On Scene: JB Martin On Santiago's Nightlife, Latin House Culture And The Dancefloors That Shaped Him
- Undrtone Blog
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Fresh from returning to Loco Dice's SB Recordings with his new two-track EP 'Terminator', JB Martinz continues to build momentum as one of South America's most exciting groove-led talents. The Peruvian producer and DJ has become a familiar name on labels including VIVa MUSiC, Circus Recordings and Repopulate Mars, while support from artists such as The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati and Marco Carola has helped push his sound onto dancefloors around the world.
While he's currently based in Barcelona as he continues expanding his international profile, the city that shaped him remains Santiago. It's where he discovered electronic music, developed his identity as an artist and built lasting relationships through clubs, promoters and communities that continue to influence his sound today.
For this edition of On Scene, JB Martinz takes us inside the venues, neighbourhoods and cultural influences that continue to define Santiago's electronic music landscape.
At the moment, Martinz finds himself living one of the goals he set at the beginning of his career.
"I'm in Barcelona right now, living one of the goals I set for myself when I started my project as JB Martinz," he says. "To make my debut, learn about different cultures and introduce people to who I am as an artist."
But despite spending increasing amounts of time abroad, Santiago remains firmly at the centre of his story.
"The city that has always been my home is Santiago, Chile. It's where I grew up, where I discovered electronic music and where I have been able to develop as an artist."
Like many artists, certain venues leave a lasting mark on how you approach music. For Martinz, no place has been more important than Club Room Chile.
"The club that has influenced me the most is undoubtedly Club Room Chile," he explains. "I'm very good friends with the people who work there and they've been with me throughout my entire process as an artist and as a person."
More than just a residency, the venue became a place of education.
"It is there that I have learned many things. To read the audience and understand what different dancefloors are asking for, while discovering new sounds from artists who perform there."
That sense of community remains one of the strongest themes running through Santiago's electronic music scene.
"We are a true, passionate family and a team dedicated to creating experiences for the public."
Away from the clubs, Martinz points visitors towards one of the city's most vibrant cultural hubs.
"Without a doubt, you can't leave Santiago without visiting Patio Bellavista."
Located in the heart of one of Santiago's busiest nightlife districts, the area offers bars, restaurants, clubs and live entertainment that continue late into the night.
"It's a place where the nightlife is vibrant thanks to its various attractions."
The wider Bellavista neighbourhood also captures much of what makes the city unique.
"Bellavista is full of nightlife and lots of things to do," he says. "It's one of the places that really captures the energy of Santiago."
When he's not performing, touring or producing, however, Martinz prefers a much simpler routine.
"When I want to disconnect, I simply go to the gym and forget about everything else. It's just me and my body, working on myself."
Time with family also plays an important role.
"I like going out with my family to eat or share something together."
Food naturally forms part of that routine too, with one particular restaurant remaining a favourite.
"Aji Seco. I like Peruvian food a lot."
Known throughout Santiago for its traditional Peruvian dishes, it's a place he regularly returns to.
"It's a type of food I highly recommend because of its diverse dishes and delicious flavours."
Musically, Santiago's wider cultural identity continues to influence the records he makes today.
The city's deep connection to Latin music helped shape his earliest productions and remains present throughout his work, even as his sound evolves.
"In Santiago, there's a rich musical culture, especially Latin music," he explains.
"At the beginning of my project, I was heavily influenced by it, creating music with a Latin vibe. That's what helped set me apart from many other producers."
While his productions have evolved from Latin Tech House towards a more refined Latin House direction, the roots remain the same.
"It has been a key piece in shaping who I am now."
Outside perceptions of Santiago, however, often miss the bigger picture.
"Many people believe there's nothing to do in Santiago, Chile, but that's not true at all."
Alongside its nightlife, the city offers easy access to nature and outdoor experiences.
"You have lakes, rivers, beaches and a vibrant nightlife. There is plenty to do."
Looking towards the future of Chilean electronic music, Martinz believes a new generation of artists and promoters are helping elevate the country's profile internationally.
"There are some guys like Alonso Bierg, Bruno Bona, Tatan Bilbao and Marcoss who are coming with a new sound and already making a difference globally."
He is equally enthusiastic about the promoters driving the scene forward.
"House Heroes, Misa, Substance, Feztival, Chili Taste and Rio Chile are doing an incredible job bringing quality international artists and positioning the country as a key player in South American electronic music."
If Santiago had a soundtrack at 3am, Martinz already knows exactly what would be playing.
"Aldo Cadiz and Andre Butano's 'Tzu-Mani'."
"A track by two very important Chilean artists which has made a big impact recently."
As for where the perfect night ends?
The answer comes quickly.
"In Club Room from Thursday to Saturday."
And on Sundays?
"Misa."
"The same club, but with a completely different concept."
For anyone arriving in Santiago with only a single day to explore, Martinz already has the itinerary planned.
Start with the panoramic views from Santa Lucia Hill.
Continue through the city's historic centre and La Moneda Palace.
Then, once the sun disappears behind the Andes, make your way to Bellavista.
That's where you'll find the clubs, parties and dancefloors that continue to shape one of South America's most exciting electronic music communities.
And, if you're lucky, perhaps one of Santiago's own rising stars behind the decks.
JB Martinz
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