It’s time for a new era with Martina Budde’s second album, ‘Integrity’. Packed with new and original productions, here the German DJane and producer showcases her diverse talent. Expect a vibrant mix of tracks with widespread appeal, covering House and Nu Disco through to Jazz infused melodies. The track selection and titles speak for themselves. Clearly representing Martina’s detailed attention to “maintaining values” this rides atop a well-produced body of work. The theme clearly echoes throughout the compilation and is punctuated by fluid song arrangements and adept prominent vocals effortlessly inspiring the listener. Flowing from dance floor moments to an often serene setting, this album is a unique concept and provides an incredible insight into the world and vision of Martina Budde.
To celebrate the release of ‘Integrity’, EG caught up with Martina Budde to learn more about the record, the production process, her labels, views on the state of the scene, dreams, and more.
EG: Hi Martina! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. Where are you based right now? How have things been going this year?
Martina Budde: Thanks for having me, it’s an honor. This year has been full of “upside-downs”. For me, the world is going through a crazy phase and sometimes I am wondering where all of this will lead – and what is the message behind our situation. On one of my new songs called ‘Circle Of Life’, a collaboration with Riccardo Fiori, I am singing about these upside-downs. The good thing is that I have my music to dive into and disappear.
EG: Tell us, what was your summer like? Any particular highlights?
Martina Budde: Good question, and no, not really. I spent most of the time in my studio, preparing my album. That was my highlight, maybe.
EG: Congratulations on the release of your sophomore album ‘Integrity’, which is out now on your label Groovy Firehorse 66! What has the initial reception been like?
Martina Budde: Not bad. To be honest, I can’t really evaluate it most of the time. I’ve gotten some good reviews. Fans are congratulating me. On Beatport, where the album was exclusively available for download for two weeks, I reached #1 in the Funky House Release Charts and #50 across genres.
EG: What can your fans expect to find on this one, musically speaking? How is ‘Integrity’ different from your first LP?
Martina Budde: My first album was just covers or mixes of old songs, of former favorites, in a disco house style. ‘Integrity’ speaks from my heart. Each song has a message and themes that I’m dealing with. The songs say something about me, so I feel this album much more. The music style is also different, it’s still groovy, but jazzier. The song about the beginning of the war, ‘We Must Stand Together’, is deep house. The whole album was sung by a Ukrainian couple. So I was in close contact with the subject of the war in Ukraine. At that time, I released another song about the war called ‘Stop The War’, which they sang as a duet. Very emotional.
“Each song has a message and themes that I’m dealing with. The songs say something about me, so I feel this album much more”
EG: ‘Integrity’ features two stand-out collaborations in “Slow Down” and “This is How You Love Me?”. What was the recording process for these tracks like?
Martina Budde: Both songs are co-productions with friends. Musical friends, people I like. Edy also visited me in my studio, he is from the Netherlands. Musically, he is into a different genre, so this song is something different from the others, our fusion was exciting. DJ Garas comes from Italy and is also a fine man. We have the same taste in music and he asked me if I want to do something together – and I think the result is something to be proud of.
EG: We know every track is different, but how would you describe your recording process? Do you have some sort of internal ‘blueprint’ by now?
Martina Budde: No, not really… I just start… and most of the time it comes out differently from what I planned or imagined. It’s the same when I record sets or DJ somewhere. That’s me, haphazardly going off the plan. Or as we say in German, “Planlos ging der Plan los”.
EG: How do you keep yourself entertained when not in the studio? Any good books, movies, or series you’d recommend?
Martina Budde: Most of the time I am really in my little home studio. I also have three labels, and I do everything myself. I used to be a really big party girl, always on tour. Covid stopped everything, and I never went back to how it was before. Maybe I am getting old! You know, I am 56 years old, and I only had my first DJ lesson when I was 52! I reinvented myself twice, totally, and the second time was at 52. The pandemic season caused me to be totally focused on production. It was not my plan to produce music as part of my reinvention. Today I no longer understand why not, it’s where I’m happiest.
My book recommendation would be ‘Be Extraordinary’ by Vishen Lakani. It’s about living by your own rules. My favorite movie is ‘A Star Is Born’ with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. When I’m not producing, doing label work, or recording sets at home, I spend time with my family.
EG: What are your current thoughts on the state of the scene? What would you like to see more and less of?
Martina Budde: On the music scene? Less fakery, more sincerity, and integrity.
“You know, I am 56 years old, and I only had my first DJ lesson when I was 52! I reinvented myself twice, totally, and the second time was at 52”
EG: What’s next for Martina Budde and Groovy Firehorse 66? What particular milestones are you looking forward to now?
Martina Budde: I do have two more labels, Deep Firehorse 66 and Tech Firehorse 66. In the beginning, I wanted to organize funky groovy house parties all over the world in the name of Firehorse 66, and I had the idea to play in 50 countries. I have somewhat given up on this plan. It is really special to become “known”, and to be invited to play in other countries. And when I play, I only drop music I like, and Funky Groovy House, Soulful House, and Jackin’ House are a niche in my opinion. So, I am not sure anymore about my milestones. I just want to enjoy what I do and stay open-hearted and open-minded to everything that life has in store for me. It seems I am the only female producer in this genre. So maybe I will become the oldest female DJ and producer at some point?
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Martina! We wish you all the best for the future.
Martina Budde: Thank you so much for your interest in me and for your time. I wish you all the best also, and the courage to stay true to yourself and follow your heart!
Martina Budde’s sophomore studio album ‘Integrity’ is out now. Purchase your copy here.
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