14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHDOC MARTIN

California’s Doc Martin and Homero Espinosa reunite on Radio Slave’s REK’D for the ‘West Coast Transmissions’ EP. Longtime collaborators since well before 2018, the pair have connected on multiple projects via Espinosa’s Moulton Music imprint, with more material in the works. Individually, both artists boast over three decades of experience and respective catalogues spanning labels such as King Street Sounds, Classic Music Company, and Martin’s own Sublevel Music. Together, they now debut on the latest Rekids sublabel with two cuts rooted in West Coast House sound.

Q: Please introduce yourself

My Name is Doc Martin I’m from California, and I’m Genre Illiterate.

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

I would have to say the Obama’s. For many reasons. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation, It would save me on a ton of jetlag.

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

There was a movie exclusively on Hulu called Prey, which I enjoyed very much. I would’ve taken it a real esoteric route, but it was very good anyway. 

Q: Who influenced you the most in your music career and why?

Here’s where that genre illiterate thing comes in. Since I started at the very beginning of this whole thing, I was influenced by Hip Hop, Electro, Reggae the music coming out of New York/Detroit/Chicago/UK/Germany. Everything from Section 25 to Black Uhuru.
 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

I was fortunate to see the world thru the years. Being a tour DJ for the group Deee-Lite in the early 90’s, going to the UK in 92, playing Ibiza the first time in 94. All helped shape the music that I like, and am gravitated to. I put in a ton of hours playing for different crowds. Making friendships that I still have today. I would listen to other DJ's and learn from different cultures.

I feel this really helped shape the sounds that I like.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

To keep yourself in check. Always let your personality show through your music.

Be humble, and appreciate the opportunities that come your way. It’s not always going to be easy. If you love the music, it’ll be worth it

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

Way many more than one. I would say the first time I played at Yellow in Japan. We went 4 hours extra. Fabric in London the first time I played there. Also CircoLoco the first time I played there. Plus a hundred more shows ;)

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

I never stop learning. I’m always pushing myself to try new things. I think that the hunger for new things has kept me going all these years. Also listening to many styles of music has helped me to evolve.

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

Probably something along the line of Drum and Bass/ 2 Step/Breaks. Ever since I went to Jungle Fever back in the day in Hackney, I loved all those early drum, and bass records. I made friends with a lot of those pioneers. We used to get our dubplates cut at the same place in London.

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

1- I would say Section 25 - Looking From a Hilltop. The ethereal feel of that record blew me away.

2- New Order - Your Silent Face. Another use of synths/vocals/and electronic drum machines.

3- Kraftwerk - Numbers. The nastiness of that beat at that time was next level.

You have to remember this was before house music. I was really into the sounds coming out of drum machines and synths.

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

That’s a tough one. I’ve been fortunate enough to play at a ton of beautiful outdoor venues in the US. I would say maybe upstate California (Mt Shasta), because of the beautiful nature up there. Also along the lake there could be epic.

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

Homero Espinosa and I just released an Ep called West Coast Transmissions on Radio Slaves mighty Rekids label. A remix for Roland Clark called The Strobelight. Also I’m going to be rereleasing a classic of mine called L.O.V.E. with Homero w/ D’Julz and Lawnchair generals remixes. Also a record with Oona Dahl called Soul on Fire.

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I was in a Ska Band called the Legsmen w/ Iz (Joshua) in the 80’s. I was also a Cook on my way to becoming a chef. I left it all behind to be a bus boy in a night club, and the rest is history.