Exploring the Life and Career of Justin Robertson: Manchester's Notable DJ

Manchester has long been renowned for its cultural and musical contributions to the world, and it is no surprise that the city has produced some of the most famous and influential DJs of all time. One such artist is Justin Robertson, who has become one of the most recognizable names in the Madchester DJ scene. Justin Robertson began his career in the 1990s, and since then has gone on to become an international sensation. He has performed in some of the world's most prestigious venues, playing a range of different styles that encompass house, techno, acid house, electro and more. His unique sound has been embraced by fans across the globe, and his influence can be heard in many contemporary artists. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Justin Robertson, one of Manchester's most notable DJs.

We will look at his early beginnings, his rise to fame, and his ongoing success as a global figure in electronic music.

Justin Robertson

is a Manchester-based DJ and producer who has been at the forefront of the city's electronic music scene for over two decades. Originally hailing from Liverpool, Robertson moved to Manchester in the late 1980s and quickly made his mark on the burgeoning Madchester scene. A skilled turntablist, Robertson has made a name for himself as a DJ, producer, and remixer, collaborating with some of the biggest names in dance music. As a young DJ, Robertson was heavily influenced by his hometown's early house and acid house music, playing regularly at illegal warehouse parties and raves around Manchester.

He soon made a name for himself as a sought-after remixer for some of the biggest names in dance music, including Primal Scream, The Prodigy, and The Orb. He also released several singles under his own name, such as ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘The Runner’. In 1996, Robertson launched his own record label, Deadstock 33s. The label was an immediate success, releasing singles and remixes from some of the biggest names in dance music, including Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk.

As a result of his success with Deadstock 33s, Robertson was invited to join the prestigious London-based jazz-electronica collective Bugz in the Attic. In addition to his work as a DJ and producer, Robertson has also been very active in the Madchester scene. He has hosted numerous club nights and festivals in Manchester, including the Pusher Street Party and Homelands Festival. He is also credited with introducing some of the biggest acts in house and techno to Manchester audiences for the first time.

In 2018, Robertson released his debut album ‘The Revolution Is Never Coming’. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, with many praising its blend of electronica, ambient soundscapes, and cinematic atmospheres. Since then, he has released several EPs and singles under his own name and various aliases. Throughout his career, Robertson has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a DJ and producer.

In 2002 he was voted Best UK Dance Act by Q Magazine, and in 2004 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his services to electronic music. Today, Justin Robertson continues to be at the forefront of Manchester's electronic music scene. He regularly performs at clubs around the city and hosts his own club night at Soup Kitchen called ‘This Feeling’. He is also actively involved in various projects to support emerging talent in Manchester.

Justin Robertson is one of the most influential DJs in the Madchester scene and an inspiration to many aspiring DJs and producers. His long career as a DJ and producer has seen him become one of the most prominent figures in Manchester's electronic music scene over the last two decades.

Early Life and Influences

Justin Robertson's career as a DJ began in Manchester, UK, in the early 1990s. Growing up in the city, Robertson was exposed to a variety of musical genres, from indie and alternative rock to hip-hop and techno. He credits his early influences with helping him develop his own unique sound. Robertson's first foray into electronic music came in 1995 when he began playing at a local Manchester nightclub.

It was here that he discovered the emerging Madchester scene and became inspired by its unique blend of rock, funk, and acid house. He quickly established himself as a respected DJ, playing regularly at the legendary Hacienda club and other venues around Manchester. Through his early DJ sets, Robertson developed a love for classic techno and house music. He has stated that he was heavily influenced by Detroit's Underground Resistance collective, as well as early acid house and techno pioneers such as Detroit Grand Pubahs, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May. These early influences helped shape Robertson's sound as a DJ, and he has gone on to become one of the most prominent figures in the Madchester scene.

Current Activities and Projects

Justin Robertson is currently involved in a variety of projects and activities.

He is an active DJ, performing at clubs and festivals around the world. Most recently, he performed at the Manchester International Festival in June 2021. He is also a prolific producer, having released several albums and EPs in recent years. In addition to his production work, Justin Robertson has collaborated with a number of artists and labels. He has worked with the likes of The Orb, Luke Vibert, and Steve Mason, as well as labels such as ESP Institute and Firecracker Recordings. He is also involved in a number of remix projects. Justin Robertson is also an avid supporter of new music, regularly hosting events in Manchester featuring emerging artists from the electronic music scene.

He has recently launched his own label, Bizarre Music, which specializes in releasing new music from up-and-coming producers. In addition to his current activities, Justin Robertson is set to release a new album later this year. The album will be a collaboration with fellow Manchester-based producer Tessela. It is sure to be an exciting release that will no doubt cement Justin Robertson's status as one of the most prominent DJs in the Madchester scene.

Career and Accomplishments

Since his first steps into the Manchester music scene in the 1990s, Justin Robertson has gone on to become one of the most iconic DJs in the Madchester scene. He has released a number of acclaimed albums and singles and collaborated with some of the biggest names in electronic music. Justin's career as a DJ began at the age of 18, when he began playing at local clubs in Manchester.

Since then, he has spun records at some of the most prestigious venues around the world, including Fabric in London, Space Ibiza, and Output in New York. He has also performed at some of the biggest music festivals, such as Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, and Creamfields. In terms of releases, Justin has released a number of singles and albums under various aliases, including The Prankster, Lionrock, and The Deadstock 33s. His most acclaimed releases have been his remixes of tracks by artists like The Chemical Brothers, New Order, and The Prodigy. Additionally, he has collaborated with other artists such as Fatboy Slim, Sasha, and Pete Tong. Throughout his career, Justin Robertson has received numerous awards and accolades.

He was nominated for Best Breakthrough DJ at the Dance Music Awards in 2001 and was named Best Newcomer by DJ Magazine in 2003. In 2018, he was inducted into the DJ Hall of Fame by Mixmag. In conclusion, Justin Robertson is an accomplished and highly influential DJ and producer who has been at the forefront of Manchester’s electronic music scene for over two decades. His unique blend of house, techno, and acid music has seen him gain a dedicated fan base across the globe, and his impressive list of accomplishments over the years have cemented his place as one of the most prominent DJs in the Madchester scene. From providing the soundtrack to seminal British films to playing some of the world's biggest festivals, Justin Robertson has certainly left his mark on the music industry. His influence on the Madchester scene is undeniable and his legacy is sure to live on for many years to come.