In the vast, thumping universe of dance music, where trends are fleeting and beats often blur into oblivion, Martone stands as a singular force of identity, purpose, and pulse. With The Evolution of Martone – 10th Anniversary Edition, the Detroit-born house music visionary doesn’t just celebrate a decade in the game—he reasserts his place in the genre’s royal court with a record that is as forward-thinking as it is foundational.
House music has always thrived on reinvention, and Martone’s 10-year retrospective is a masterclass in that art. Rather than simply repackaging past triumphs, he reconstructs them with the precision of a producer who understands not just the club, but the culture. This anniversary edition blends reimagined classics with bold new cuts, offering a sonic arc that chronicles not just a career, but a revolution. Martone’s music has never been background noise—it’s a message set to a four-on-the-floor heartbeat.
Take the recent release “Chocolate,” which cracked the UK iTunes Dance Songs chart at #14. It’s more than a remix—it’s a ritual. The drum-forward production is hypnotic, primal even, as Martone uses space and repetition like a sculptor chiseling out rhythm from stone. It’s tactile, sexy, and steeped in the tradition of body liberation that runs through the best of underground house.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1id1DW5dhAHvg8PH1dN9yl?si=xY6-AfhhR1GD_WkCJ3xupg
Throughout Evolution, Martone’s voice remains a central element—not just sonically, but spiritually. His lyrics are affirmations, declarations, and battle cries for a community that has always found solace under the glow of club lights. There’s power in the way he delivers lines, equal parts preacher and provocateur. It’s not about escapism. It’s about embodiment. It’s about defiance. It’s about truth—sweaty, sequined, and served with a wink.
And it extends beyond the music. With the release of his new book Deep & Raw: The Erotica of Martone and his commitment to causes like LGBT Books to Prisoners, Martone makes clear that the dancefloor is not just a playground—it’s a platform. A place for connection, protest, love, and rebirth.
The Evolution of Martone is a thunderous reminder that house music isn’t just a genre—it’s a lifeline. And Martone, ten years in, is still its fearless heartbeat. This isn’t just his evolution—it’s ours too.
–John Martine