MARTYR.
It starts with energy.
MARTYR on Scuba Went Wrong, Golden Grooves and the new artists who deserve to be heard.
MARTYR
A first track, a terrace on the outskirts of Tirana, and a crowd that gives you confidence. MARTYR talks about techno as an inspiration, Indie Dance in his sets, and Golden Grooves, the project he started with 20 people. A conversation about what you learn behind the decks and the spaces that new talent needs.
MARTYR is a Tirana DJ and producer and the founder of Golden Grooves. Scuba Went Wrong marks his first project as an electronic music producer.
Between anxiety and release
You share Scuba Went Wrong on your profile. What was the idea that gave this track its direction?
Scuba Went Wrong is my first project as an electronic music producer. I actually started this track as an experiment while I was learning the elements of production step by step. That was when I realised I was drawn towards harder rhythms, or what is also categorised as “peak time”.
I think Scuba has a different rhythm from classic techno. It conveys a feeling of anxiety and release at the same time, which go very well together in this genre. There is a reason for the title. Although my sound as a DJ today is mainly Indie Dance, techno will always remain an inspiration for me.
The crowd is the test
When you play your own music in a set, what does the crowd’s response tell you that you cannot hear in the studio?
It is the best possible test of whether you have done a good job. In the studio, only your own ears guide you, whereas during a set it is the people who give you the confidence to keep going. Energy is the essence, not only in music but in life too, and energy never disappoints.
In the studio, only your own ears guide you, whereas during a set it is the people who give you the confidence to keep going.
From 20 people to a community
You speak very warmly about the community in your Golden Grooves post. What makes that gathering feel special to you?
Golden Grooves will always be the most unique event for me. It is the first space through which I was “born” as a DJ. It is a project I founded, initially to give myself a platform to be heard.
Today it is one of the most enjoyable events in the capital, with one of the most wonderful sunset views you can find, carefully selected music, and a community of beautiful souls who have a lot in common. It started with 20 people. Today, that charming terrace on the outskirts of Tirana has exceeded expectations and has become a platform that supports many new artists.
Two people behind the decks
You have also shared a b2b with ON.PLAY at Underground Agimi. How do you find common ground when there are two of you behind the decks?
I have a great deal of respect for Gerti, known by his artist name ON.PLAY, because he is one of the longstanding people in this industry and has contributed a lot to the music scene. My first time at Agimi Underground was very enjoyable, partly because our musical preferences were close.
Playing a set with someone else is not easy at all. I would describe the set with ON.PLAY as a combination of talent and experience. We are two DJs united by a great passion for music. The set will be on SoundCloud very soon.
Space for new voices
What is happening in Tirana’s scene today that you think deserves more attention abroad?
Tirana has changed very quickly when it comes to electronic music. I am happy that this music is more present than ever today and that more and more major artists are coming to perform. But I can also say that there are many very talented young local artists who have had few platforms where they can be heard.
International collaborations are an excellent opportunity to build confidence and encourage these young people to keep pursuing their dreams, and I include myself in that.
MARTYR
Interview by email · Editorial and image art direction: SCENE:ID. Elios Dhora · @prettylightsz