No Martina — No Partina! Meet the Young Blood Of Crowd Test

Live:STR SELECTIONS

by Sophie She

No Martina — No Partina! Meet the Young Blood Of Crowd Test

30 Oct 2024

Photo: Dina El Sawi

In just a year since arriving in Dubai, Martina stood out from the city’s music scene, quickly becoming a sought-after DJ known for her genre-bending sets and unique approach to sound. Originally from Cairo, Martina’s musical journey has been shaped by her love for eclectic instruments and a desire to push the boundaries of electronic music.

Ahead of her much-anticipated set on November 16th (get your tickets here) — an event that marks exactly one year since she first set foot in the city — Martina reflects on her evolution as an artist, the cultural influences that shape her sound, and the emotional significance of returning to the same room where she once stood as a guest, now as a headlining performer.

Photo: Salma Olama

— Can you share a bit of your background with me? What inspired you to become a DJ? I read something about the toy drum kit — can you tell me more about that?

— Since I was a kid, I was into performing arts. I was the clown of the class, the clown of the house — I loved performing in general. I thought I would become a theatre kid, but I kept coming back to music. I took guitar classes, but the educational framework wasn’t for me. I tried drums and learned a bit of trumpet, then the pandemic hit. During that time, I started listening to more electronic music. In 2021, I got my first DJ controller, the CDJ-400, and when I blended my first two tracks, it felt like magic. It was on and off at first, but eventually, I got into music production because I wanted more control. And that is how I became a DJ.

— How would you describe your music taste and style? How has it changed over the years?

— I think I am genuinely genre-bending. My brain works in a way where I create based on the vibe I am feeling. I have tracks that are ambient, others influenced by drum and bass, and even some that are heavily deconstructed and experimental. I am working on a punk song with a duo from Egypt, which is yet another shift. It is like "everything, everywhere, all at once" — that is my style. In my DJ sets, you will hear baile funk, deconstructed sounds, and local Egyptian tunes, followed by a remix that is more recognizable. It is chaotic, but it is how I like to keep the energy shifting throughout the night.

— Why does your Instagram bio say “brown noise”?

— "Brown noise" is my slogan, and it has a double meaning. Scientifically, noise comes in different colours — white, pink, brown. But it also represents my belief in the talents of this region, especially female talents. We are heavily influenced by the West, but we add our own cultural code, which makes our music different. It is about celebrating the unique voice we bring to the scene, and I think it is important to support each other, especially as women in this industry.

Photo: Rafiq Mahfouz

— Your music is known for blending traditional elements with modernity. How do you maintain that balance?

— I include acoustic instruments, like the guitar and trumpet, in my tracks. It is usually subtle, I don’t like it to be too obvious. I also love collecting and using unusual instruments. I have a baby harp, a stylophone, and castanets from Spain, among others. I love to use kitchen utensils to create sounds — for example, I played with a plate and fork for “Black & White”. It is all about finding new ways to make music and keeping that sense of experimentation alive.

— Who were your main supporters in pursuing a career in music?

— My dad was my first supporter. He got me my first classical guitar in 2008. I remember coming home after a rough day at school and finding the guitar box waiting for me. He would always encourage me whenever I wanted to take lessons again, even though I wasn’t the best at it. Beyond that, it has been a very individualistic and sometimes lonely journey. It wasn’t until recently that I found a community. Now, most of my support system is based in Cairo, but I am hoping to connect more here in Dubai.

— Can you share the most memorable moment or highlight from your career as a DJ?

— Two moments stand out. One was a gig with "Sound of Noise" by the Nile — the venue was beautiful, but the sound system wasn’t working well before my set. When I started playing, the crowd gathered around the controllers, craving music. It was stressful, but I felt so supported, and it turned into an amazing night. The other was my last gig in Cairo. After being on my own in Dubai for a while, I went back and felt an overwhelming amount of love from the crowd. It was such a stark contrast to the loneliness I sometimes feel here. I hope to carry that energy into my upcoming gigs.

Photo: Salma Olama

— Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?

— As a DJ, I am inspired by artists from Cairo like Yasmine Selectress, El Kontessa, and A7ba-L-Jelly. There has been a rise of electronic music in Egypt, especially post-2018, which has been really motivating to see.

As a producer, I would say artists like A.G. Cook, who works with Charli XCX, and the late SOPHIE, whose sound design inspires me to create unique sounds instead of relying on samples. SOPHIE's approach reminds me to always craft my own sounds, and that is a lesson I hold dear.

— What is your go-to song when you are feeling blue?

— "Prom" by SZA is my go-to when I am feeling down.

— And wha is your pump-up song?

— "Ultra-cunty" is definitely my go-to when I need a boost. It is a track I love to play during my sets to get the energy up.

— What music did your parents listen to when you were growing up? Do you think this shaped your taste in any way?

— My sister and I would play "Toxic" by Britney Spears on repeat while my dad drove us around. And, of course, Shakira’s videos had a huge impact on us. At school, it was all about the Black Eyed Peas and "My Humps." Those songs made us feel like we were the coolest kids around. Growing up with those tracks definitely shaped my taste and my love for playful, high-energy music.

— How do you connect with your audience during a live set?

— I prefer setups that create a closer connection between the DJ and the audience. Eye contact, dancing along with the beat drops, and acknowledging the crowd’s energy are key. It is important to me to react to their cheers, to show that I am in sync with their vibe. It makes the experience more intimate, even in larger spaces. I hope to break the fourth wall even more during my next set.

Photo: Rafiq Mahfouz

— What is your dream project?

— I would love to release an album and eventually perform live sets, not just DJ sets. My goal is to achieve this by 2025. I want to bring together all the instruments I have collected and honour them on the dance floor, blending live performance with electronic elements.

— What should we expect from your set at the Crowd Test festival on November 16?

— Expect a cocktail of sounds, high energy, and fast BPMs. I will be mixing music from all over the world and even playing a couple of my own tracks. This upcoming gig is particularly special to me — it marks one year since I first arrived in Dubai, performing in the same room but in a completely different role. It means a lot, and I hope to share that excitement with the crowd.

by Sophie She