Exploring the Life and Career of Justin Robertson: Manchester's Notable DJ

A comprehensive look into the life and career of Justin Robertson, one of Manchester’s most influential DJs, producers, and remix artists.

Introduction

Manchester has long been a powerhouse for musical innovation, producing some of the world’s most celebrated DJs and electronic music pioneers. Among them is Justin Robertson, a key figure in the city’s dance music scene who has bridged the gap between indie, techno, acid house, and electro.

Since the early 1990s, Robertson has pushed musical boundaries, performing at world-renowned venues, remixing iconic artists, and establishing himself as one of the most versatile and respected DJs in electronic music.

This article delves into his early years, rise to fame, collaborations, production work, and lasting influence on the global electronic music scene.

1. Early Life and Musical Influences

1.1 From Liverpool to Manchester: Beginnings in Music

Although originally from Liverpool, Justin Robertson made his mark in Manchester, moving to the city in the late 1980s. Immersing himself in the Madchester scene, he quickly became fascinated with the explosion of alternative rock, indie dance, and house music that was reshaping the city's nightlife.

1.2 Influences: The Sound That Shaped a DJ

Robertson’s eclectic taste set him apart from the start. He was deeply influenced by:

• The emerging acid house movement from Chicago and Detroit, particularly the sounds of Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May.
• Indie-dance fusion, led by Manchester bands like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, which embraced dance rhythms in their music.
• The underground warehouse rave scene, where DJs like Dave Haslam and Graeme Park introduced him to the limitless possibilities of electronic music.

1.3 First Steps into DJing

By the early 1990s, Robertson had started playing at Manchester's warehouse parties and underground raves, quickly gaining recognition for his innovative mixing style and fearless genre-blending. His sets merged house, techno, electro, and indie dance, creating a unique, high-energy experience that drew in crowds.

2. The Rise of Justin Robertson in the Madchester Scene

2.1 Making a Name in Manchester’s Nightlife

Robertson cut his teeth DJing at legendary clubs, including:

• The Haçienda – The birthplace of acid house in the UK, where he became a regular fixture.
• Konspiracy – A lesser-known but equally influential underground club that championed new talent.
• Illegal warehouse parties – The backbone of Manchester’s underground rave culture in the early 90s.

2.2 Becoming a Renowned Remixer

By the mid-90s, Robertson was recognized as one of the best remixers in dance music, reworking tracks for:

• Primal Scream
• The Prodigy
• The Orb
• New Order
• Happy Mondays

His remixes infused rock tracks with dancefloor energy, making him one of the key figures in the indie-dance crossover movement.

2.3 The Birth of Lionrock

Robertson took his success a step further by launching his own electronic music project, Lionrock, in the mid-90s. The project became known for:

• Tracks like “Packet of Peace” and “Rude Boy Rock”, which fused big beat, dub, and electro.
• Its presence in film soundtracks and TV commercials, making it one of the most recognizable acts of the era.

Lionrock solidified Robertson’s reputation not just as a DJ but as a full-fledged music producer.

3. Expansion Into Production and Record Labels

3.1 Deadstock 33s: Pushing Boundaries in Dance Music

In 1996, Robertson launched his own record label, Deadstock 33s, which became a key platform for:

• Experimental electronic music
• Releases from artists like The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk
• His own productions and remixes, further cementing his status as a tastemaker

3.2 Collaborations with Electronic Music Royalty

Robertson has worked with some of the biggest names in dance music, including:

• Fatboy Slim
• Sasha & Digweed
• Andrew Weatherall
• Bugz in the Attic

His involvement with Bugz in the Attic, a London-based jazz-electronica collective, showcased his ability to adapt his sound while remaining true to his underground roots.

4. The Evolution of Justin Robertson’s Sound

4.1 A Constantly Evolving DJ and Producer

Robertson is not a DJ who sticks to one genre—his ability to evolve has kept him relevant for over three decades. He has seamlessly moved through:

• Big beat and dub in the 90s
• Techno and electro in the 2000s
• Ambient, cinematic electronica in recent years

4.2 The Revolution Is Never Coming: Album Release

In 2018, Robertson released his long-awaited debut album, The Revolution Is Never Coming, which showcased:

• A deep, cinematic electronic sound
• Influences from ambient, sci-fi soundtracks, and industrial techno
• A departure from mainstream dance music in favor of artistic experimentation

The album was well-received by critics and fans, highlighting his continued innovation in electronic music.

5. Present-Day Activities and Influence

5.1 DJ Residencies and Club Nights

Even today, Robertson remains a fixture in the Manchester electronic music scene. He regularly plays at:

• Soup Kitchen – Hosting his own club night, This Feeling
• The Warehouse Project – A major dance music event in Manchester
• Festivals like Glastonbury and Creamfields

5.2 Supporting Emerging Artists

Robertson has taken an active role in mentoring young DJs and producers, working on:

• Workshops and events for up-and-coming talent
• His new label, Bizarre Music, which focuses on underground electronic music

5.3 Continuing to Experiment with Music

With a new album in the works, Robertson continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, collaborating with Tessela and other Manchester-based producers.

6. Legacy and Impact on Manchester’s Electronic Music Scene

6.1 A DJ Who Defined an Era

Justin Robertson has been a key figure in shaping Manchester’s electronic music landscape, influencing:

• The evolution of Madchester’s DJ culture
• The global indie-dance crossover movement
• A new generation of artists blending techno, house, and alternative sounds

6.2 A Lasting Influence on Club Culture

From The Haçienda to modern festivals, Robertson’s influence can still be felt in Manchester’s:

• Thriving underground club scene
• Fusion of indie and electronic music
• Continued appreciation for genre-defying DJs

6.3 Final Thoughts: A True Pioneer

Justin Robertson is more than just a DJ—he is a cultural icon, a pioneer of Manchester’s electronic scene, and a boundary-pushing artist.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Robertson’s impact continues to shape the future of electronic music, proving that true innovation never fades.