One EDM Interviews Danish DJ and Producer Martin Jensen Once More

Martin Jensen began working in the music industry originally as a lighting engineer and designer. Afterwards, he became a DJ and create a musical style that is based on creating tracks that get into people’s minds and stay there for a long time. In 2016, Martin Jensen became the first Danish DJ in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list since Trentemøller in 2007. Also in 2016, his hit single, “Solo Dance”, gained over 500 million streams on Spotify and earned multi-platinum certifications in over 14 countries.

Additionally, Martin Jensen got ranked #45 on last year’s DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list. He recently released his edit of Stefy De Cicco and Ben Hamilton’s remix of Kid Cudi’s ‘Day N Nite’. The global electronic music scene is looking forward to hearing more from the Danish producer and his thrilling music. ONE EDM interviews Martin Jensen for the first time since the last interview with him in 2018.

Kenny Ngo: How was it like to work with Stefy De Cicco and Ben Hamilton again to produce the remake of Kid Cudi’s ‘Day N Nite’?

Martin Jensen: I really enjoyed working on their edit with my own take. Everything from the vocals over to the production was so much fun! It’s funny because ‘Day N Nite’ was such a big hit and continues to be played everywhere from clubs to edits at festivals. To revive it once again for 2020 is a great way to start the year.

Speaking of collaborations, which artists have you had a great experience working with in your career?

All of the artists I’ve ever collaborated with, both on-screen and in the studio, have all been amazing experiences. The Vamps were super fun and James Arthur was great. Although I didn’t work directly with Katy Perry in the studio, I loved adding my Martin Jensen touch to ‘Bon Appétit’ because I’m a huge fan of pop music.

Your 2016 hit single, ‘Solo Dance’, garnered over 500 million streams and multi-platinum certifications in over 14 countries. What do you think about that?

I think it’s actually more now! ‘Solo Dance’ was a turning point for me that really put me onto a lot of radars; music fans, producers, industry people more so than it had before. I am thankful for what ‘Solo Dance’ has given me and how it has helped me grow as an artist. My main aim for 2020 is to look to the future without expectations; just only through hard work and positivity.

What was the Danish electronic music scene like when you started your music career compared to what it is right now?

The Danish scene has always been great. We have vocalists like MØ working with guys like Major Lazer and gaining fans in her own right. Likewise, there are also a lot of both underground and well-known artists in dance music coming up. I still think it’s crazy that I’m the only Danish DJ in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll so I hope to see a lot more alongside me in the future.

How did you react when you found out that you got ranked #45 by DJ Mag on the Top 100 DJs list?

Incredible! I was like “pinch me!”. I always try to stay humble and not let these things go to my head. However, it was an undeniable achievement to feel the recognisation and warmth from the team over there and of course, all my fans who voted for me.

What has been your favorite festival to perform at?

Tomorrowland, I think, I have played there a few times now. I even brought the Major of Taipei out on stage with me at the UNITE event in Spain in front of 40,000 fans. UNITE’s flagship event in Belgium is crazy as well. The mainstage has some of the biggest DJs on early and right throughout the day so fans can really enjoy the full experience to the max. As someone that was very personally hands-on with production, sound, visuals and so on within my own career early on, it’s something I’m super passionate about in an event setting and they totally killed it!

Do you think tropical house music is a great genre for people to listen even when they are at a large music festival?

Yes! However, I always make sure I don’t stick to one genre, I think it’s important especially in a festival environment. I play big-room, house – tropical, hard, deep, pop and more. Whatever makes the audience want to have a great time and dance!

What are your next plans for 2020 and 2021 regarding music?

Lots of original productions coming this year. I’ll also be launching a new label, hopefully in the first quarter of 2020. I want to give young producers a foot into the industry without having to experience the intimidation or navigate the confusing world of not only entertainment but the music business. I want to give artists a platform where I’m an integral part of that and can offer them advice and assistance whenever they need it.

What is one beach resort or coastal city around the world that you would love to play your music at?

I’d love to return to Australia. I was lucky enough to spend some time with my girlfriend there back in December in Sydney. It’d be really great to go back and visit all the amazing people and show my support for the climate crisis over there. Byron Bay and up the Gold Coast from Sydney would be particularly beautiful and the Aussies are very great!