Interviews
& Profiles
" Luis Martinez "
by: Vic - Ten
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Back in the days between the early and late 80's, the Miami Freestyle revolution was taking place and concerts were a main part of the movement. One person who was a key figure in the development of this Freestyle, Dance party scene was concert promoter Luis Martinez from MadHouse Productions. His production company was responsible for most of the concerts that were held at Six Flag Atlantis water theme park, the famous Sheraton of the Americas in Hialeah, and the historical re-launching of the Milander Auditorium's concert parties. |
When you think of a person that has dedicated their life to the promotion of concerts for the dance music genre, you think of this man. Luis Martinez is now back and ready to bring to the community, those glorious concert days.
FM.C: Tell me a little history about yourself, MadHouse Productions and your new company "The Music Network".
| LM: My first company was Madhouse Productions. In1987 at that time it was a regular DJ service. It started to get more business and more activities with the school and different promotions. At that time my sisters boyfriend ,which was my partner at that time, who just graduated from University of Miami came up to me and told me if I wanted to increase the business, and make the company larger. |  |
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I said sure , so we went out and bought a bigger sound system, light show, with the idea of opening a teen club. After buying this equipment the space for the teen club was not available, so now we needed a place to have these events. |
| So asking around after several months we ended up in a place called Sheraton of the America of Hialeah. Here was where I met Tim Hollinger and told him about the situation. He was willing to rent us a ballroom in the hotel to have these events. My first event featured Cynthia. What we agreed to do was to create a show that featured Freestyle acts. On Saturdays the shows were for the 21 and over crowd and on Fridays it was ladies night. So we started booking acts after acts. After the first event which was a successful show with the help of tight security and radio station promotions, we would continue doing shows for a whole year. |  |
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This led to the 1989 Freestyle show that included
Cynthia, Joey Kidd, George Lamond and various other local talents. In addition, we
promoted school events like " The Say No To Drugs" campaign which was
sponsored by PEPSI and POWER 96. The rest was history. I decide I needed a change so I started doing HIP-HOP events. So in 1990 DJ FM from Hot 105 and Cypress Hill and Beat Street was my first HIP-HOP event. From there it led to other concerts that featured groups of the likes of Blacksheep, and Leaders of the NuSchool. These shows were held at the Institute in South Beach. |
After a couple of these concert events I decided I needed a break, so I joined the Marines for 4 years. But while in the force I was still doing parties here and there.
| Now that I'm back in Miami I will be doing the same thing, promotions. Specifically Freestyle acts because here in Miami we need to promote the music the most. The name of my new promotion company is "THE MUSIC NETWORK". |  |
FM.C: What was your biggest attendance in any event here in Miami?
LM : Between 1500 to 2500 people.
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FM.C: What are the key elements into making a slamming
event? LM: PROMOTIONS, PROMOTIONS, PROMOTIONS. Also a headline act or an act that just came out and you feel that down the road the act is going to be a hit. Sometimes you must follow your instincts. |
FM.C: Being a promoter what will you do for the local acts in Miami?
LM: Well, what I always done in the past, since my first event. I would book a headliner act that attracts the crowd. Then I would choose several local acts so they can feature their talents this way giving them the exposure the they deserve in order for their music to be heard. In addition, getting them heard with the advertisement that I would put on the radio. So like that the people can hear their name on the radio. That's a pretty good start for a local group, to get exposure on the radio. SO on the day of the event the people could be familiar with the groups performing, and if they like their song request it on the radio. The more request the more possibility on getting it on rotation. When it gets airplay, that's when the group gets notice. YES it's all about PROMOTIONS.
FM.C: How would you compare today's acts with yesterdays?
LM: To be honest with you there is no comparison because there are no Freestyle acts happening now in Miami ?
FM.C: What is going on with Freestyle now?
LM: NOTHING, NOTHING no one so far is making the quality of Freestyle that we use to hear. Now people are just trying to make a quick buck. But the other day when I went to my record pool I received only one Freestyle song and it was from Mic Mac Records. The artist was Artie and Crissie-Icee. Labels should jump into doing good quality Freestyle. They should do it because there is a market for it.
FM.C: What do you think young people today want to see in a show?
LM: They want to have a good time, feel comfortable and to feel safe.
FM.C: What would you consider your dream concert?
LM: I would like to see all the old school, all the old disco groups and all the Freestyle groups that made it big. People like George Lamond , Cynthia, TKA, and others. I would like to see all of them together performing in one stage in one night. I will be fulfilled as a promoter. I'll be happy. YEAH.
FM.C: In conclusion what would you like to achieve this time as a promoter?
LM: Well, I would like to take it a step further than before. I will be completely satisfied to do everything once again.
| FM.C: Look out for Luis Martinez and his new promotion
company to bring back the excitement of those early years with a new twist. THE CONCERTS
ARE BACK. AND THE MAN IS DEFINITELY BACK!!!!!! (featured on the picture from left to right) |
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