I was able to catch up with each of the Road to Movement featured DJs (and a few surprise guests) after their Movement sets for a quick lightning round of a few questions. Photos by me!
JUSTIN MARTIN
Justin Martin – the kind human, brilliant producer, DJ, What To Do… label boss, photographer, and more. He played a beautiful set at the Stargate stage and I had a few moments to catch up with him afterwards – these were his thoughts:
detroit.dance: What does Movement mean to you and how does it feel to be back?
Justin: Movement for me is such a staple. It’s such a big part of my year every year. I’ve been coming to Movement every year since I was just a fan, probably 12 years now. It’s so different from any other festival, so it’s such an honor to be a part of it and play at it. For me, Movement is the kickoff of summer and I have so many memories here. I was standing by the Pyramid stage earlier and I had this moment where all these different emotions hit me and it felt SO good to be back. Definitely really, really happy to be here!
detroit.dance: What are your usual feelings post-set?
Justin: Post-set I have feelings of relief mixed with adrenaline and gratitude. I feel naturally high.
detroit.dance: Do you have any pre or post show rituals?
Justin: I’m always in the room finishing up edits and music until the very last minute. I don’t really have any good luck that I do, I just try to get as much music done and make it to the set on time.
detroit.dance: How are your cats Tango and Jazz doing?
Justin: Tango and Jazz are incredible. They are my sun and moon, I am in love with them. They are the best cats in the world, they cuddle with us every night. There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a cat. It’s amazing.
detroit.dance: For last year’s Movement livestream you had the visuals of the floating UFO in Hart Plaza that spurred a ton of emotion – do you have a certain creative process when you’re making visuals?
Justin: I really had the spare time for the first time in my life during the pandemic to dive into visuals and experiment. I’ve always been into photography and videography but just as a hobby. When I started doing the live streaming stuff I wanted to be able to share some of my ideas in a creative way. After a while I had full control of the UFO on the screen while using a little midi controller and was able to trigger different drone scenes that I had taken. The main creative process behind it all was to go on YouTube and learn.
detroit.dance: If you were in a mountain cabin, what four items would you have with you that are not music related?
Justin: My two cats for sure, and my girlfriend. They’re definitely beings that are important. Then probably my camera.
detroit.dance: Do you have any projects coming up that you’re excited about?
Justin: Everything. It’s the 10-year anniversary of my debut album Ghettos & Gardens so I’m re-releasing it on my own label, What To Do…
I’m also releasing like 14 new remixes from a bunch of friends and amazing artists so that will be out within the next few months. And then hopefully in the fall if all goes well, my third album will come out also on my own label.
Check out the other featured artists and their thoughts post-set!
Andrea Ghita
Augustus Williams
Vincent Patricola b2b Jesse Cory
DJ Seoul
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Henry Brooks
ADMN
Justin Martin