Martin Solveig is the stage name of Martin Picandet, a French DJ, producer and songwriter from Paris. He is associated with dance, EDM, electro house, electronic, future house and house music.

Career

He begins DJing after getting his first turntables at the age of 13, moving away from the classical music training he is learning. He starts an early career in electronic music and takes his pseudonym as a tribute to the French actress Solveig Dommartin.

His first residency is at Le Palace in Paris, with support from Claude Monnet. He later moves to Les Bains Douches, another major Paris club, where he works alongside Todd Terry, Roger Sanchez and Bob Sinclar. He also builds his profile through the Pure parties at the Queen Club, working there both as a DJ and as an art director.

Releases and collaborations

Solveig begins producing early in his career and issues two 12-inch singles on his Mixture label: "Heart of Africa" and "Come With Me". Both combine dance music with live musicians playing traditional instruments. Bob Sinclar later invites him to join the Africanism project, which brings together African music and electronic music.

He releases the single "Edony", which receives radio play worldwide. In 2002 he releases the album Sur La Terre internationally through Universal Music; the album includes "Heart of Africa" and "Edony", and also features "Linda", a track that pays tribute to Fela Kuti and Serge Gainsbourg. The album is released in the US in 2004.

In 2003 he works with Salif Keita on "Madan", which charts in several European countries including France, Italy and Greece. "Rocking Music", which features a punk rock guitar riff and vocals compared to Justin Timberlake's style, reaches the Australian top 40 in February 2004. Both "Madan" and "Rocking Music" appear on his second album, Suite. Later singles include "I'm A Good Man" and "Everybody".

Associated acts

He is a member of Africanism All Stars and Europa.