Justin Robertson: Manchester's Rave Scene Pioneer

In the late 1980s, Manchester began to take shape as a vibrant and influential city in the UK's rave scene. At the center of this movement was Justin Robertson, a DJ and producer who established himself as one of the city's most influential figures. From his first performances at legendary nightclubs like The Haçienda and Trade, to his success on the global stage, Justin Robertson has been a pioneering force in Manchester's rave scene. His passion for music and commitment to pushing boundaries have helped him to become one of the most respected DJs in the world.

This article will explore Justin Robertson's impact on the Manchester rave scene and his influence on music culture around the world. Justin Robertson's career began in the early 1990s. He was an early adopter of electronic music and quickly developed a reputation as a talented DJ and producer. He produced tracks for a number of well-known artists, including Orbital and The Shamen.

His signature sound was a blend of house, techno, and acid house that pushed boundaries and inspired a generation of producers. In addition to his production work, Justin Robertson was also an important figure in the Manchester rave scene. He was one of the first DJs to play at the legendary Hacienda club and helped to popularize the 'Madchester' sound. He was also instrumental in bringing acts such as The Chemical Brothers and Underworld to the city. Justin Robertson's influence can still be felt today. His music has been sampled by a number of modern producers and he continues to produce new music.

In addition, he is an outspoken advocate for the Manchester music scene. He has been involved in numerous events, festivals, and initiatives that have helped to promote local artists. He has also done much to preserve the legacy of the Manchester rave scene by curating events that feature rare tracks from classic Manchester DJs. Justin Robertson's work has had a lasting impact on the UK music scene, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential DJs in British dance music history. His contributions to the Manchester rave scene are impossible to overestimate, and his dedication to promoting local talent is an inspiration to aspiring DJs everywhere.

Continued Influence

Justin Robertson's influence can still be felt today.

His music has been sampled by modern producers, and he continues to produce new music. Robertson has also become an outspoken advocate for the Manchester music scene, using his platform to promote other local artists and to bring attention to the city's vibrant cultural scene. His music continues to inspire modern producers, and he has been credited with helping shape the sound of UK dance music. His latest releases have seen a return to his roots, featuring classic rave sounds combined with modern production techniques. In addition to his own work, Robertson is also heavily involved in the Manchester music scene. He has been a mentor for upcoming DJs and producers, providing advice and guidance to help them succeed.

He also regularly hosts parties in the city, giving new artists a chance to showcase their talent. Justin Robertson's legacy as a Manchester rave scene pioneer is undeniable. His influence is still felt today, and he continues to be an important figure in the city's music scene.

Early Career

Justin Robertson's career began in the early 1990s. He quickly established himself as a talented DJ and producer with a unique sound that set him apart from other producers at the time. He developed his own style of mixing and production, blending styles such as house, techno, electro and acid house to create a sound that resonated with Manchester's ravers.

He was one of the first DJs to play in Manchester clubs such as The Hacienda and Dance Valley, and soon became a regular fixture on the club scene. Robertson's productions were ahead of their time, and he released several records that featured his own remixes of popular tracks. His first major release was 'Do It Properly', which was released on the influential label Strictly Rhythm in 1992. He followed this up with a number of releases on other labels, including Rephlex, Bush, and Junior Boy's Own. In addition to his productions, Robertson was also an important figure in the promotion of the rave scene in Manchester. He was involved in various projects which showcased the city's club culture, such as founding the legendary Manchester nightspot The Electric Chair and promoting the now-legendary Manchester rave brand Diversion.

Influence on the Rave Scene

Justin Robertson was one of the first DJs to play at The Hacienda club in Manchester, and his signature sound helped to popularize the 'Madchester' sound. His influence on the rave scene was widespread; he helped introduce acts such as The Chemical Brothers and Underworld to the city, and his unique style of mixing brought rave music into the mainstream.

Robertson's style was hard-hitting and energetic, which made him an ideal fit for the rave scene. He was known for mixing an eclectic range of genres, including breakbeat, techno, house, acid house and drum and bass, and often used samples from old records and movie soundtracks to add to his mixes. His sets were always full of energy and would often keep audiences dancing until the early hours of the morning. In addition to his work as a DJ, Robertson was also an influential producer.

He produced tracks for numerous artists including 808 State and Happy Mondays, and his productions have been sampled by a range of other artists. His production style was heavily influenced by the psychedelic sounds of the acid house era, and he often used samples from old records to create unique soundscapes. Robertson's influence on the rave scene was immense; he helped to popularize a new style of dance music in Manchester, which has since become synonymous with the city. His unique style of mixing and production has been hugely influential, and his legacy can still be heard in many modern dance music tracks today. Justin Robertson is a pioneer in the Manchester rave scene, having been a major force since the early 1990s.

He has had a huge influence on the city's electronic music culture, from his innovative DJ sets to his ongoing advocacy for local talent. His unique sound has inspired generations of producers and continues to be felt today. He is one of Manchester's most influential figures in electronic music, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.