TuneLab
JUSTIN MARTIN in The Lab #SmirnoffHouse
at HSMF16
Deep house at a festival? In the Smirnoff House at HSMF16, Justin Martin proves that subtlety can still command a crowd, offering a welcome respite from the main stage onslaught. We’re all here for that bassline therapy, the kind that works its way into your spine slowly. The vibe is hazy and intimate, a cocoon of low-slung beats and shared nods.
Technically, this is deep and tech-house with a steady 124.5 BPM pulse, harmonically rooted in 3B to maintain a warm, melancholic undertow. The energy profile is fascinating—over 70% focused on the low-end, creating a swampy, sub-bass-heavy foundation that makes tracks like RÜFÜS DU SOL’s 'Innerbloom' feel even more expansive. Martin’s mixing is patient and textural, allowing long tracks to unfold and evolve.
The crate picks are impeccable: Joaquin Koen’s 'Special Feel' is a minimal, percussive gem, Jericho Ismael’s 'Vibe (Nikola Dejic Remix)' adds a tribal touch, and Miguel Bastida’s 'XAXAXA' brings a quirky, driving energy. The edit of Mary Jane Girls’ 'All Night Long' by Ardalan is a funky, nostalgic highlight. The journey begins with the cheeky bounce of Bingo Players’ 'Chop,' reaches its emotional zenith during the 11-minute sprawl of 'Innerbloom,' and cools down with the melodic, club-ready finish of Alle Farben’s 'Bad Ideas (Club Mix).' A full tracklist for the deep dive connoisseurs.