Cliff Martinez, born February 5, 1954, in the Bronx, New York, is an American composer and former drummer whose innovative scoring has imprinted on the sonic landscape of film and television. Beginning his career in the rock realm, Martinez found his true calling in the evocative world of film scoring with an ethos that bridges ambient music and stark, compelling rhythms. A defining moment in his career came through his collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh on the critically acclaimed film "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" (1989), marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership that would include scores for "Traffic" (2000) and "Solaris" (2002). His unique approach, often incorporating crystal glasses and the steel drum into his compositions, has distinguished his work in the industry.

Martinez's foray into television music, notably with scores for "The Knick" and Amazon's original series "The Wilds," showcases his versatility and continued relevance in contemporary storytelling. In recent years, releases such as the "KIMI" (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) and contributions to "The Rise of the Synths," alongside remix work like "How Does It Feel (Cliff Martinez Remix)," underscore his influence within both the diegetic and non-diegetic realms of music production. Martinez's ability to blend electronic elements with traditional instrumentation has secured his place as a pioneer in the fusion of musical genres, making his compositions both haunting and unforgettable. Through his expansive career, Cliff Martinez has not only defined the sound of modern cinema but has also continuously pushed the boundaries of musical expression.

Genres

Soundtrack

Related Artists

M83

Vangelis

Hans Zimmer

Tangerine Dream

Moby

Aphex Twin

Four Tet

Brian Eno

Boards of Canada

Kraftwerk

John Carpenter

Atticus Ross

Latest Release

Touch of Crude (Soundtrack from the PRADA Short Film)

Cliff Martinez

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released January 27, 2023