Contributing Writer
DJ, remixer and producer Martin Brodin is a bonafide disco legend who has headed up MD Disco since 2010. He has also dropped his dance floor gems on the likes of Southern Fried, Compost and Buzzin Fly and runs an edits sub-label that shows another side to his sound. We sat down with Martin ahead of his new release, ‘Midnight Love Affair’.
Martin! Thanks for chatting to Music Is 4 Lovers, how’s life?
Thanks for having me! Life is sweet—there’s something magical about Swedish summers. I’m soaking up those long, golden evenings, balancing relaxation with the excitement of gearing up for some fresh releases on MB Disco as we head into the fall and winter seasons.
Could you give us a deep dive into your upcoming EP, ‘Midnight Love Affair’?
Absolutely! ‘Midnight Love Affair’ is something I’m really excited about. The EP features the title track, “Midnight Love Affair,” along with two other gems, “Le Gymnastique” and “Love Dance.” With this project, I wanted to explore a different vibe—going back to the roots with instrumental tracks after a streak of vocal-heavy releases over the past few years. My aim was to recapture that underground essence, but with a fresh, melodic twist on Disco and Nu-Disco that feels modern yet nostalgic. It’s a journey back to the dance floor, but with a new spin.
You’ve been heading up MD Disco since 2010, what are the biggest challenges of running a label?
Running MB Disco has been an incredible ride, spanning 14 years with its fair share of ups and downs. After an 8-year hiatus from 2014 to 2022, relaunching the label was like stepping into a whole new world. The biggest challenge was navigating the drastically changed landscape—social media dynamics, digital sales, and promotion strategies have all evolved. Re-establishing connections in the industry and learning the new ropes was no small feat. But the toughest part? Cutting through the noise in today’s music scene, where thousands of tracks drop daily, and making sure our releases don’t just blend into the background. It’s a different game now, but that’s what makes it exciting.
As an artist based in Sweden, how did your local surroundings influence your passion for Disco music?
To be honest, the Disco scene in Sweden wasn’t exactly booming, aside from the legendary ABBA—who, as we all know, had their own distinct sound. My passion for Disco really sparked from my love of crate digging. I’d spend hours hunting down import 12” records at flea markets, record fairs, and in the dusty corners of private collections. That’s where the magic happened—discovering those hidden gems and rare grooves that fueled my deep connection with Disco music. It was less about what was happening locally and more about unearthing those global treasures that truly inspired my journey into the Disco world.
‘Midnight Love Affair’ embodies the luscious sounds of 80s disco, who do you take inspiration from?
For ‘Midnight Love Affair,’ I drew inspiration from a blend of sounds that have always captivated me. Roman Flügel’s later productions played a big role, infusing that modern, intricate vibe I was aiming for. But I also wanted to channel the rich, synth-heavy essence of the 80s—think Giorgio Moroder’s iconic productions and Patrick Cowley’s pioneering work. Each track on the EP takes its own unique path, but they all share a common thread: melodies that latch onto your soul and don’t let go. It’s a nod to the past, with a fresh twist that keeps it firmly rooted in the present.
In your opinion, what’s the greatest disco record of all time, and why?
Wow, that’s a tough one because there are so many incredible disco records! But if I had to choose, one that really stands out for me is Demis Roussos’ “L.O.V.E Got A Hold Of Me.” It’s such an unexpected gem—who would have thought that Demis, known for his ballads, would deliver a disco track that hits all the right notes? This song encapsulates everything that makes disco so magical: it’s got soul, grit, funk, and an irresistible positivity that just lifts your spirits. It’s impossible not to feel good when you listen to it. A close runner-up would be Ashford & Simpson’s “Found A Cure”—another timeless classic that never fails to move me.
Do you have any plans for the rest of summer that you can share?
The rest of the summer is looking pretty packed, and I’m loving it! At SingleWave Studio, my partner in crime, Chris Gustafsson, and I are deep in the creative zone, working on an exciting new project. We’ve got an incredible lineup of vocal talents on board—Kathy Diamond, Camille Jones, SXCHA, and Nina Hall. The energy is electric, and there’s a lot of magic happening that I can’t wait to share with everyone!
But that’s not all—October is going to be massive for MB Disco. We’re gearing up for a huge release featuring none other than Grammy Award-winning legend Giorgio Moroder. There’s a lot to prep for, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s in store. This summer is all about collaboration, creativity, and some serious disco magic!
Follow Martin Brodin: Instagram – Soundcloud – Bandcamp
