One is an instrumental track called "Together" and the other a vocal track with Tali (vocalist on Roni Size’s last album).

Looking ahead, what does Martijn ten Velden have planned for 2009?

My goal is to do an artist album but I know how hard it is to make a good album. I'll give it a good shot though...

And speaking of the future, what upcoming DJ/Producers should we keep our eyes open for?

Stimming and D Dub.

And before you go, let's do one hypothetical: Let's say you've just written your autobiography - What would the blurb on the back of the dust jacket tell us?

"I did it my way."

Sinatra couldn't have said it better! Thanks agin for your time.

August 14th @ BetaNightclub.com

myspace.com/MartijnTenVelden