Shadow Lake Behind the Booth: GMartinez DJ Q & A
- Shadow Lake
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Take a second to get to know one of our local legends, Gilbert Martinez, also known as GMartinez.
Martinez is an open-format DJ, who live mixes in Shadow Lake's booth on the regular each summer. Martinez is known for brining high energy sets to the dance floor, and is a master at reading the vibe of the crowd.
He is known for his branded parties and headlined Paint Rave 2025. He is the main DJ who helps mix the music for Shadow Lake's Homemade Bikini Contests. Catch his first branded event of the season, G-Night, on May 16.
Q: How long have you been a DJ?
A: I started mixing when I was a teenager. Early on, I spent a lot of time making mashups, which is something I still really enjoy today. I've always liked taking elements from different songs and blending them together to create something new.
I started performing out more around 2015. Even now, DJing is still something I see as a creative outlet. It's something I genuinely enjoy and have always had fun with.
Q: How did you get into DJing?
A: I've been obsessed with music for as long as I can remember. My dad and my brother Eric were both really into music, so growing up there was always a lot of different styles playing around the house. That exposed me to a little bit of everything early on.
I first discovered DJing through the internet and started watching people who mixed in really creative ways. I was especially drawn to DJs who were doing things differently and blending songs in ways you wouldn't expect. That's what made me want to try it myself.
Once I started experimenting with it, I realized how much I enjoyed it. For me, DJing became a creative outlet and something I could really dive into and keep learning.
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy playing the most?
A: I like to think I play a little bit of everything, but hip hop and house music will always be some of my first loves.
Lately I've also been playing a lot of Latin music, especially genres like bachata and cumbia. I really enjoy mixing those styles into my sets.
Q: Who is your favorite artist right now?
A: Right now, I've been listening to a lot of Don Toliver. I actually saw him in concert a few years ago, before he really blew up. So it's been cool to see how big he's gotten since then. I've also been playing a lot of Plan B in my sets, so I've been going back and listening to a lot of their older music. And recently I've been listening to a reggaeton artist from Mexico named Yeyo, who is part of a group called La Obsesion. They've been having a big moment lately, and I've been playing a lot of his music as well.
Q: When did you start performing at Shadow Lake?
A: I believe this will be around my fifth summer DJing at Shadow Lake. I started playing there around the time the current owners took over. I think one of my friends, or possibly my cousin Evelyn, may have mentioned me to them at the time, and we eventually connected.
I had actually been to Shadow Lake before when I was younger. When I was a teenager they used to have Teen Nights there, and I remember going to those. So when I first started DJing there, it was kind of surreal because I never would have imagined back then that I’d eventually be the one behind the booth.
It’s been really cool to see how much the place has grown and changed over the years.
Q: What makes Shadow Lake unique?
A:The outdoor atmosphere definitely makes it stand out. There really isn’t another place like it around here.
I’ve also always liked the variety of music I can play there. It gives me the freedom to mix different styles and keep things interesting, which is something I’ve always enjoyed about DJing there.
Q: Which of your Shadow Lake events are you most excited about this season?
A: I’m excited for the whole season, especially with this being the 100th year. I’m really interested to see what the owners have come up with. They’re always good at coming up with fun and unique ideas, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they have planned and being part of the celebration.
Q: What can guests expect when you’re behind the booth this summer?
A: Guests can expect a mix of what they’re already used to from me, along with some new mixes and ideas I’ve been working on. I’m always trying to improve and refine what I do, so this season will definitely be a more polished version of what I’ve been bringing to the table.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the music for me. I focus on creating the right vibe and reading the crowd so the energy builds throughout the night.
Q: If you could tell our guests one thing what would it be?
First off, shout out to the regulars who have been coming out the whole time I’ve been DJing there. I know there are people who have been coming back year after year, and I appreciate that.
For everyone else, just come out and have fun. It’s not that serious of a place. Relax, enjoy the music, enjoy the environment, and have a good time. That’s really what it’s all about.
You can find G at Shadow Lake during these 2026 events:
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