Justin Robertson
Showbiz is fickle game. Fashions change and genres evolve at a dizzying velocity. To stay at the cutting edge as a DJ, music producer, broadcaster, visual artist, & author requires an unshakeable passion and a restless urge to keep evolving. Justin Robertson has occupied that edge in one form or another for 35 years, remaining rapier sharp across all these diverse fields.
Emerging from behind the counter of the legendary Eastern Bloc records in Manchester Justin soon became a recognised figure in the nascent acid house scene of the city. DJ’ing at some of the city's most celebrated spots, including the legendary Hacienda, as well as promoting two of Manchester's most historically important nights, Spice with Greg Fenton and Most Excellent, where the Chemical Brothers found their early inspiration. His refusal to be categorised musically led him to developing a reputation as an open-minded DJ and remixer. Regular guest spots around the world followed in short order and his production reputation was cemented with a string of remixes for the likes of Erasure, Happy Mondays, Bjork and Fini Tribe that were staples in the sets of DJs worldwide
As the electronic music scene grew and morphed into ever more interesting shapes, so Justin's music evolved too. Drawing on his love of Dub, Psychedelia and 1960's film soundtracks he fused these varied influences in his psych hop beat combo Lionrock. Top 40 hits, Top of the Pops, touring with the Cocteau Twins and regular festival appearances make them still one of the most revered British bands of that era. Since then, he has worked under a number of production guises; Revtone, Gentleman Thief, the Deadstock 33s and most recently Five Green Moons. All fresh, all pushing the sound on.
Nor has his remix work shown any sign of slowing up. The list is ridiculously long, but perhaps Justice, Noel Gallagher, Steve Mason, Andy Bell, New Order, Paul Weller, Andrew Weatherall and PBR Streetgang stand out. He has collaborated with Daniel Avery, Brix Smith, Ashley Beedle and Ernest Ranglin to name but a tiny handful and releases new music an impressively steady rate. 2024 saw not only new material from the Deadstock 33s, but also the birth of a new post punk dubwise project Five Green Moons whose critically acclaimed debut Moon 1 featured in many albums of the year-round ups.
Not confining himself to the club, festival or happening, Justin can also be found on the airwaves. He produces and presents two much loved and audience chart topping shows for Soho Radio, alternating monthly between “The Rotating Institute”, which focuses on electronic music for the dancefloor from the past, present & future and “The Temple of Wonders”, a wildly eclectic show of dub, psych, global funk and reggae.