Doc Martin - Interview

Doc Martin: “Always be true to yourself, and always have your personality come out through your music. It’s a labor of love.”

Interview: Nick Clarke

Doc Martin has been a fixture in the electronic music scene for over three decades. Starting in the vibrant 1980s San Francisco club scene, his eclectic sets have taken him from underground venues to iconic stages across the globe, skillfully blending a variety of musical genres to create a dynamic, evolving sound. In this interview, we dive into his musical journey and influences, his current projects, and his special relationship with Japan.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in house music, and what keeps you motivated to continue in this genre?

I never had the intention of this becoming a career. I was really into the music that was coming out of New York, Chicago, and London. I would play a mix of Hip Hop, New Wave, Funk, and whatever else that I could get my hands on at the time. My challenge was to mix all these different types of music together, and have it all make sense. I still try to expose people to many different types of music. I think the biggest thing that keeps me motivated after 38 years is my love and respect for the music!!!

Can you describe the moment when you knew house music was your calling?

Growing up in San Francisco I was exposed to many styles of music. Everything from Rock to reggae. I had a very successful Hip Hop night in San Francisco. One Night I decided to play this music from Chicago. There wasn’t any Internet back then in 86. There wasn’t a way of knowing what was going on unless you actually traveled to New York, Chicago, or London. So a vibe was created by playing two copies of records, leaning heavily on the b-sides, mixing dubs into vocals. People from other cities that came to San Francisco dubbed it Space Garage. I became so obsessed with this music, as many others did from around the world. I would fly to New York just to go record shopping and to go to clubs.

How has your music evolved over the years? Are there particular influences that have guided this evolution?

There has been a lot of influence over the years. Going to New York to play in 1990, London in 1992, then Ibiza in 1994 all had an effect on me. Seeing that this music was global had a profound effect on me. I lived in record stores soaking up all these different energies. Seeing Andrew Weatherall play in England in 1992, playing with DJ Harvey, and Lil Louis at the Ministry of Sound on that same tour, to a residency at Fabric with Craig Richards. There have been so many talented DJ’s over the years that have been amazing and that I’ve had the pleasure of playing music with.

Has Japanese culture had an impact on your music?

Oh yes!!! I was first made aware of Japanese dance music through a group called Major Force in 1990, and Towa Tei from Deee-lite, who I later ended up being a tour DJ for. Japan has always been super special to me—the people, the understanding and knowledge of the music, the energy on the dancefloor. So much so that my label, Sublevel, put out music by Force of Nature and Little Big Bee, and we did a collaboration with DJ Mochizuki (Loop) called Underground Souls that was recorded in Tokyo. We also released our first album compilation here in Japan. We were so moved that we brought DJ Mochizuki to Sublevel in Los Angeles for a warehouse party.

You have had some memorable gigs in Japan, I remember booking you myself to play an all night set in front of Rainbow Bridge at Tokyo’s only all day/all night festival... it was incredible!

Yes, that show was special, especially with Octave One on the bill. A huge 50 ft plus window, that the sun came through in the morning. My shirt was completely soaked by the end of it, but so worth it.

What gigs in Japan stand out for you?

Wow that’s a tough question. I would say the marathon set at Yellow that went 5 hours past closing time to 10am. Playing at Loop for hours, people just kept coming well into the morning, Womb was another spectacular show, Eleven was always special as well, Taico Club Festival, Q-East last time with DJ Nobu was great. Too many to name. I’m looking forward to coming back as the last time was 2019. I believe this will be my 17th or 18th tour here in Japan.

How do you tailor your sets for different audiences around the world?

I play so many different types of shows - from big shows to intimate shows. It’s always 100% of me coming through the music. It’s always been about what excites me at the time. You’ll hear unreleased songs to music that was made 30 years ago.

Have you collaborated with any artists recently? What was that process like, and what did you learn from it?

Just this last year with Perry Farrell (Janes Addiction) w/Mark Bell, Robert Owens for Kolour Recordings, Oona Dahl for Selador Recordings, and I am in the middle remixing the Hardaway Bros from the UK. The process is always different. With Perry, it was taking psychedelic guitars and ambient sounds on a break-driven track. With Robert, it was more of a classic tribal approach. You never stop learning from being in the studio.

What kinds of music inspire you to be most productive and motivated, whether in the studio or in your personal life?

I like hearing something that sounds fresh - whether it’s brand new or 30+ years old. I will start going down this rabbit hole of trying to find more music to match that sound. I love music that has feeling and vibe to it. In my car, I have an affection towards Classic Rock, New wave, Hip Hop and Reggae. It always gives me ideas on how to update sounds and vibes.

What unique qualities do you find in crowds that differ from one country to another?

The music may be slightly different from country to country, but the energy to celebrate music is the same. I gravitate towards places like Japan, Berlin, London, Ecuador, and of course the United States. Anywhere where people are feeling a true love for the music.

How has traveling influenced your creative output?

I’m still a sponge that likes to soak up music wherever I go. I get excited when I hear music presented in different ways. It’s been amazing to see the world a few times over, and to bring that back home to share with people.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

A single we have coming up by a local San Francisco artist being remixed by Radio Slave. We are planning some upcoming Sublevel Parties. Expanding our clothing line; we just finished our 8th collaboration with Stussy. Just to get back in the studio, and make some music.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers looking to make a mark in the music industry?

I would say always be true to yourself, and always have your personality come out through your music. It’s a labor of love.

After all your experiences, what does being a global artist mean to you personally and professionally?

It’s been an honor and privilege to be able to share music on a global level. I’ve had some of the same friends for over 25 years, because of our love of music. I still love to see other parts of the world, and experience different cultures. It’s not always easy, but worth it in the end.

What future developments in the world of house music are you most excited about?

I’m really into the fact that people are mixing many styles into the music right now. House has always been about a vibe and feeling to me. It’s good to see young new ideas being presented to the music.