DJ Mag

Top 100 DJs / 47. Martin Solveig

2009

47. Martin Solveig

Style: Eclectic dance music
Best known for: Being French!
Gig of 2009: Closing the Tomorrowlands Festival.
Tune of 2009: Martin Solveig 'Boys & Girls'
Breakthrough DJ/Producer of 2009: Popof. He has the most interesting and creative style.
The track that changed your life: Daft Punk 'Daft Funk' - the biggest slam I received in my face.

What makes a good DJ great: The attitude. The best of the best, they really communicate with the crowd and you can feel it's a special moment.
Most underrated DJ: Laidback Luke. He's really a floor breaker and should have a higher international profile.
Biggest challenge this year: To make the English aware that I'm still alive!
Top tech toy: My HD 25 Sennheiser headphones.

There's something far too canny about Martin Solveig. When DJmag spoke with the French house head a few months ago - about his mix CD 'C'Est La Vie Remixes' that came free with our October issue - he mentioned that his favourite artist was Prince. Next thing he knows, he's been asked to remix the pint-sized funky one's latest single, 'Dance For Me'.

"It's a bit crazy, you know. If I do a good job I might get to meet him when he comes to Paris. If not, then for sure I won't," laughs Martin.

Martin is equally jovial about his appearance once again in the Top 100 DJs poll.

"It's something that is a lot of fun because with the other DJs, we meet around the world sometimes, but we don't get a lot of chance to battle in a way."

But he doesn't just mean on the old ones and twos.

"It's more banter with each other, like, 'I'm going to take you at the Top 100'. It's a fun time of the year."

Working with his icon Jean Paul Gaultier this year on his video for 'Boys & Girls' was a personal highlight, but Martin's main aim for next year is to marry Keira Knightley. "I haven't asked her yet so I'm not sure it will happen," he jokes.

Words: Helene Stokes