Atjazz

Atjazz is the recording name of Martin Iveson, a producer and DJ from Derby. He moves from the North-East of England to Derby in 1991, where he takes a role as an in-house musician for the video games company that later produces the Tomb Raider series. He then sets up his own studio and record label, Mantis Recordings, to focus on his own music.

Early releases and albums

Mantis Recordings’ first release is the Story EP, and the response to it leads to Atjazz’s debut album, That Something. Released in 1998, the album establishes the Atjazz name and is later licensed in Italy by Irma Records and in Japan by Sony. He follows it with the albums Labfunk and Labresults, which help define his sound and build his reputation as a producer with a distinctive but varied approach.

Production, remixing and collaborations

Atjazz becomes known as an in-demand producer, remixer and DJ. He plays a major role in the sound of Brooks’ debut album You, Me & Us for Mantis, and produces the album That Day for Magic Number. He also works closely with Clyde, described as Mantis’ jerkbeat artist, and his studio work extends beyond club styles to acoustic soloists and post-hardcore indie rock acts.

His releases and collaborations include work with Peter Wraight, who contributes significantly to the sound of Labfunk, and vocal performances from Ernesto, Clara Hill, Sarah-Jane Morris, Dawne B, Amalia and Mr J on Full Circle. Cee Rock and Hernandez also contribute spoken and lyrical parts. He works with Charles Webster on a project called Version, with several remixes completed, and he has EPs planned for Miso and Mantis. He also produces songs for Clara Hill’s album on Jazzanova’s Sonar Kollektiv label and releases the track For Real on the label’s Innervisions imprint.

Style and labels

Atjazz is associated with downtempo, lounge, acid jazz, nu-jazz and chillout. Through Mantis Recordings he builds a catalogue that includes mainly local artists, while his own output ranges across dirty disco, techno soul and hip hop-influenced production.