The Speed Freak

The Speed Freak

The Speed Freak is the recording name of Martin Damm, a hardcore techno and speedcore artist from Kaiserslautern. He begins releasing records in 1990 under several project names, with Biochip C., Speedfreak and Search & Destroy among the most recurrent.

Background and early releases

Damm starts out making German-style EBM techno and later becomes associated with the Cologne school around Walker. His early records appear on labels including Monotone, Force Inc. and Dj.ungle Fever.

Gabber and label activity

His profile rises in the Dutch gabber scene in 1994 and 1995, after which Mokum and Shockwave become his main labels. His tracks also appear on many other labels and on numerous CD compilations.

Other projects and work

He is involved in several label projects, including Ozon with Jammin' Unit, Napalm and its sub-labels Agent Orange and Speedcore, and Anodyne with the now-defunct Biophobia. He also performs live and as a DJ, and he produces his own videos and CD-ROM material.

Style

His work ranges widely across electronic dance music, moving from power acid to breakcore, drum and bass, happy gabber, straight techno and dubby trip-hop. His sound is noted for squiggly 303 programming, forceful kick-drums, clattering breakbeats, dense but clear production, unusual structures, melodic detail, and prominent sampling and organs.