From Walsall to the world and back

Walsall-born DJ Martin Wright will take to the decks this Saturday night for a spectacular evening of soulful, vocal, funky house and chunky electro at Birmingham's sleek new Gatecrasher venue.

The club, which has now settled into the former Works building in Broad Street, was officially opened last week as 'Bed' with a rapturous set by legendary dance DJ Pete Tong.

Martin is one of a select group of DJs chosen to represent global dance music brand Fierce Angel, the relatively new creation of prolific Hed Kandi inventor Mark Doyle.

His DJ career, which spans 20 years, has taken him from his roots in the Midlands to a two-year spell in Japan, and from there to the farthest corners of the world, playing regular sets across the Middle East and Asia.

But Martin remains passionate about the Midlands clubbing scene, championing Birmingham as one of the best cities for clubbing in the UK.

"I've been very lucky to play at some amazing venues all over the world," he says. "But I always love coming back to Birmingham. There's a great vibe about it. The atmosphere's always buzzing!"

"I have a monthly residency at Bambu which is great because it allows you to form a bond with all your regulars and really get to know the crowd inside out."

He also tries to give back to the community by mentoring a new generation of budding dance DJs across the Midlands, teaching both practical and theoretical elements of the profession with The DJ Academy.

"I'm really looking forward to this Saturday," he enthuses. "Gatecrasher is such a respected and influential brand, and Bed is a great venue.

"To me it puts Birmingham firmly on the map for a top night out."

Martin will play at Bed for Fierce Angels this Saturday night from 10pm. Visit the Gatecrasher Birmingham website to find out more about the venue and to buy tickets.

Keep up to date with all things Fierce at www.fierceangels.com

Alternatively, you can follow Martin and find out more about learning to DJ with him via his Facebook page or www.myspace.com/theofficialdjmartinwright