As Martafakka, the DJ taking over the world by storm, Marta Lee brings together music and people to celebrate. Crafting unique DJ sets that are equal parts memorable and magnificent, Berlin-based DJ Marta Lee finds power in collectivity; ensuring that everyone who sees her perform can be equally moved as she is through music. It’s something that’s resonated with audiences everywhere — from Miami to Mykonos — who are feverish in their love for the blend of genres and sonics that Lee integrates through her set.
As she embarks on a new journey and right after she performed a DJ set at Schön! Magazine’s latest event, Marta Lee chats about her work, advice she’d give to aspiring DJs, and her latest surprise.
You mix a variety of genres and sounds into your set, so every new song is unique and plays into a new genre. Why is it important to you as a DJ to bring together a mix of sounds and genres?
For me, it is important to bring different cultures together! This is what feels natural to me personally as well as when playing music. Many artists tend to separate genres and thus also cultures but I like to mix and spice it up so the music feels exciting instead of monotonous.
How do you typically prepare for your sets between each performance? Is it different every time? Is it dependent on mood etc?
It depends on two factors: my mood and of course also the event. The events I’m playing at range from club, festival, fashion- or even corporate events so I have to stay flexible. I prefer to go with the flow and decide from my gut – sometimes I still create a playlist beforehand but mostly it turns out to be an improvised set. [Laughs]
What is something that you aim to accomplish with every set?
My goal is always to inspire, entertain and make people enjoy. I want to show people something else than just the usual club hits, play some rather unknown tracks and be even more delighted to see people like it. Music can be something very powerful and I feel like it can enrich people instead of only being pleasant while you hear it. Coming from an artistic family, music has always been something very emotional for me and I’m grateful for being able to create a feeling, a whole atmosphere with it!
How would you say your DJing has grown from when you first began to now?
Ever since I was a little child, music has played a big role in my life. However, I started my journey as a DJ and producer only a few years ago and I feel like it is somewhat of a never-ending process. Of course, I took a lot of things with me to gain experience, even if they weren’t always the best events, but I’m grateful that I was able to progress so quickly – especially in an industry that is mostly dominated by men. You never stop learning and evolving and that’s so important to me – so I would say I’m still changing also artistically.
What is something you’d say to novice or aspiring DJs?
Essential: always be true to yourself! Otherwise, you will only be a copy, we have enough of them. Even if it is not always immediately well received everywhere – be unique! Trust me, it’s worth it.
Is there anything that you’ve heard recently that you’d like to incorporate into a set?
I can not say that at all because I constantly hear something I like no matter where I am. I hear a song or an instrument that I like and then I want to download it immediately! For that, I have some notes on my mobile. [Laughs]
You like to use your social media platform for good. Why is this important to you?
I think it’s a gift but also a kind of responsibility, the greater the reach. You should use that to make people aware of important things that they might not notice otherwise. For me, it is important to sometimes open the eyes of others or at least give them food for thought. Some topics are of course particularly close to my heart. Nevertheless, it is also quite clear to me that everyone should decide for themselves. Beauty influencers, discount codes and links to clothes there are enough, even if it’s something nice, but it is far from everything that should determine our social media. Motivating people, sharing with my community and giving good tips make me happy!
Lastly, you have a surprise to announce! What would you like to say to Schön! readers about this new chapter of your life?
Something absolutely unplanned happened, which I did not expect but today was the best news for me because I listened to my heart. I’m having my first baby soon and I can’t even put into words how excited I am! It is already bringing so much love into my life and I can’t wait.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll be out of the picture, especially musically. This is something that inspires me and fills me with not only joy but also motivation. There are a lot of new things coming up next year under my name Marta Lee, keeping Martafakka mostly as my Hip Hop DJ persona. I want to be able to live both, family & business! It’s all just the beginning.
Follow Marta Lee on Instagram for updates.
photography. Arnold Hammer
talent. Marta Lee
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