Press

Billie Ray Martin (geb. in Hamburg), wird als “Queen of Electronic Soul” betitelt. Als Sängerin und Frontfrau des Londoner Deep House Projekts “Electribe 101” landete sie mehrere internationale Hits, bevor sie sich im Alleingang mit “Your Loving Arms” (all-time-classic im House-Techno) plötzlich auf Platz 1 der Charts wiederfand. Derzeit arbeitet BRM an diversen Produktionen und nahm erst kürzlich gemeinsam mit Stephen Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire) und den DJs Märtini Brös den Titel “The Crackdown” auf. Recording Magazin wollte wissen, wie aktuelle Vocal-Produktionsmethoden aus der Sicht eines Künstlers wahrgenommen werden.
RecMag: Mrs. Martin, obwohl Sie sicher intonieren, wird Ihnen nachgesagt, keinerlei Berührungsängste mit Melodyne zu haben?
B.R.Martin: Melodyne benötige ich nur in den seltensten Fällen, wenn ich etwa eine fehlende Note von irgendwoher zusammenbauen muss. Aber, es ist ein super Tool. Es verändert die Qualität des Originalsounds nicht. Das ist mir immer das wichtigste. Tuning kam bei mir früher deshalb nie in Frage.
RecMag: Nutzen Sie selbst eher klassische oder synthetisch klingende Tools um Ihren Vocals im Mix den letzten Schliff zu geben?
B.R.Martin: Beides. Generell ist alles erlaubt. Bei ‚Undisco Me‘ finden sich ca. 10 PlugIns auf meinen Vocals. Ich wollte roboterartige Tönungen, ohne aber die Originalstimme zu verlieren. Also habe ich immer mehr Effekte draufgegeben. Besonders hervorgetan hat sich in diesem Zusammenhang “Revolver” von McDSP. Ein fantastisches Tool für Vocals.
RecMag: Sie gelten als anspruchsvoll und beherrschen selber so manchen Produktionstrick. Bei Remixen wird oft schonungslos mit Vocals umgegangen – ist das Fluch oder Segen?
B.R.Martin: Früher habe ich sie als Fluch empfunden. Jetzt bin ich ein wenig offener für Experimente, was die Bearbeitung meiner Stimme angeht. Man erlebt ja doch sehr oft freudige Überraschungen.
RecMag: Haben Sie als Sängerin Unterschiede in der Arbeitsweise deutscher und anglo-amerikanischer Produzenten ausmachen können?
B.R.Martin: In der Arbeitsweise nicht unbedingt. Aber Amerikaner verwenden oft genau das Equipment, welches mir zusagt. So sind als Kopfhörer die Fostex T20 Standard in den USA. Hier kennt die keiner. Für Vocal-Aufnahmen sind das für mich die besten und einzigen Headphones, denn Bässe kommen definiert rüber und der Frequenzgang im oberen Mittenbereich ist leicht angehoben. In den USA kommt ausserdem als Mikrofon das Sony C800G oft zum Einsatz, mein Favorit.

Fotos: Wilschewski, Universal, Warner, Billie Ray Martin; Grafiken: Sash

my top 7″ singles of all time is out on bedsheets magazine: http://www.bedsupperclub.com/bedsheets/2..7/index.php

Billie Ray Martin – Vertont Roman Polanskis »Repulsion«, Track mit Hell
by Walter W. Wacht on Spex 06 May 2009
Roman Polanski EkelSchon vor vier Jahren kooperierten Helmut Geier alias (DJ) Hell und die Soul- & House-Ikone Billie Ray Martin miteinander: Die Single »Je Regrette Everything« sang die heute in Berlin lebende Chanteuse für Hell ein, nun wiederholte sich die Zusammenarbeit: die japanische Version von Hells jüngstem Doppel-Album »Teufelswerk« – unsere aktuelle Platte der Ausgabe – enthält mit »Silver Machine« ein neues BRM-Gesangsstück, verziert von klöppelnden und blubbernden Sounds aus Hells Synthesizer-Fabrik. Erhältlich ist das »Silver Machine« für ›uns‹ Westeuropäer zum Beispiel über iTunes, zudem kann man die übrigen Kollaborationen zu »Teufelswerk« mit u.a. Bryan Ferry und P. Diddy derzeit in Gänze streamen.
Am Freitag wird Billie Ray Martin in Berlin auftreten, dann mit einer Live-Vertonung der Stummfilmvariante von Roman Polańskis »Ekel« (siehe Foto/Still).
In der Box+Bar des Deutschen Theaters Berlin wird Polańskis Thriller (im englischen Original »Repulsion« betitelt) von 1965 dann neben eigenen Stücken von Billie Ray Martin mit Cover-Versionen von u.a. den Carpenters und The Velvet Underground ›illustriert‹, begleitet wird der Auftritt von Stereo MCs-Session-Musiker Clifford Slapper, der Eintritt kostet 12 Euro.

Billie Ray Martin vertont Roman Polanskis “Ekel” am DT, 8.5.

by Kathleen Fietz on siegessaeule 05 May 2009

Spannendes Projekt: Die „Queen of the Electronic Soul“ Billie Ray Martin vertont Roman Polanskis Filmklassiker „Ekel“ im Deutschen Theater

In den 80er-Jahren war die in Hamburg geborene Künstlerin Billie Ray Martin Frontfrau von House-Acts wie S’Xpress und Electribe 101. Mit ihrem Pophit „Your loving arms“ landete sie auf Platz eins der internationalen Charts. Danach verschrieb sich die House-Ikone mit der ausdrucksvollen Soulstimme unterschiedlichen Richtungen elektronischer Musik, arbeitete mit Kollegen wie Spooky, The Grid oder DJ Hell. Ihr neues Projekt ist die Band The Opiates; ein Album wird in Kürze unter dem Titel „Hollywood under the Knife“ erscheinen. Nachdem Billie Ray Martin viele Jahre in London gelebt und gearbeitet hat, ist sie jetzt zurück in Deutschland, lebt in Berlin und will hier neben ihren Band- und Soloprojekten als Electro-DJane arbeiten. Nun kommt sie mit dem Soundtrack zu „Ekel“, Roman Polanskis Filmklassiker von 1965, ans Deutsche Theater. Mit eigenen Electro-Titeln und Coverversionen von Stücken Liza Minnellis oder The Velvet Undergrounds vertont Billie Ray Martin die Geschichte einer jungen schüchternen Frau – gespielt von der damals noch unbekannten Catherine Deneuve (Foto vorn) –, die in ihrer Wohnung Opfer ihrer paranoiden Wahnvorstellungen und Psychosen wird und einen Freund und den Vermieter umbringt. Polanski hatte Sympathie mit der Hauptfigur und zeichnete sie als zerbrechliche Heldin und nicht als männermordende Irre.

Billie Ray Martin vertont Roman Polanskis „Ekel“, 8.5., 22.30 Uhr,

QX MAGAZINE No. 735 – 09 April 2009 Interview by Stewart Who?

Billie Ray Martin’s haunting, yet soulful voice soothed many a chill out party in the early ‘90s when she fronted the seminal ambient band electribe 101. as a solo artist, she enjoyed an international hit with ‘your loving arms’ and then went to Memphis where she recorded the critically acclaimed ’18 Carat Garbage’. She’s written a music column for QX, performed an avant-garde project at the iCa and forged a career in DJing. She’s one of the most intelligent, unique and principled artists to have graced the charts… and this Sunday 12th april is performing at loaded at area. as she’s been going to men-only gay clubs since she was a young girl, Billie Ray Martin is bound to feel right at home…

By Stewart Who?

This if the first public PA you’ve done for a while, where have you been?
No, I do them all over the world…constantly. The first three months of this year alone has taken me from South America to New York, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and many other countries. The rest of the year sees me in Japan, Berlin… So, no me dear, not the first public PA. I’m not Greta Garbo. I live slow and die old and will annoy everyone throughout the process as much as possible.
What inspired you to start DJing?
Not hearing the records I wanted to hear- the electronic music that might be dancefloorbanging-as-can-be, but also has soul and something to say… So I started my own club night and it all took off from there. Luckily, I DJ all ‘round the world now. It’s just taken off in 2009 for some reason. I’m thrilled.
What’s been your most nightmarish DJing experience?
Ohhh…a ‘commercial’ club in the city centre of Liverpool, filled with page 3 look-a-likes with handbags. The conversation with the club owners went like this: Them: so your agency tells us you play funky vocal house
Me: Erm, no.
Them: What do you play then?
Me: electro.
Them: Oh, shit.
Me: Oh, dear.
Them: Oh well go on anyway and let’s see how it goes.
I go on – room clears in minutes.
Them: STOP!
They paid. I went back to London. Is it strange being so accessible to clubbers as a DJ in a way that as a performer you are not?
No, it’s everything I’ve wanted. Not to have to dress up like a clown, but to just go on as you are. I mean, if I feel fab, I still dress to the max… but I don’t have to. Then I get to enjoy a room full of smiling people. Bob’s your uncle.
Do you take requests?
No!
Do you have a rider as either a DJ or a performer?
Sure you have the technical rider, ensuring that you are physically able to play. But both as performer and DJ, I don’t have a glamour rider. I will have one when I’m world famous though. Then I’ll rival Grace Jones.
As an artist, do you feel threatened by illegal downloading?
Difficult question. First I would say no, ‘cause I’m rock ‘n’ roll, me. But now with Spotify everyone will get ripped off and nobody will get paid ever again. Everyone can grab the world’s catalogue for free from there, so it’s fucked everything up for everyone. So now it’s progressed to a stage where I don’t even know which outlet to choose for my tracks to prevent the worst. So, I’m sitting on some finished album and single projects at the moment and I’m not sure what to do.
When was the last time you cried?
Saturday morning, when I turned the computer on and found an email from an action alert group, telling the story of a single baby seal out of 25,000 that had survived the previous 3 days massacres. It had hid in a cave. I went nuts and cried for hours. Oh, and listening to the new Pet Shop Boys album. It’s too good for words.
Do you remember the first gay club you went to and what it was like?
Yes, I was a teeny German girl of 13 or so in Hamburg and I felt proud that they’d let me into this men-only club. I felt ‘part of the scene’. Inside were all these gorgeous David Bowie look-alike gay boys and I fancied them. I don’t think I realised that I had no chance and what it was all about… the gay thing.
Berlin has some pretty outrageous gay clubs – have you ever been shocked while performing, DJing or partying?
Actually, I’ve not DJ’d much yet in Berlin, as I’ve just moved back here, so I can’t really say. I’m due to play in a few weeks, though, a few times. I’ve taken on a residency at the new Dice club, which is going to be so amazing. Otherwise, I mean, I’ve been to Berghain*, where they all take drugs and the rest of it but it hasn’t shocked me. Just the usual stuff.
You have a reputation as a strong and opinionated artist, have the years mellowed you?
On the contrary. I used to be unsure of how to react to the world’s challenges, so I was a bit offish, as they say, a lot of times. Now, I feel I know who I am and it’s made me secure in voicing my opinions and my needs, with no apology needed.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I’m a twitter addict.
What makes you angry?
A lot of things. Canadians killing 25,000 baby seals in three days. What fuckers! Also the Chinese continue skinning alive millions of cats and dogs for ‘our’ tacky fur trimmed anoraks and coats. I see the beautiful faces of the dogs and cats in my mind on people’s hoods and collars all over the world and I can’t believe that the buyer doesn’t know or care what happened to that animal. And for THIS? It’s so appalling. And yes, it makes me angry. There’s a major petition going on as we speak. Google and you’ll find it. And please, please buy no fur trimmings or any other kind of fur.
Is it true you grew up in quite a sleazy part of town? How do you think that influenced you?
The Reeperbahn, the red light district of Hamburg. Not sleazy… glamour, darling. At least in those days. Now it’s junkies and blowjobs for 3 quid. Back then it was a world city with money and high life to offer.
When was the last time you got drunk?
Some months ago, actually. I rarely get drunk anymore. It’s not worth the suffering the next day. However, when I do go for it, I go for it.
They say it’s disappointing/terrifying to meet your heroes, how as it working with Ann Peebles?
A spiritual thing almost, she is such a sweetheart. She walked in with some lavender, which she had brought in a tissue for me, as she knew I had some kind of ailment – I can’t remember what it was. To then see her get in the vocal booth and sing the first notes and ask me if it was ok, I felt like a worm. Like I should say: you’re asking me?
If you could work with anybody in the world, who would it be?
I’ve just worked with Stephen Mallinder from Cabaret Voltaire, which was one of my other dreams come true, actually. We’re singing together on the song ‘The Crackdown’ which will be my next release. It’s called: Billie Ray Martin: The Crackdown Project feat. Maertini Broes and Stephen Mallinder. It was unreal to hear our voices together as I used to stalk him as a toddler… but my one dream is to work with the Pet Shop Boys.
In the recent HMV campaign, you bigged up Pet Shop Boys and Chris Lowe bigged up ‘Put Your Loving Arms Around Me’ – surely that’s a good sign
I wish. I don’t think they’re into the idea. They do like me a lot and I’m proud to say that sometimes I’m in touch with them but…
What’s your opinion on musical award ceremonies like The BRITS, Grammys…
They are as obsolete and false as major record labels. They shouldn’t really exist anymore, but the ‘industry’ – the one that’s actually vanished but pretends to thrive – needs tools to convince the world that they’re happening and thriving and selling millions. It makes me sick and I couldn’t ever watch a minute of any of it.
As a DJ you’re probably spending more time in nightclubs than before. What’s the key to surviving life under mirror balls and on sticky floors?
I guess it’s keeping your health in check… and never drink alcohol while spinning. You think you’re great whilst making stupid mistakes, like taking the wrong CD out of the player and wondering why there’s silence.
Junior Vasquez did a number of BRM mixes, why was he your favourite?
His sound did really work for the times. He did really have a skill. I think the good thing about the American DJs is that they can handle a vocal. They love vocals and they don’t mess about. I’m just about to work with Morales and Knuckles and I feel now is the right time to bring some updated old school back.
Did you and Junior ever hang out together… and is he a bigger diva than you?
We met a couple of times. He was very nice.
What’s you best memory of living in London?
As a young ‘un in the mid ‘80s, when first leaving home, meeting people like the Sex Pistols and the Psychedelic Furs on Oxford Street. I thought I had arrived. And wherever that was, it was the right place. Who do we have the pleasure to meet now: Girls Aloud?
What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?
I’m not sure at this point. Keep hoping that humanity will change? Not sure…
What can we expect next from Billie Ray Martin?
The Cabaret Voltaire project I mentioned. Then there’s The Opiates album, which is done, but I’m still looking for a perfect label for it. So that should hopefully come out soon as well. So hang in there. Oh, and my new BRM single is almost done too. So all in the pipeline really.
Billie Ray Martin performs at Loaded this Sunday 12th April at Area. See Musts & Maybes, pages 72-76 for venue details and door taxes.
——————————————————————————————————————–
* Berghain is arguably the most hardcore club in the world. Housed in an old power plant in Friedrichshain, behind the Berlin Ostbahnhof railway station, it opens around 4:30am and plays industrial techno to a predominantly gay crowd of amphetamine fuelled muscle monsters and gabba freaks. It throws 30 hour parties, has no guest list or VIP area and there are no mirrors… anywhere. The décor is bleak. The venue is awesome and the music is often terrifying. While it has an enormous darkroom, people tend to just fuck on the dancefloor . It makes London’s after hours clubs look like picnics for pansies. It’s fantastic.

http://www.ourscenetv.com/main/2009/04/05/dj-billie-ray-martin

an interview with the legendary flick to download:

http://penetrationinc.typepad.com/my_weblog/dj-andy-reynolds.html

this took place in nov 09

Please check out a whole page article about billie in ZITTY MAGAZIN BERLIN this week.
it’s now online as well as in the print issue:
http://www.zitty.de/

nu article/interview at world dj:

there is a new interview with billie at world dj.

Interview with Billie Ray Martin :

Friday, 10 October 2008

Written by Selina Spain
WorldDJ.com had the pleasure of interviewing this talented lady in music known as the ‘queen of electronic soul’ – Billie Ray Martin. A determined vocalist, producer and DJ who has impacted international audiences with her live shows of artistic, soul-driven, edgy electro and unique electronic productions. She is never short of a project or two and unlikely to be forgotten any time soon…..

» When you first started DJing, what was most challenging for you?….

I started about two years ago and wanted simply to play records that I liked. It would get me out of the house.
It was a great challenge to learn how to mix and as a music producer, I found that it came very easily to me. I made some silly mistakes in the beginning which was funny…..

» Have you had any formal music or vocal training or are you self-taught?

I am self taught in every way. I had some singing lessons in the end, when my voice went, but that was it. About twenty lessons with the wonderful Helena Shenel in London, who fixed the voices of greats like Shirley Bassey etc. ….

» Do you have any current residencies?….

I had my own little club night ‘Komputerliebe’ in London for a while. I want to now start that in Berlin as I have moved back there. We already running ‘Komputerliebe’ in Frankfurt. I have also signed with a booking agency and hopefully I will be let loose on the world some more and I want to continue to work in London as much as I can as well…..

» You’ve travelled and gigged all over the world. Do you have a favourite venue?….

I don’t think so really. It’s all great. The best place I DJ’ed was in a big outdoor squat (!) in Rome, in an old military fort. It was massive, with a massive dance floor and amazing sound system. It was mad, with three-thousand people or so. You could play gabber or gay disco, whatever, and you could mix all that. It was too funny!….

» Who are your favourite international and local artists?….

I listen to country and western.. But in the dance field there are many new acts I love. Gemtos from France, Martini Bros from Berlin – too many…..

» Is there any particular musician or producer you would like to work with? ….

I am currently looking for the right person for my album, but it’s hard. They must be mad and have a great vision, yet work closely with my ideas as well. My sound is kind of ‘if yazoo was today and was French’. Very hi-nrg laden electro. Any ideas?….

» What have been the highlights of your musical career to date? ….

The love people gave me when I travelled around the world. With the release of ‘your loving arms’ was marvellous. Also releasing my own singles on my label disco Activisto. This was so rewarding as I was in charge and involved in every little bit of the entire production, mixes, mastering, artwork, graphics. Not that I didn’t do all that on major labels etc, but this was better. At the moment I find every DJ gig most rewarding. I thrive on it. ….

» Which non-electronic music artists inspire you?….

Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris. ….

» When did you and Robert Solheim form ‘The Opiates’? ….

About a year or so ago. There is an album finished now and I am looking into playing it to a label maybe. I am very particular about not just throwing that around to labels, to get the usual rejections etc. This is a good album and the press reactions have been incredible so this should fly!….

» How would you describe The Opiates forthcoming album ‘Hollywood under the Knife’? What other artists were involved?….

We are The Carpenters of electro. It is a collection of sick songs about confused characters. It’s about identity, or lack of and peoples pursuits of a little happiness, to find that there is no security in this life. Something like that.
We have the fabulous singer from France/New York – Naommon, guesting on one track. It’s called Teen Speed Rat Race. Otherwise it’s just Robert and I. ….

» Do you have any tour dates lined up this year or 2009?….

I’ve just moved back to Berlin, so am finding my new way right now. I’ve got a few gigs which you can see on: www.myspace.com/billieraymartin
There will be many more…..
Thanks Billie Ray…..

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Recording Magazin 6-09 interview

my top 7″ singles of all time is out on bedsheets magazine: http://www.bedsupperclub.com/bedsheets/2..7/index.php

Interview with Billie Ray Martin :

Stalk BRM

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