WORDS: Alex Stevenson

“Martyn is dealing with dubstep’s groove deficiency by making some of the slinkiest, lushest productions around.” So says Kode9, Hyperdub overseer and dubstep visionary who has championed this Dutch producer’s recent “downtempo” output on Marcus Intalex’s Revolve:r label and his own 3024 imprint.

Initially garnering props in the DnB scene, Martyn Deykers seems keen to demonstrate both his versatility and indeed his ample production steez, inadvertently giving the dubstep fraternity a well-aimed boot up the arse with a series of immaculately crafted, widescreen, cyclical grooves all of which bump, thump and snap in all the right places, but also glow with a warmth reminiscent of vintage Carl Craig jams.

Content to hover on the fringes of the burgeoning dubstep movement, Martyn’s adventures in bruk science continue with much anticipated remixes for Black Pocket, TRG, Ican (of Los Hermanos/UR fame) and Shut Up & Dance. By way of introduction, here’s a little mixtape compiled by Martyn, highlighting the roots of his inspirations and influences.

www.myspace.com/martyndnb www.3024world.blogspot.com

1. Carl Craig: ‘At Les’ [Planet E]

I could’ve named many C2 tracks but this one is just a classic in all respects: great melodies, great beats, wonderful developing arrangement. A perfect track for any environment, be it a small intimate club or a huge arena. A key tune from my early clubbing days in small, dark clubs in Eindhoven, Holland.

2. Ricardo Villalobos: ‘Que Belle Epoque 2006’ [Frisbee Tracks]

I discovered the German techno/minimal movement quite late, but when I did I was blown away by some of the Villalobos tracks. I love his very intuitive arrangements and when I heard him play I completely understood. In ‘Que Belle Epoque’ he brings this kinda French chanson theme to the table which feels a bit out of place at first, but it proves that you can make any type of sound work on a 4×4 beat if you’re good enough! Very inspiring music.

3. Burial: ‘Archangel’ [Hyperdub]

My favourite Burial track. I loved his first album but the second one topped it for me. Much has been said about Burial but this is a track that became a song rising far above the genre it spawned from.

4. Roy Davis Jr.: ‘Gabrielle’ [Large]

Bit of an odd one out in this list, but being a DJ this really influenced me as it’s such a soulful tune yet with a huge bassline and proper beats. One of the instrumental tunes for the 2-step movement back in the day. Always a special moment when I’m able to slip this into a DJ set.

5. Cesaria Evora: ‘Angola’ (Get Down Dub by Pepe Bradock) [Lusafrica]

Pepe Bradock is another one of those producers moving on the outskirts of different genres, doing what he does best: making great Pepe music! Beautiful remix for continuous repeat playing on Sunday afternoons. Always a bit quirky, very soulful and rugged and noisy too – just the way I like it.

6. The Other People Place: ‘Eye Contact’ [Warp]

Another one for the continuous repeat days, produced by one half of Drexciya. This track has such an uneasy vibe, yet I can’t stop listening to it. Very easy to lose yourself in it and completely forget in what century you are. I discovered this only recently but it deserves its spot in this mix.

7. Model 500: ‘Starlight’ [Metroplex]

Classic track by (for me) Detroit’s most forward-thinking producer – Juan Atkins. Brilliant tracks have very few elements but are executed perfectly and this one is a great example. It still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I do want to mention ‘Wanna Be There’ by Model 500 as my all-time favourite highway track though!

8. Kenny Larkin: ‘Catatonic’ (Stacey Pullen Mix) [R&S]

A great piece of futuristic Detroit funk, 14 years old (yep, 14). If it came out next month I’d still be all over it. For me this really captures the essence of Detroit techno, that soundtrack to driving on the highway when you see the first big skyscrapers and bright lights of a metropolis in the distance slowly emerging from the darkness.