Getting To Know… Martin Brodin

Getting To Know… Martin Brodin

feeder: Hi Martin, it’s a pleasure to chat with you today; how are you?

Martin Brodin: All good, thanks! I’m just kicking back with a cold beer, enjoying some awesome tunes, and diving into your selection of questions. Life’s pretty great right now!

f: Please tell us a little about your musical background.

MB: Sure thing! Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, I was surrounded by a diverse array of music, but what really captivated me was the synth and new wave sound of that era. Bands like Depeche Mode, Yello, and Kraftwerk, along with the Swedish trio Adolphson & Falk, had a huge impact on me. Their innovative use of electronic instruments and unique sounds shaped my musical tastes and continue to inspire me to this day. 

f: When did you start making music? Did production or DJing come first for you?

MB: I started making music around 2004 and had my first release in 2005. Before diving into production, I dabbled in home DJing in the late ’90s, which paved the way for my professional DJ career in the early 2000s. It was a natural progression from spinning tracks to creating my own, and both aspects have been an incredible journey.

f: What was your first release? 

MB: My first release was “Semitone Shuffle,” which came out on my label Deeplay Soultec back in 2005. It was a special project co-produced and written with my good friend Rob Hardt from Cool Million. That track marked the beginning of an exciting journey in music production for me.

f: Your two record labels, MB Disco and MB Edits have both been running for over a decade each now. How’s it all going with those?

MB: Time flies! The first three years of MB Disco were incredibly busy with loads of releases and activities. After a hefty 8-year hiatus, the label made a comeback in 2021, and now we’re full-on with a steady stream of releases, excited for what the musical future holds. MB Edits was born right after the break of MB Disco and had a few releases before pausing in 2015. We’re gearing up to re-launch the MB Edits label later in 2024, focusing on fresh edits of classic tracks. It’s an exciting time for both labels!

f: Who can we expect to find on the labels?

MB: Well, aside from myself as the label owner, we’ve got some incredible talent lined up. Legendary Giorgio Moroder is set to release his seminal track “I Wanna Rock You” in September, complete with remixes from Shakedown and yours truly. We’re also excited to introduce Swedish Disco Jets, a fantastic new super duo from Sweden. And there’s plenty more in the pipeline, but we’ll keep those details under wraps for now. Stay tuned for some amazing releases!

f: Which of your own tracks was the biggest labour of love to create? 

MB: There are so many, but one that stands out on a deeply personal level is “Wilmer Pt. 1 & 2″ from my debut album “Bla Bla Bla”. This track holds a special place in my heart because I recorded the heartbeat of my unborn son at the time and incorporated it into the music. Some of the beats in the track are actually derived from his heartbeat. As you can imagine, it was an incredibly emotional and meaningful project for me.

f: As a remixer, you’ve reimagined The Human League’s ‘Sky’, Giorgio Moroder’s ‘The Chase’ and Visage’s ‘She’s Electric’, among others, have you got a favourite? 

MB: It’s hard to choose since I’m quite proud of all of them, considering these artists are legends. However, if I had to pick one, it would be the edit I did of Yello’s “Bostich.” Being a HUGE fan of Yello during my teens, I feel that this remix holds a special place in my heart. It was released on my MB Edits label and remains a standout for me.

f: Do you have any plans for a new album?

MB: Absolutely, I’ve got a ton of exciting ideas for an album project! However, that’s something for the future. At the moment, I’m fully immersed in other studio projects and have a lineup of singles ready to go. Stay tuned—big things are on the horizon!

f: You’re based in Sweden, how is the scene there these days and where do you like to party?

MB: To be completely honest, the scene is a bit slow at the moment, especially in terms of clubs. There are a few venues and some dedicated folks trying to reinvigorate it, but it’s been a tough road after the pandemic. I’m optimistic that things will turn around soon. In the meantime, when I want to hit the town, I usually head over to Copenhagen, Denmark, just a quick 30-minute train ride from my base in Malmö. The vibe there is always on point!

f: What’s been your biggest achievement in the music industry so far?

MB: Wow, that’s a tough question! Is there really a single “biggest” achievement? For me, the most significant milestones are on a personal level. It’s the incredible connections I’ve made while travelling the world for DJ gigs and attending events like ADE, Miami, or Midem. Meeting such friendly and passionate people, some of whom have become lifelong friends, has been truly amazing. That, for me, is the real highlight of this journey.

f: Which dance track holds the most precious memories for you?

MB: Without a doubt, Lil Louis – “French Kiss.” It’s an absolute classic that takes me back to a holiday in Spain in 1989. The first time I heard it, I was completely blown away. The track was unlike anything else at the time, with its innovative sound and infectious groove. It’s a track that still resonates deeply with me and brings back some unforgettable memories. 

f: Who are your top 3 current producers?

MB: Lindström, Dombrance and Voon.

f: What else is in the pipeline for Martin Brodin?

MB: I’m excited to share that my new EP, “Midnight Star EP,” is on the horizon. On top of that, I’m diving into a thrilling new project featuring an incredible lineup of vocal talents: Kathy Diamond, Camille Jones, SXCHA, and Nina Hall. There’s a lot of creative energy and collaboration coming your way, and I can’t wait to reveal more!

Martin Brodin ft Soul Samarai ‘How Good You Feel’ (Block & Crown and PEZNT Remixes) is out now on MB Disco.