The Martinez Brothers — an American DJ and producer duo consisting of brothers Steven and Chris Martinez. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, they have become symbols of modern house sound and are recognized as two of the most influential artists on the global club scene. Their style is a vibrant fusion of house, tech house, disco, and soul — all delivered with their signature live energy.
Early Years
Steven and Chris Martinez grew up in a musical family. Their father, a passionate fan of disco and soul, introduced them early on to the sounds of Chic, Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, and Masters at Work.
The brothers began playing instruments at a young age, performing in church ensembles and jazz bands, developing their rhythmic sense and improvisation skills. This foundation shaped their later production style — merging classic groove rhythms with contemporary electronic structures.
Career Beginnings
Their professional journey started in the mid-2000s when they began performing in New York clubs. Their talent was noticed by Dennis Ferrer, who signed them to his Objektivity label in 2006.
Their debut release, “My Rendition”, gained instant recognition in the house community. Since then, the brothers have become regulars at major club events, known for creating a unique and infectious dancefloor atmosphere.
Breakthrough and Global Recognition
In the early 2010s, The Martinez Brothers became residents of DC10 in Ibiza — one of the most iconic venues in the electronic music world. Their long Circoloco sets became legendary, setting new standards for house energy and groove.
Over the years, they’ve performed at major festivals such as Coachella, Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and Ultra Music Festival.
Tracks like “H 2 Da Izzo”, “Two Much”, “Tree Town”, and “Let It Go” — along with their remixes for house and techno legends — have consistently topped Beatport charts.
Label and Collaborations
In 2014, the brothers founded their own label, Cuttin’ Headz, which became a platform for their original releases and a launchpad for emerging producers.
The label has featured artists such as Jaden Thompson, Lupe Fuentes, Mikey Lyon, and Joeski.
The Martinez Brothers have collaborated with scene leaders like Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones, Gorgon City, and Louie Vega, as well as hip-hop and R&B artists including Cardi B, Rick Ross, and Rema.
Their production is marked by a rare balance of street energy and club sophistication — bridging house grooves with a modern urban sound.
They’ve also collaborated with fashion houses Givenchy and Dior, curating soundtracks for runway shows and private events, blending high fashion with underground house culture.
Musical Style
The Martinez Brothers’ music is all about live, improvisational energy. They draw from soul, Latin, and funk elements to craft grooves that move both body and spirit.
Each set is a journey — from classic Chicago house to futuristic club textures. Their signature sound is defined by warm basslines, driving percussion, and minimalist yet powerful drops.
Discography — The Martinez Brothers
| Year | Release / Album | Format | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | My Rendition | Single / EP | Debut on Objektivity (Dennis Ferrer); defined their early house sound. |
| 2009 | Debbie Downer EP | Vinyl / Digital | Signature groove — a club favorite across New York’s underground. |
| 2012 | H 2 Da Izzo / Issshhh | EP / Vinyl | Marked their evolution toward tech house; “H 2 Da Izzo” became a club anthem. |
| 2014 | Tree Town EP | EP / Digital | Breakthrough international success; heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1. |
| 2015 | Stuff In The Trunk (ft. Miss Kittin) | Single | Dance hit blending house and vocal techno. |
| 2016 | Cuttin’ Headz Series Vol. 1–3 | Compilation / Label series | Showcase of their label artists and new-wave house producers. |
| 2018 | Two Much EP | EP | Collaborations with Jaden Thompson and Seth Troxler. |
| 2019 | Space & Time Mixtape | Mixtape | Eclectic blend of house, disco, and Latin influences. |
| 2021 | P.A.P (Party All the Time) | Single | Modern house with R&B elements — radio and club hit. |
| 2023 | Rizzla EP | EP | Dive into minimal and jack house — signature Bronx sound. |
| 2024 | Live at DC10 (Ibiza Edition) | Live Mix | Recording from their Ibiza sets — one of the finest live releases of their career. |
Awards & Achievements
| Year | Award / Organization | Category / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Mixmag Awards | “Breakthrough DJ Duo of the Year.” |
| 2013 | DJ Mag Top 100 Alternative DJs | First entry among the world’s top house DJs. |
| 2015 | Ibiza DJ Awards | “Best House Resident” (DC10 / Circoloco). |
| 2016 | Beatport Awards | “Best House Track” — Stuff In The Trunk. |
| 2018 | Mixmag Readers Choice | “Best Live Performance of the Year.” |
| 2019 | Electronic Music Awards USA | “Contribution to House Culture.” |
| 2022 | DJ Mag North America Top DJs | Top 10 DJs in North America. |
| 2024 | Ibiza Best Sets Award | For legendary DC10 summer residency. |
Interesting Facts
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Their label Cuttin’ Headz has become one of the most respected house platforms for emerging producers.
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Steven and Chris often play vinyl and live percussion in their sets, emphasizing analog authenticity.
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They’ve designed soundscapes for Givenchy, Off-White, Nike, and Louis Vuitton.
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In 2025, they plan to release a new album and embark on a world tour celebrating 20 years of their career.
Key Achievements
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DC10 Residency (Ibiza) — over a decade of performances at Circoloco.
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DJ Mag & Mixmag — repeatedly listed among the world’s top house DJs.
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Cuttin’ Headz Label — a successful platform for next-generation artists.
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Festivals — regular acts at Coachella, Ultra, Tomorrowland, Awakenings, and Sonar.
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Fashion & Art Projects — collaborations with Givenchy, Off-White, and Nike.
Today & Influence
As of 2025, The Martinez Brothers continue to tour globally — from New York to Ibiza and Tokyo. Their sets are events that embody true unity and the spirit of house culture.
They actively mentor young producers, inspiring a new generation of musicians to find their own sound.
Conclusion
The Martinez Brothers are more than a DJ duo — they are a cultural force connecting the Bronx streets with the world’s dancefloors.
Their music proves that house remains the soul of the dancefloor — and that real groove knows no boundaries.
The Martinez Brothers continue shaping the future of electronic music while honoring its roots.
