Dropping the aliases with Martin Ikin

Photo: Martin Ikin Credit: Johnny S Photography

You'll know who he is, but until recently, you probably didn't know his actual name. Having produced dance music since the dawn of the nineties, Martin Ikin has maintained a presence in the underground through a variety of pseudonyms - DJ Mayhem, Indigo, Soul Purpose, Migrant... we could go on.

Over the years he's had his productions snapped up by labels like Defected, Nervous, OFF, Get Physical, Exploited, Zrecords, 3Beat, and MOS, as he continued to deliver house music of the highest order, drawing on the sounds of UK garage to pioneer a style that is now very much at the very heart of popular club music.

Ahead of his debut set as Martin Ikin at Project Presents in Cardiff this weekend, we caught up with the man himself to find out why he's dropped the aliases, his take on the scene at the moment, and how being a skilled jazz pianist maybe isn't the most useful thing for a house music producer.

You've had your fair share of monikers in your long career, why is it only relatively recently that you've decided to go under your real name?

In all honesty it was probably a mistake having so many different aliases over the years, each time you change your name its like starting from scratch. So I thought it was time to just put the aliases down and use my real name and stick with it for once.

Do you feel that the music you're producing now best reflects your musical leanings?

Dance or club wise I would say so, yes. Chilling out in the bath, probably not! 

You've been through all sorts of changes in the scene over your career, but how would you rate the current climate in house music? Is the scene in better health than ever?

I've said this a few times recently! The house scene is definitely at its strongest and most popular right now - long may it continue!

On February 28th we're told you'll be playing your first set under the Martin Ikin name in Cardiff. Are you looking forward to it? What do you have in store for it?

Of course, I always look forward to playing, especially when its a debut. You'll have to come along and see if you wanna know what's in store.

You launched as Martin Ikin with 'I Know' for OFF recordings back in 2013 (above), and have since done stuff with Simma Black and a host of remixes for Disclosure and Clean Bandit amongst more. What other productions can we look forward to from yourself?

Lots and lots of stuff forthcoming... I don't want to give too much away, but something I can mention now is the new collaboration with Low Steppa (read his interview with us) that should be coming out very soon (give it a listen below).

You've mentioned your influences vary from Herbie Hancock to Roy Ayers, whilst you’re also a jazz pianist. How does jazz and the like affect your approach to house music?

Good question... sometimes it's a blessing when composing and playing chord parts and that, but on the other hand it can easily be a hindrance. You don't want to get too hung up on theory and rules when making house so you have to learn how to forget everything you know sometimes.

What is your gigging schedule looking like over the next few months? Any particular highlights you’re looking forward to?

Flat out luckily, I'm really looking forward to Jakarta and Thailand, I love travelling.

Out of the many aliases and releases you've had in your career, which record of yours are you proudest of?

Ah, hard question that one, they're all my babies, I couldn't possibly pick a favourite, that would be unfair on the others.

Final question, and its a hypothetical one. You've been asked to throw your ultimate rave. You can have the bill on any DJ in history, alive or dead. Where would you have it, and who would join you on the bill?

Oh wow, right the venue would have to be one of those amazing beaches in Costa Rica. DJ wise its a bit harder but one of my all time House hero's Derrick May would be on there for sure. And seeing as it was my party I'd want Stevie Wonder to kick start the night banging out a few of his many masterpieces.

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