Profiles: Biz Martinez
Reigning Man
Let’s face it Miami lacks next to nothing. There’s sun, sand and fabulous shopping. But every now and then you meet a fine young specimen that diverts your attention from the parading Louboutins and puts the “bien” in bienvenido a Miami. Biz Martinez is that specimen. He’s as charming as he is handsome and his passion and work ethic is unparalleled. Take note Ladies, if you haven’t already, Biz Martinez is on fire personally and professionally and that’s why he is The SunPost’s latest Reigning Man.
Name: Biz Martinez
Born: October 24
Occupation: Music Director (LIV/Arkadia/MMG)
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
City: Midtown Miami/Design District
Pet: Choco (little person in a fur coat)
Passion: The arts (primarily design & music)
Word on the street is you’ve got a new gig, can you tell us a little bit about your new venture as the Music Director for LIV/Arkadia?
I was always anti-establishment, if you will. For the better part of a decade I enjoyed the freedom of being an independent event producer in Miami. I had turned down similar offers in the past but when this one dropped it felt right and the timing was spot on. It felt like it was time for me to evolve and take on new challenges. As Music Director for LIV/Arkadia I work closely with David Grutman and the MMG team booking, developing and maintaining relationships with Electronic Dance Music artists.
What environment are you looking to create at Arkadia?
Our goal is to create a more intimate experience with Arkadia that compliments its sister club, LIV. The beauty of this project is you get to see the best DJ’s and artists in the world in two very different venues. If you like going big, you go LIV. If you wanna leave it all on the dance floor and perhaps meet your future ex-spouse go Arkadia.
When did your love of music blossom?
I was the kid at the record store who’d spend hours flipping through piles of music and sampling records. The cash I earned at 14, bagging groceries was spent mostly on buying music. I had to have the latest tunage and the liner notes that came along with them. One of my biggest heartbreaks to date was having my entire CD collection stolen from my car in 1997. Over 300 CD’s!!! I mean who lugs around that many CD’s in their car but a kid who’s obsessed music.
When did you decide to turn this love into a career?
Back in 2000, a promoter named Gil Alfaro introduced me to Emi Guerra at Space. Shortly after that I became part of the original Space family and was there for three and a half years. Together our little brood, under the direction of Louis Puig, created Miami’s longest running Saturday Electronic Dance Music night and after-hours.
What has the journey been like?
PRICELESS! Digging through memories and experiences makes me a little nostalgic. Never in a million years did I think I’d end up here. I’m thankful to have worked with and learned from great minds. People like Louis Puig, Danny Tenaglia, Behrouz, Murk (Oscar G & Ralph Falcon) and Roland among others. I’m still learning and evolving every day.
You are part (biz)ness man and part club kid, how do you dress for success?
What I wear is a representation of how I’m feeling and the role I’m playing. But I try to funk it up a bit even when I’m wearing a monkey suit.
Do you vary your wardrobe from the conference room to the dance floor?
Most def! Although I have been known to sneak a pair of Havaianas into the conference room every now and again.
You seem to have penchant for hats, do you have a favorite designer?
I mostly shop Nice Collective, Modern Amusement, John Varvatos and Theory. Their cuts and threads rep me best.
What can we expect to see from you in your new post?
Well I can’t discuss what I’m currently working on, as I don’t want ideas to leak to the competition, prematurely. But what I can tell you is to expect Axwell, Erick Morillo, Luciano, Sander Kleinenberg, Steve Angello, Tiesto, Kaskade and a plethora of others will be dropping in before the New Year. Besides that, you MUST drop in to Arkadia on any given Thursday for our “Subliminal + Friends” weekly party hosted by Erick Morillo, my partner Kristine Hall and me. It’s a riot! The night showcases Subliminal Records artists and friends of Eric Morillo Subliminal’s head honcho. Trust, things are a proper mess every Thursday!
Keep up with all that is Biz via twitter.com/bizmartinez or Biznation.net.
Much respect to Mr. Biz. The Electronic Music Industry needs more people around like him!
Hot new celebtrity to say the least.
So proud of your accomplishments.
One of Miami’s finest at throwing parties. Props to you Martinez!