From Rock to Rave: A Conversation with Fernanda Martins
DJ/Producer Fernanda Martins talks to 6AM about her journey through the world of techno
Fernanda Martins, born in Brazil in 1982, discovered her passion for music early on. Initially drawn to rock, pop, and new wave, she gradually gravitated towards the innovative sounds of electronic music. Her online explorations led her to influential artists like Carl Cox, Jeff Mills, and Laurent Garnier, solidifying her interest in techno.
Moving to Curitiba in 2002, Fernanda immersed herself in the city's underground techno scene. She began her DJing journey in 2005, initially focusing on funk and acid techno. Over the years, she expanded her repertoire to include harder techno subgenres, becoming a sought-after DJ known for her technical skills and energetic sets.
Today she joins 6AM letting us in on how she preps for gigs, the vision behind Audiocode Records, her performance for our WORK series and her journey through the scene.
Hi Fernanda! Thanks so much for talking to 6AM how are you doing?
Hello! I'm great, Thank you!
Before your journey into electronic music, you were into genres like Rock and New Wave before transitioning into techno. What was it about techno that captured your heart and made you want to dedicate your career to it?
This is a tricky question to answer. I can't tell you exactly why Techno caught my attention, but when I first started discovering it, it was a matter of listening, feeling, and falling in love with it. Right in the beginning, when I started listening to electronic music, I didn't know how to differentiate the sub-genres, but with time, I understood that Techno was what I loved most. Fun fact: The first time I listened to Hard Techno, I didn't like it. When I started DJing, I was used to playing different sub-genres with lots of Detroit, London acid techno, and groove influences. By that time, although I had never played it, I enjoyed listening to progressive techno, too. I started to appreciate Hard Techno music when I was about to complete two years career, and I started, little by little, to add it to my sets. Nowadays, you know how it is :D
Well, I think it's crucial to try different styles, experiment, and evolve (without disconnecting from your roots). It enriches your DJ technique and gives you fresh ideas and inspiration. That's why I love it when I can drop a Techno set here and there, and even more if I can make a long set and build up from techno to Hard/Schranz.
You’ve performed in over forty countries and countless festivals and clubs. Is there a specific place or event that holds a special place in your heart, and why does it stand out to you?
There are so many places that I love to play! I love the public's energy in countries such as Colombia, Spain, and Croatia, to give some examples. The west coast of the US is also becoming a special place for me, I have to say!
Now, if I have to mention the clubs themselves, I can say the massive Fabrik in Madrid or the intimate Moog Club in Barcelona, which has a quality sound system and where I hold a monthly Audiocode Event.
It doesn't matter the size or where in the world these places are; some places have a vibe that makes you feel like you are part of something special.
I just returned from Reunion Island, an island in the Indian Ocean, where I had a gig at the Electropicales Festival. It was my first time there, and I was mesmerized by those people. The party was great, and now I have another special place that I'm urging you to come back to.
Speaking of events played, you also played one for 6AM as well! We'd love to hear your thoughts and any standout memories from that event. Is there anything noticeably unique about the Los Angeles underground warehouse scene that comes to mind?
As I told you before, playing in LA has become something special for me. I must say that I love all the 6AM crew—first because you can notice how passionate they are about the music and second because they are all lovely!
At the parties, the crowd is welcoming and thirsty for dancing, and the parties themselves are great, too! The last one in June was amazing! I'm already counting the days to come back :)
We know you co-lead Audiocode Records alongside DJ Lukas. What’s the vision behind the label, and what exciting projects should we be on the lookout for in the near future?
With Audiocode Records, we want to provide a solid platform for promoting and spreading the music we love, the authentic Hard Techno and Schranz.
We try to combine the quality brought by already high-established artists in the industry and bet on the freshness brought to the scene by new talents.
We are thrilled to see the label receiving massive support from leading artists and, of course, Hard techno lovers worldwide.
Last week, we released an EP by one of our customary artists, Withecker (CZ), which also included a great remix of the outstanding newcomer Drakk (USA).
Coming next, we have the EPs:
"Osmos—Illusion [Audiocode 083]" and "RVLT—Voices In My Head [Audiocode 084]"; this last one will include the much-awaited track "Voices In My Head (Original Mix)."
Your upcoming gig in Phoenix on Halloween sounds thrilling! How do you prepare for a set like this, and do you have any special surprises in store for the crowd at The Ainsworth x Eleventh House?
I will bring a lot of new and powerful tunes! A bunch of unreleased tracks that will come out soon at Audiocode, and new music from myself, too. The goal is to make people have a good and spooky night on the rhythm of pure Hard Techno and Schranz.
Info & tickets:
https://www.tixr.com/groups/eleventhhouse/events/ha11oween-fernanda-martins-116553
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to our audience. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to greet everybody who read the interview and say that I hope to see you all on my next visit to the US.
Kisses and much love!
Fernanda Martins
Connect with FERNANDA MARTINS: Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook | Beatport | TikTok | Youtube | Spotify | RA | Merch | Twitter (X)
Connect with AUDIOCODE RECORDS: Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Tiktok
