Atjazz: The UK's Deep House & Soulful Groove Architect

Atjazz is the pioneering production alias of Martin Iveson, a British DJ and producer celebrated for sculpting the sophisticated, emotive sound of UK deep house and broken beat. Hailing from Derby, England, his influential career spans over two decades, marked by a prolific output of albums, remixes, and his own record labels that have defined a genre.

Early career

Martin Iveson began his musical journey in the late 1980s, initially working with experimental electronic music and sound design. His foundational moment came in 1996 with the launch of his Atjazz moniker and the release of the seminal deep house track "Heartstring" on the influential UK label Paper Recordings. This early work established his signature: a warm, intricate fusion of house rhythms with soulful, jazz-inflected melodies and impeccable sound design.

Breakthrough

The year 2001 marked a major breakthrough with the release of his debut artist album, Labfunk, on his newly founded Atjazz Record Company. The album was a critical success, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking producer and leading to high-profile remix work for major artists. His refined, soul-drenched sound gained international traction, particularly in Japan and South Africa, where he developed a fervent following.

Key tracks

Heartstring — This 1996 debut single is a timeless deep house classic that introduced the world to Atjazz's lush, emotive production style.

Forreal — A standout from the "Labfunk" era, this track exemplifies his mastery of complex, shuffling broken beat rhythms paired with smooth basslines.

I Solemnly Swear — Featuring the vocals of Robert Owens, this collaboration is a prime example of Atjazz's ability to blend iconic house music voices with his own detailed, contemporary production.

Treat Me Sweet — This later-career gem showcases his evolution, maintaining deep musicality while delivering a crisp, modern dancefloor groove.

Following his breakthrough, Iveson expanded his operations, founding the sub-label Mantis Recordings and releasing a steady stream of albums including Full Circle, Love Someone, and Daylight. His remix portfolio grew to include reworks for a diverse range of artists from 4hero and Masters At Work to Erykah Badu, each stamped with his distinctive audio signature. He remains a sought-after international DJ and a respected figure in the global house music community.

Fans of Atjazz's intricate, soulful UK house sound should also explore the works of 4hero, pioneers of the broken beat and atmospheric drum & bass genres. The smooth, jazz-influenced productions of Knee Deep share a similar dedication to musicality and groove. For more contemporary deep house with a UK flavor, check out the work of The Herbaliser, known for their live, funk-infused instrumentals.

The sophisticated grooves of Atjazz are a staple on deep house and soulful electronic music radio stations worldwide. His tracks are regularly featured in the playlists of specialist online radio streams and independent music stations dedicated to forward-thinking dance music, ensuring his sound reaches a global audience of discerning listeners.

You can experience the deep, soulful house music of Atjazz on radio stations featured right here on our website. Discover his iconic tracks and latest releases by tuning into the dedicated electronic music stations available on onairium.com.