There’s a certain alchemy that happens when an artist fully owns their identity, history, and aesthetic. On The Evolution of Martone – 10th Anniversary Edition, Martone doesn’t just revisit the decade-long arc of his reign in house music—he sets it ablaze with swagger, soul, and a defiant joy that only the truly self-possessed can deliver.
This isn’t a nostalgia trip. It’s a sonic manifesto.
Martone, long dubbed “The Emperor of House Music,” doesn’t waste a single synth stab or groove. The album functions as both celebration and statement: a curated selection of remixed classics and fresh originals that trace the shape of his creative DNA. From its earliest tracks right through the finale, Evolution pulses like a midnight heartbeat on a dancefloor where everyone belongs. This is house not as genre, but as sanctuary.
There’s a proud theatricality in Martone’s presentation, drawing from queer ballroom culture, 80s club kids, and the power-diva lineage of Sylvester to RuPaul. But underneath the glitter is muscle. His beats don’t simply land—they command. Tracks like the reworked “Groove Tonight” and the recently released “Chocolate” shimmer with production clarity while retaining the dirty, unapologetic thump that first won him club loyalty. “Chocolate,” which recently cracked the UK iTunes Dance Songs chart at #14, is a heady cocktail of erotic basslines and chant-like vocals, an ode to physicality that’s as much body-positive as it is body-centric.
Where Martone truly excels, though, is in making dance music feel personal. His voice—rich, precise, and brimming with personality—cuts through even the densest house mix. You don’t just move to his tracks. You connect. His lyrics, often declarations of empowerment, echo the mantras of marginalized communities seeking joy in the face of oppression. “I want my music to be a beacon for anyone who has ever felt silenced,” he says, and it’s more than a quote—it’s a mission embedded in every BPM.
Martone also understands legacy. The title The Evolution of Martone isn’t hyperbole; it’s accurate branding. Over the years, he’s evolved not only in style but in scope—expanding from club DJ to author, activist, and cultural provocateur. His new poetry and erotica collection, Deep & Raw, adds yet another layer to a multidimensional career. And with proceeds supporting initiatives like LGBT Books to Prisoners, Martone continues to amplify voices far beyond the dancefloor.
What emerges from this anniversary edition is not just a remix album, but a declaration of continued relevance and reinvention. House music, at its core, has always been about community. Martone’s version of it is inclusive, electric, and defiantly queer. Ten years in, and he’s not looking back—he’s taking the whole club with him into the future.
And in that future, everyone’s welcome. Just don’t forget your heels.
–Jon Parker
One Response
Thank you for this beautifully written and deeply thoughtful piece. You didn’t just hear the music—you felt the intention behind it. Jon Parker’s words captured the heart of The Evolution of Martone – 10th Anniversary Edition with remarkable clarity and emotional intelligence. To be seen, heard, and understood on this level is the ultimate reward for any artist. This isn’t just a review; it’s a celebration of a decade of creative risk, resilience, and authenticity. I am truly honored.
With gratitude,
Martone