“When crowds flock to the Hamptons, they are ready to party and let go.” — DJ Martial
If you’ve danced under the stars in Montauk or found yourself at an exclusive party somewhere off Further Lane, chances are DJ Martial was behind the decks. Known for his sharp ear, instinctive crowd reads, and pulse on what’s next, the Water Mill-based producer and founder of Set Management has become the sound of summer out East. We caught up with him fresh off his EDMA “Breakout Remixer” win to talk Hamptons energy, musical roots, and the tracks that defined 2025.
You’ve become synonymous with some of the Hamptons’ most exclusive summer parties — what makes spinning out here different from anywhere else?
DJ Martial: The energy. When crowds flock to the Hamptons they are ready to party and let go. It’s summertime out East and people are ready to let loose!
The 2025 EDMA “Breakout Remixer” award was a major moment. What did it mean to receive that honor during Miami Music Week — and how has it impacted your trajectory this year?
DJ Martial: It meant the world to me. The hard work, time, execution and perseverance I put into producing paid off. It was amazing to be recognized on the biggest stage for my consistency and vision, not to mention sharing the stage with huge names in the dance / EDM community. It has opened many doors for my career as a producer with some upcoming major collaborations. I now have over 100K monthly listeners on Spotify and 45k followers on Soundcloud.
Let’s take it back to the beginning — when did you first fall in love with music, and what sparked that early connection?
DJ Martial: 1992. My older brother brought me to a rave. I came home after watching the DJ on stage and said “Mom I want turntables.” She told me to get a job. Ever since I have been immersed in dance music.
Did you formally study music, or was it all self-taught? How has your training shaped the way you approach your craft?
DJ Martial: I taught myself at an early age to learn BPM, tempo and key. I studied electronic music in college, but it wasn’t writing composition. I learned to produce music with programs, editing and studio work.
Who were some of your musical influences — artists or genres that shaped your sound today?
DJ Martial: This is a tough one. I love Classic Rock and all-time hits of the decades. I always looked up to a few DJ/Producers like Eric Davenport, Frankie Bones, Paul Van Dyk to name a few. As for a more open format and less dance focused, I was very fond of the Crooklyn Clan aka DJ Riz and Sizzahandz. They taught me to be humble and take risks in my musical journey.
Can you tell us about your relationship with SET Management and what makes SET distinctive in the Hamptons?
DJ Martial: SET MGMT is a booking agency for events and management. We work with many clients in the Hamptons and North Fork of Long Island all summer. As the CEO/Founder, I live here in Watermill for the summer and over the years have built a strong relationship with many clients in the nightlife and hospitality industry out East. Booking DJs and Bands in Hamptons for events and nightlife has been a dream of mine since I started living here. It’s great to have so many places for our talent to express themselves as artists and enjoy the Hamptons in the summer. Not to mention get paid for it too!
How do you read a crowd and decide what music to play? What does it feel like from your point of view at a party from the DJ booth?
DJ Martial: I have always had a feel for reading a crowd. Not just DJing but in life whether it’s a party, gathering or function, my self-proverbial sixth sense is being able to feel others’ sense of being. Translating that to DJing it’s not about what you play it’s what you follow it up with. Building peaks and valleys in your DJ set can take the crowd on a rollercoaster ride. Taking risks is a big part of that too.
Describe your signature sound in three to five words.
DJ Martial: New takes on old classics. Dance / Electro Pop or Sweet Deep Pop.
You’ve played everywhere from private villas to iconic venues — any memorable parties or events that stand out in your mind?
DJ Martial: I was once hired as Andree 3000’s musical stylist. I traveled the USA being a DJ for his clothing line Andre Bixby. I also toured Europe and the Middle East in the summer of 2007. I ended the tour in Tel Aviv and lived there for an extra 3 months playing weekly for crowds of 5000 or more.
What’s the song or what are the few songs that will always remind you of Hamptons 2025?
DJ Martial: No Broke Boys by Disco Lines and Tinashe, Savannah by Chris Lake and the most classic record, oldie but goodie, a Hamptons mainstay is Kill The Lights – Audien Remix by Jess Glynne.
[Photos courtesy of DJ Marshall]
