With deep roots in the golden era of storytellers, where music reigned supreme in the clubbing experience, Dad of the Year has built a reputation for his unique style.
Photo credit: DOTY – Official
Whether he is exploring the depths of underground clubs or performing against the backdrop of a picturesque beach, Dad of the Year consistently mesmerizes audiences with his deep understanding of the dance floor, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
Now residing in the beautiful paradise of Costa Rica, Dad of the Year has come full circle. Balancing his roles as a father, husband, DJ, and producer, he expresses his life through the power of music.
EG recently caught up with Dad of the Year to discuss his latest ventures and upcoming projects.
EG: Hi Martin, welcome to EG! Where are you right now?
DOTY: Hey EG! Thank you for having me! Right now, I’m transiting between my lives in Costa Rica and Montreal, which have been my main hubs for the last 3 years.
EG: You’ve been a pivotal figure in Montreal’s electronic music culture. How do you reflect on the evolution of the scene over the years?
DOTY: Montreal is very very special when it comes to electronic music, all the DJs are unanimous that it is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to representing electronic music. I think the scene has been fairly stable with the main actors and clubs still thriving despite going through a rough Covid period. I would say it’s more the culture that changed a lot around the world. That’s normal, It’s not better or worse, just different. As a DJ, there is no doubt I feel the change to the “festival” and “open air” formats, the visual presentation, and DJ performances that are more a “spectacle”. I do miss the underground, the dark tunnels, where the DJ was really more in the background. There are still a few places like that, but I think they will come back as a counterculture.
EG: Your signature style is known for all-night extended sets. Could you share what drives you to create these marathon experiences for your audience?
DOTY: I come from a generation of storytellers like John Digweed, Hernan Cattaneo, Steve Lawler, Sander Kleinenberg, and Danny Tenaglia… and these are the guys I learned from. Going through many, many hours of ups and downs, playing fillers, changing styles seamlessly, the art of playing at 6 am, 8 am, 10 am, this is where I shine. It’s a deep, deep understanding of the rabbit hole through thousands of hours of playing. It is unique and very special, almost like divine, and impossible to do in a 60 or 90 minutes set. That’s why I just decided not to travel or even take a gig under 2 hours. It’s just not worth it.
EG: Living in Costa Rica now, how has the change in environment influenced your creative process and the music you produce?
DOTY: You know, I’m not sure. When I started producing again in 2018 I was really into the “beach” “jungle” happy style with birds and all… and when I was in the jungle, where you think you would be very into, you know, the “Tulum” sound, I went back to my real roots, which is pretty dark and trippy slow techno. So, it influenced me kind in an opposite way. Now I understand that I need contrasts.
“I do miss the underground, the dark tunnels, where the DJ was really more in the background”
EG: As a DJ, you’ve navigated through various club scenes and played in diverse settings. What differences do you find in the audience’s response to your music in different locations?
DOTY: I always played ahead of my time. For me, electronic music is the music of the future, sounds and styles I never heard before. So, by the time a genre becomes popular, I’m already elsewhere. So no matter where I play, It’s always a challenge… that’s what I like! I need to sell it and convince people of my vision. Last week in London somebody told me “I heard you play very slow, I will come and listen but that’s not my thing”… and a few hours later the guy had a huge smile on his face and said: “OK, I get it”. For me, the true experience is in novelty and makes people go: “Whoa, what is THAT?!”. That is where magic happens. It’s always an uphill battle to bring people out of their comfort zone.
EG: Your music is described as transcending genres and emotions. Can you elaborate on your approach to storytelling through your tracks?
DOTY: Well, I don’t know about that but thank you, that’s very kind! Of course, that is the goal. When I produce, I am looking at musical elements through the eyes of a DJ, or rather the ears (laughter). I’m looking for what will have an impact on the brain, on the heart, and at different moments of the night. Sometimes, these elements are odd, unconventional, or provocative. You can blend styles together in an unexpected way. Like a good movie, you need darkness and light, contrasts, ups and downs, twists, and all that to get through a real complete experience. Again, you can’t get that if you go through the step-by-step motions and common expectations.
EG: In 2023, you mentioned that we should expect big things from you. Could you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming projects and releases?
DOTY: Yes! Omg, I feel things are starting for real. With the release of my first ‘Starman’ EP on EXPmental Records, it’s non-stop from there. Being on a massive Various Artists album on Leveldva in September, a fantastic EP called ‘Love’ on Magician on Duty with remixes by Landhouse, Matija, and Richard Elcox, Nährwerk, and Joe Carl, an EP on Nativo, a remix of Soble on Random Collective, a bomb on EXPmental October’s Mental Picks, and this is all this fall!
EG: You’ve released under various labels in the past year. Can you tell us how each of these experiences has contributed to your growth as an artist?
DOTY: At this point in my life, I’m looking for good collaborations. I really don’t care about hitting it big. I want to play for long hours, on good sound systems, in underground clubs. I want to be surrounded by pros, have friends I like to collaborate with, working with like-minded people who agree that it’s all about music and quality. I have been so lucky to have found my manager at Soundvision who has become a great friend and mentor. We work hard at building true connections and relations. My last experience with Magician on Duty was exceptional in the way I was involved in working with Adrian from the label on a common goal. At the end of the day, these are the people you spent 99% of your time with.
“By the time a genre becomes popular, I’m already elsewhere”
EG: With your focus on producing, what do you aim to convey or evoke in your listeners with your music?
DOTY: As ambitious as it sounds, I want to change their lives. I remember once a girl at the end of an 8-hour set came to me and she was crying, like deeply moved. She said, “What happened?”. I replied simply “I know, somebody opened the door for me once… I’m glad I managed to do it for you tonight.” Sometimes I have the key, sometimes not. But I really try hard that all my releases, all my mixes, are my performances are somewhat memorable in some sort of way.
EG: Being a father and a husband, how do you balance your family life with your music career, and do these roles influence your creative process?
DOTY: After 20-something years, this is like a “second wind” being known as a producer. So it opens new doors, new opportunities. But one thing is for sure, the goal is not to leave every weekend and go on tours. The goal is to have meaningful experiences. So I rather be picky, carefully manage my time and events, and be with them.
EG: What are your thoughts of AI and its use in the creation of music?
DOTY: Time has proven to be that it is absolutely impossible and counterproductive to resist change. Electronic is all about change. I remember playing on vinyl and people getting offended by the sync button. Now visuals are tied to pre-recorded DJ sets. People were using instruments and hardware, now computers. It doesn’t matter. AI will be both useful and negative, it depends on how you embrace it.
EG: And what about Social Media? Do you think it adds or takes away from what the club experience is?
DOTY: Again, it is what it is. You can bark about how things are now and the “good old days”, of course, for me, music comes first. So, I am a bit worried about videos and how DJing has become very “visual”, how you look, how you dance, and always getting the “attention” of the crowd, because people focusing on the DJ is really the opposite of them connecting together and within themselves. That’s why we have “shows” now, but not so much a “community” or a movement. I really wonder how I will thrive in that environment that has become like a necessary evil but have been through many cycles and changes.
“I honestly accomplished my milestones already. So from now on, it’s all about having fun and appreciating the journey”
EG: What’s next for Dad Of The Year? Where can your fans catch you next? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2023?
DOTY: Next up Berlin in mid-September in collaboration with Nativo TBA. I honestly accomplished my milestones already. So from now on, it’s all about having fun and appreciating the journey.
EG: Thank you for your time! We’re excited to see what’s in store for you. Take care!
DOTY: Thank you so much for this generous interview and your time!
Dad of the Year ‘Starman’ is now available via Expmental label. Get your copy here.
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