DJ Chart: Ryan Martin (All Caps)

Fresh from last month's Boiler Room party in Glasgow, All Caps selector Ryan Martin shares 10 tracks you need to hear.

Article by Ronan Martin | 04 Mar 2016

This month’s guest DJ co-helms one of the most engaging labels Glasgow has spawned in recent years; a venture defined more by a commitment to unearthing distinctive gems than dishing out universally hyped safe bets and disposable club hits. That’s not to say Ryan Martin and his All Caps cohorts haven’t supplied their fair share of dancefloor weapons over the past five years – an impressive early offering from Helix confidently bridged the gap between pulsing techno and grime, before Kowton’s thumping TFB definitively announced the label’s presence for many who had missed the boat early on.

More recent releases have maintained that high standard, while edging slightly away from the dancefloor, towards hazier, more ethereal spaces. This month's release of Neuroshima's Rave Archive EP – a rich synthesis of dusty soundscapes and decayed jungle beats – continues the label's move away from strictly club-focussed material. Yet while this new signing, along with the likes of Bluntman Deejay and Ekranoplan (a meeting of minds between Kowton and Julio Bashmore) have all played their part in diversifying the label’s remit, it’s clear the venture benefits ultimately from the varied tastes of Martin and fellow All Caps selector Bake.

While Bake became the first of the crew to make an impact outwith Glasgow’s highly revered small pond, Martin is increasingly recognised as a fine DJ in his own right. Now beginning to make an impact further afield, and recently featuring as part of the label’s showcase for the Boiler Room in Glasgow, Ryan Martin is likely to be a name you'll hear much more of before too long.

In his 10-track selection for us, he displays a penchant for warm 60s soul, classic Chicago house vibes, abstract Japanese techno and much more in between. In short, it’s little surprise All Caps has earned such distinction as a label when they draw from such a pleasingly broad range of influences. Discogs tab at the ready...

Barbara Mason – You Better Stop It

"Recently reissued on Athens of the North. Much emotion in the vocal. From way back in 1968!"

Kerri Chandler – Hallelujah (Kaoz Club Mix)

"Kerri Chandler has so much material but this remix gets me going every time – hallelujah!"

Willow – Feel Me

"Part of a mini-compilation Workshop did recently – simple yet effective."

Carl Gari & Abdullah Miniawy – Darrajae

"Just out on Trilogy Tapes – it's pretty much been on repeat since I first heard it."

NHK'Koyxeи – 766

"Japanese techno. NHK released three albums on PAN but this one is a standout for me. All killa, no filla, etc."

Skatebård – June Nights South of Siena

"Skatebård’s DJ set at Offbeat had people singing everything back to him. He has many anthems but this is the one I play."

Urban Tribe – Low Berth

"It’s not all about Urban Tribe as the supergroup: this slower tempo one took my appreciation of DJ Stingray up another notch, if that was even possible."

E.R. – Woyene

"Arguably my most recent find that sparked a ‘WTF, who is this?!’ moment. This is just one track from three or four EPs he has done recently – all madness."

Candi Staton – Do Your Duty (Erectus Rework)

"Slept on by me, until Honest Jon's repressed it recently. This is Pepe Bradock’s remix version. Killer!"

Robert Hood – Chase

"Techno – this is the tune when it clicked for me and I was converted."