Andrew Martin (musician)
Andrew Martin (born 16 May 1978 in Cambridge) is a English singer, songwriter, musician and occasional producer.
Music career
Early days
Martin began writing songs in 1989 whilst still at school, taking influences from Cathy Dennis, Michael Jackson, Soul II Soul and numerous artists from the highly successful PWL label. Whilst beginning with early lo-fi solo recordings of his own compositions in 1989, he went on to record under the pseudonym band of Supernatural until 1999.
2001-2004: Octosound
After a brief hiatus of recording, Martin became the lead vocalist of Octosound - a six-piece trip-hop band founded in 2001. The band consisted of an evolving six members and incorporated the use of INSTRUMENTS not commonly associated with live bands including a stylophone, electric violin, bamboo saxophone and numerous percussion instruments, which joined the bands line up of guitar, bass guitar and drums.
Through the changes of band members, Octosound's style steadily became more rock orientated and saw Andrew write some of his darkest material to date. Whilst the band wrote and recorded steadily over three years, they rarely performed live - notching up just three public performances.
In August 2004, Andrew wished to take a temporary break from the band, citing 'tiredness' and 'creative stagnancy'. The band have never reformed.
2001–present: Solo career
2001: While You Were Sleeping
Whilst part of Octosound, Andrew continued writing his own material. By this time, his own music collection was beginning to evolve and he has often stated that his influences have come from artists like Tricky, Björk, Kraftwerk, Cathy Dennis, Lamb, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Portishead, Morcheeba and The Sweet.
In November 2001, he was asked by Chris Boland of Folk/Rock band Alighting to write and record a song for a charity compilation. Within two weeks he had written three tracks and recorded his favourite - the heavily electro influenced While You Were Sleeping. The track was included in the 'Skyline Songs' compilation, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief in Cambridge. The track was also released as a single and saw the beginning of a long-term production partnership with remixer Matthew John Youens who produced numerous remixes of the track.
2005: The Fury And The Fire
Andrew released his first official solo album, The Fury And The Fire in June 2005 which included the singles While You Were Sleeping and Amnesty/Wreckage - the latter of which was written by his friend - poet and journalist, Alan Pedder .
The album also included I'll Be Gone, a collaboration with former Octosound bandmate Dario Galasso, who can be heard performing backing vocals as well as performing all musical instruments with the exception of Andrew's orchestral arrangement.
2009: The Vorticist
Andrew is due to release his second official solo album in 2009. It will contain the singles A Moment With You and Irresistible on CD and DL. It has seen Andrew's musical style swing clearly into synth/electro pop and is co-produced by Matthew Youens.
Andrew launched an online remix competition in March 2009, giving the chance for remixers from all countries and genre to submit mixes of his track Irresistible. The winning entries were by Sven Erler and Sean Goes Pop! .
Discography
Studio albums
- 2005: The Fury And The Fire
Singles
- 2002: "While You Were Sleeping"
- 2004: "Amnesty/Wreckage"
- 2008: "A Moment With You"