artin Kerr is doing
something very
right. While not really an overnight success, this English born, Edmonton based singer-songwriter may seem to have appeared out of nowhere for some. Things have certainly begun happening for Martin, and, surprisingly, without the help of an agent, label or distributor. “The music business is changing so fast
that, really, nobody understands it,”Martin explains,
“so you can be kind
of a pioneer. You can
make it up as you go
along and you can find a way that works for you.” Determined to prove he could make a living doing what he loves, despite nay-sayers, Martin has been pressing forward, doing things his own way and it’s working.
With the warmth and sincerity of songs sung from the heart, he has built a fan base one by one, selling CDs from his guitar case. Twenty thousand copies and twelve years later all the personal connections made through busking, open stages, and living rooms has earned him the devotion of enough followers to fill Edmonton’s Winspear, and enough respect to be welcomed as the opener for Sarah McLachlan at Roger’s Place. His newest release, Better than Brand New,
recorded with Juno nominated producer, Stew Kirkwood, has earned the top spot on iTunes
Singer-Songwriter Chart, #2 on iTunes Album Chart and #3 Google Play Album Chart. He was also named Male Artist of the Year at this year’s Edmonton Music Awards. Impressively, these
accomplishments have all
taken place within only a couple of months.
Pursuing a musical career while raising a family has presented its challenges but fortunately,
Martin has had the benefit of a mutually supportive marriage. Furthermore, he found
tremendous support in his fan base, especially here in Edmonton. “Every time that a song connected with somebody, they wanted to help and there are thousands and thousands of people who have helped me financially and otherwise,” Martin shares, “whether its throwing a
loonie into my case when they saw me on the street, or investing thousands of dollars into my career or sponsoring a show or buying a stack of CDs for their friends or just writing me a little note to say, ‘we like what you’re doing, keep going.’ He clarifies, “but I guess in the end it comes down to being open to receive that help and sometimes asking for what you need and also just pushing through the hard times because you love it.”
Martin discovered that love early on, and was encouraged to sing from an early age. He fondly recalls singing hymns in school assemblies, and listening to music in the family car, including artists like Bill Withers, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and The Beatles. His father managed the Baháí publishing trust, which meant the opportunity for exposure to a breadth of world music. His family also frequently enjoyed live music, and these early experiences had an impact on him.
“I loved the power
that a song had over
people and the way
that it could open their hearts, and make them laugh and cry,” Martin recalls, “and so I
wanted to be able to do that too.”
From young singer emerged the songwriter, an engaging folk story teller, but no stranger to an
infectious pop hook. His lyrics, honest and real, paint stories on a poetic landscape, hold the
listener by the heart. “When it comes to writing, yeah,” Martin admits, “I like to be as honest
and frank as I can, because I really appreciate that, and I think that’s where originality comes
out.” He explains further, “If you can find a way of saying something that is unique to your own experience, then it cuts through a bit better and it connects with people more deeply and more permanently.”
There is a vulnerability in sharing songs that are, often, quite personal, with an audience, and,
Martin tells us, “I want to really be feeling what I’m singing in the
Martin has been pressing forward, doing things his own way and it’s working
M
“The music business is changing so fast that, really, nobody understands it,”Martin explains, “so you can be kind of a pioneer. You can
make it up as you go along and you can find a way that works for you.”
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