The Many Layers of Marten Lou
If you love melodic, deep, or afro house, chances are you’ve already come across Marten Lou—or you will soon. Born in Germany but with a sound deeply influenced by his time in Paris, Marten is one of those artists who feels like he’s everywhere right now. From “Another Life” to “My Love For You (Yebba’s Heartbreak)”, his tracks have been getting spins from names like Keinemusik, Adriatique, Bedouin, BLOND:ISH, and Camelphat.
His career really started to take shape after he released “My Love For You (Yebba’s Heartbreak)”. That track opened the door to labels like Drake’s OVO, FFRR, Warner Music, and Atlantic Records, and suddenly his music was hitting millions of streams and getting featured on Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 show and Tomorrowland’s One World Radio.
But it’s not just about the studio for Marten—he’s also been putting in work on stage. From Coachella and Burning Man to Ibiza and New York, his sets have brought melodic grooves and emotional builds to audiences across the globe. And if you ask him, New York tops his list as his favorite city to perform in.
In this interview, Marten shares what inspires him and his artistic workflow, how Paris shaped his sound, and why he’d collaborate with Justin Bieber. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the genre or just looking for someone new to get into, Marten Lou is someone worth keeping on your radar.
If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?
I've been passionate about music for as long as I can remember, and it has always been my dream to pursue it professionally after high school. Because of that, I never seriously considered any other paths.
What’s the most memorable moment of your career?
There have been many memorable moments over the past few months and years, but the one that stands out the most was about two years ago, when I uploaded my track "My Love For You (Yebba's Heartbreak)." That’s when everything started to fall into place, and my professional career really began to take off. And of course, playing at Coachella this year was another unforgettable highlight.
Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?
There are many artists from different genres that really inspire me, such as Keinemusik and WhoMadeWho. There are some big but also smaller artists that I look up to, and I generally always check what is going on in the world of music.
What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?
My Another Life Remix usually gets the crowd to a very high energy level ☺.
What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show? It really depends on the day and the vibe in general, but I probably wouldn’t say no to some fresh fruits & a shot of tequila.
What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?
This is a tough one to answer since I’m moving between many different cities almost every week. Each city has its own unique and special vibe, but if I had to choose, New York City would definitely be at the top of my list.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
Melodic, emotional, moving.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
There are definitely a few artists I would collaborate with. I like to bring different genres together, so one artist I’d mention is Justin Bieber.
What’s your favorite non-music-related hobby?
I love cooking and playing soccer – they’re both activities that keep me energized and relaxed.
What is simple that makes you smile?
Seeing people enjoy and dance to my music is one of the most rewarding feelings.
What are some things you forget but feel better when you are reminded about?
With everything moving so quickly, it's important to take a moment to reflect on all that you've already accomplished. I think this is something we sometimes forget to do.
