Synthesizing Success: The Martin Ikin Story

Martin Ikin

Martin Ikin, San Pacho, and Kaysin on the State of Global Tech House

United States

Musica

A New Era of Manhattan Nightlife: A Look Inside Musica New York

United Kingdom

bass house

house

tech house

Brazil

brazilian edm

brazilian tech house

Bruno Furlan

Summer 2024 comin’ in hawt! It’s time for a real house music MVP to headline NYC nightlife mecca, Musica, July 27th - it’s the one and only, Martin Ikin.

DJ and producer since 1990, Martin’s talent goes far beyond what you may initially ponder. A fully trained studio engineer and jazz pianist, his remix credentials include names such as Mariah Carey, Jamiroquai, Joey Negro, Masters At Work, MK, and Armand Van Helden. His versatility is showcased not only in his collaborations but also in the various aliases he has adopted over the years.

Previously known as DJ Mayhem, Soul Purpose, Indigo, Migrant – he has spent his life producing & releasing records on labels under many different aliases, some in which he still uses today. In 2003, he established his own imprint, Soul Purpose, which still serves as one of his primary creative outlets.

Describing his breakthrough moment as the monumental signing from Phil Weeks to Basement Records in 1991, the beginning days of his colossal career were heavily influenced by names that we now consider legends of the game such as Larry Heard, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson.

In addition to his roles as a producer and DJ, Martin has served as the bandleader for numerous jazz funk projects. Even today, he remains active in these endeavors, performing live, engaging in session work, and sharing his expertise by teaching piano. His exceptional instrumental proficiency is evident in many of his standout tracks, characterized by exquisitely crafted piano melodies and breaks. It's these uplifting and soulful elements that contribute to the distinctiveness of his dance floor ready sounds.

Hooked

He has seen a meteoric rise up the ranks over the years, being the biggest selling tech house artist on Beatport in 2020, featuring in the top 10 producers in the world (1001 Tracklist) three times, and achieving a gold disc award for his standout track ‘Headnoise (Get Hype)’. It makes sense seeing as though he has quite literally dedicated his life to music, releasing records since the age of 17 on some of the most coveted labels, including Toolroom, Ultra, BlackBook, Repopulate Mars, Ultra and Elrow…

Though he’s got nearly two decades of musical wizardry under his belt, you may best know him for his 2019 track ‘Hooked’ released on Fisher’s massively sought-after Catch and Release label. Or maybe his hit remix for Basement Jaxx!

Joining Martin Ikin on July 7th at Musica will be special guest Bruno Furlan—one of Brazil's freshest underground talents and the founder of Track ID. His evolving style, rooted in his culturally rich upbringing, has earned acclaim from top labels like Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations, Chris Lake’s Black Book Records, and Sonny Fodera’s Solotoko.

Bruno has impressed audiences at major festivals such as Miami Music Week and Ultra in Brazil and Peru. His exceptional skills earned him an invitation from Chris Lake to perform at Brooklyn Mirage. This summer, he's also taken center stage at iconic venues like Amnesia Ibiza and Space Miami.


Circling back to Martin Ikin—though his career has recently soared to new heights, he remains a seasoned veteran of house music. Musica serves as the ideal venue for Ikin’s distinctive tech house charm. With its blend of tradition and Italian flair, Musica challenges the typical expectations of a New York City club, providing the perfect setting for dedicated ravers eager to experience a marathon of the city's finest house music.

Martin Ikin w. Bruno Furlan & Guests

Robyn Balliet

Spain

spanish techno

Bastian Bux

Madison Park

dance pop

Will Sass

Superior Ingredients Roof

Martin Ikin w. Bastian Bux, Robyn Balliet

Italy

italian tech house

Blackchild

Sante Sansone

HVNLEE

Etienne

Vithz

Debut

Debut: ATARASHI NYC w. Blackchild, Sante Sansone + More TBA

melodic house

Durante

Sanvero

AXELA

artemis orion

progressive house

deep house

Braxton

Durante w. Braxton & Guests

Bijou

Dillon Nathaniel

ero808

BERK

bassline

kyogre

BIJOU w. Dillon Nathaniel, Ero808, BERK & Kyogre

Germany

experimental house

Sofia Kourtesis

lo-fi house

Laurence Guy

DuNE

disco house

Anish Kumar

BLUE

BLUE: Sofia Kourtesis, Laurence Guy, Lauren Murada

uk tech house

Deeper Purpose

electroclash

indie dance

Rex The Dog

Trace

MISS PIPS

Argentina

Blank Sense

Deeper Purpose w. Rex The Dog & Trace

Moldova

moldovan pop

progressive electro house

trance

Andrew Rayel

big room

4YÛ

PANTÉ

The Room at Superior Ingredients

Curaçao

dutch house

Shermanology

Ecuador

Mr.Diamond

Kitty Amor

multidisciplinary

Eli Fola

breakcore

uk garage

Swami Sound

D'Eaupe New York

deep euro house

minimal melodic techno

Jonas Saalbach

deep techno

Ae:ther

polish techno

ANII

Nuran

PAGODA

Jonas Saalbach w. AE:THER & ANII

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker & Friends

canadian electronic

electro house

electronic trap

fidget house

turntablism

A-Trak

uk house

Melé

LEFTI

Alessandra Jamarne

Doubleheader

Gray Area is pioneering the "Doubleheader" event series, drawing inspiration from back-to-back baseball games to showcase artists with similar styles but unique fan bases. By having one artist follow another and culminating in a collaborative back-to-back (B2B) set, Doubleheader aims to create a powerful platform for musical discovery and cross-pollination. Embracing the "B2B" spirit, the initiative seeks to introduce audiences to new sounds while strengthening the dance music ecosystem.

Martin Ikin w. Bruno Furlan & Guests

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