About Martin
Chasing tunes that move the soul as well as the feet since ’94.
I’m a soulful house DJ and broadcaster from Southampton. I’ve spent more than thirty years playing music in clubs, bars, on radio and anywhere else a good tune can find a home.
I don’t try to be all things to all people — I play the music I genuinely love, for people who love it too.
How I got here
I started DJing in 1994, as a teenager playing hardcore on vinyl. Since then my tastes have travelled through garage, house, disco and deeper sounds, eventually finding a home in the soulful house I play today.
After some time away from DJing, I returned to broadcasting at 40 and launched Soul Essence, which has since grown to more than 300 shows. Radio opened plenty of other doors too, from interviewing artists including CeCe Peniston, Ultra Naté and Barbara Tucker to getting back behind the decks and playing regularly around Southampton.
Along the way I’ve supported Craig Charles, Mica Paris and Kenny Thomas, held a five-year residency at one of Southampton’s best-known cocktail bars, and played everywhere from intimate vinyl sessions to events at ExCeL London, Manchester Albert Hall and Salesforce Tower.
These days I’m selective about where I play. My main focus is Soul Essence and House FM, alongside specialist nights where I can play the modern and classic soulful house I love for people that love it too.
I play music I believe in, for people who want to hear it.
Martin Gale 