Exclusive Interview: Fernanda Martins - real, confident and eco-friendy

Fernanda Martins is considered one of the biggest female names of the world’s Techno scene. This Brazilian DJane collects performances in many of the biggest and most important clubs, parties and festivals around the globe. She played in the main techno events of her home country Brazil, and in countries such: Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, Slovenia, Serbia, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Czech republic, Ukraine, Croatia, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, Andorra, Colombia, Venezuela....

Owner of an amazing mix technique, great charisma, and her unmistakable fun way to communicate and connect with the crowd, Dj Fernanda Martins does not leave anyone indifferent. When she is playing she loves to abuse of cuts, scratches and efxs to create her precise, detailed and ‘explosive’ mixes that, together with her irreverent way to be, impress to any electronic music lovers wherever she goes. Above all, Fernanda Martins is known by her excellent music selection. Her presentations are filled with songs full of great energy and strong character. She is in constant research in order to incorporate new elements and textures to each new set. Whether playing the most powerful Hard Techno, or even, the most pure techno (under her aka Dot Chandler), Fernanda makes clear that she knows how to use all the flexibility and versatility that techno offers her.


Djanemag: You've already achieved success in the DJ world, but we are interested in how you begun with music and DJing. Was it difficult to start? 

Fernanda Martins: It was not difficult to start because I started djing without any intention to be a professional.

So since the beginning I was just focused in having fun with the music I always loved, that is Techno. To start playing in clubs and parties was a natural process - that happened a little fast - thanks to many people that pushed me in many ways; as they really wished to see me as a professional and believed that my place was in the dj booth...

Djanemag: We know that you travel a lot, so what countries or cities do you like most of all and why? Share with the readers best places for shopping!

Fernanda Martins: It’s always so difficult to say just one favorite place to play, to travel or even to make shopping. But to quote some: Ibiza, Amsterdam, Paris, Sao Paulo, Milan …

Djanemag: Do you think that the «DJ World» is a men’s world? In your opinion, is it harder for a girl to become a successful DJ?

Fernanda Martins: Not at all! When you compromise yourself in make a good work, in give your best and make your job with love, you will achieve the success you deserve. Doesn't matter if you are men or women.

But for sure, as a woman I have to admit we must to have some more 'skills' when moving behind the scene. Unfortunately there a lot of stupid people in the business, as well as on the dance floor, but it is kind of easy to avoid them. For me it's a matter of one single rule: Respect yourself above all and you will not find yourself in any uncomfortable situations.

Djanemag: Can you share your dreams and plans for future concerning DJing? What would you like to achieve? 

Fernanda Martins: My biggest dream concerning my professional life is to keep doing my job for long time. I really enjoy what I do, I love this life style, and I love music since ever. It's a pleasure to have love and passion as the main engine of my job. And I just want keep going this way.

Of course, I want to travel to play in many countries still, create much more in the studio and collaborate with different artists, of different music styles. I think it is one of the best ways to escape from the work routine at the same time that you can learn a lot.

Djanemag: DJs are often recognized not only by their music but also by their appearance, such as their clothing, for example. What role do you think appearance has in the music industry nowadays?

Fernanda Martins: Now you'll make me go deep with this question. heheheh

I think an appearance plays big role. It doesn't means I think its right how big this role is. But what is right or wrong? What I feel is that the way people shows themselves matters very much. Not only nowadays, but since ever, or since the music industry is like it is.

Album covers, press pics, logos and all the package to create an identity that convinces the customers to consume a musical product, to go to a concert, to buy merchandising and so on. Don't get me wrong, its a business and all the people involved must to get profit. So all these tools were invented and they work very well.

And, in my opinion, it's not true that this way to promote artists takes out the talent from who were born with it or from who worked to get its best. Musical talent will be there if it exists, all care about image is just a plus.

What I think, more applicable to our more realistic world - the world of artists there are not managed by major companies; which have professionals in each area for taking care of the artist's image - is that the best way to show ourselves is being ourselves. Highlighting our best qualities but without to much overstatement or desperation, or the 'plus' can turn into something totally unnecessary.

In short, to be real, confident and feel confortable with what you are and what you do shows a powerful attitude and it makes anyone shine.

Djanemag: How would you describe your style of clothing? Which type of shops do you usually go to? 

Fernanda Martins: Good question, I never really thought about naming my style of dressing, but maybe I would say a mix between casual, modern and of idealistic vanguard.

I go to every kind of shops, from the renowned brands and designers to the most popular stores. It all depends what I'm looking for, if it is a pair of socks or a shirt to use in a party. During the night I like to use exclusive clothes, that's why I'm used to buy clothing from local designers from all over the world (mostly on internet). I take time to find my stuff, but I find crazy pieces. And once I find them I can be sure it will be almost impossible to find someone with the same look.

Djanemag: Which fashion designers and labels are really at the top for you now and why? 

Fernanda Martins: Humm, depends. I really love the work of Stella Mccartney because of her compromising with the animal rights, not using animal material in the producing. But, just a few pieces fits in my personal dressing style. On the other hand, I love Rick Owens designs but I would never user 95% of its clothes because they use a lot of leather. I like G-star, Diesel, Religion, Metamorphoza, Tommy Hilfiger, Thom Krom and a vast etc..

Djanemag: What would you never wear? 

Fernanda Martins: Leather & fur.

Djanemag: A fashion icon for you is...

Fernanda Martins: I consider many as fashion icon because of their way they dress (each one with their own style) as by attitude they they have (or had): Anna Wintour, Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Grace Kelly & Audrey Hepburn...