DJ Mayhem is the recording name of Martin Ikin, a British DJ, producer and musician who has been active since 1990. He works across jungle, drum and bass, breakbeat, electronic and hardcore, and also releases house music under other names.

Career

Ikin has spent many years releasing records on a range of labels and under different aliases. He also works as a DJ and producer, and has spent time as an in-house engineer at recording studios. In addition to electronic music, he studies jazz piano, has led several jazz-funk groups, and continues to gig, play sessions and teach piano.

Labels and releases

In 2003, Ikin starts his own label, Soul Purpose. The label features artists including Juliet Roberts, Angie Brown, Mary Pearce, Elisabeth Troy and Bryan Chambers, and develops a reputation for house music. His own releases include the 2005 club anthem “Salsa House” on Defected Records, a 2006 remix of Jamiroquai’s “Space Cowboy” on Sony Records, and remix work for SoulFuric Records, Island Records, Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi Records.

Collaborations and aliases

He records with Elisabeth Troy as Indigo on Swing City Records, works with Craig C and Joey Musaphia, and later forms the underground project mi:grant with Grant Nelson.

Work as a musician

Alongside his electronic releases, Ikin’s background in jazz piano and jazz-funk performance is a major part of his career. He is described as a perfectionist in his playing, DJ work and production.