So Thankful

As I sat down to my desk in my bedroom this afternoon I couldn't actually see the desk due to the collection of items that have collected themselves there.  It reminded me that I need to stop for a second and collect my thoughts.
Part of the reason why it is so messy is due to the fact that although I have a deep desire to be a tidy/well organized person, I am in fact not that guy.  But it is also due to the fact that I have literally been out every night for the past few weeks doing music.  When I am home, it is to sleep or to grab a different guitar and box of gear.  This stretch of music has reminded me that it is hard work to do music full-time.  It is tiring to be out late every night and be up at 7am getting my kids ready for school, but I am so thankful for the opportunities.
As we (Otic Poets) prepare for the iTunes release of our brand new record "Frontiers" on Tuesday June 4th, 2013 I am reminded of the last year of my life.  In this year I have had the opportunity to play in so many different situations and I am so blessed to have had them.  I'm also reminded of this as we have the opportunity this week to open for Jon Bryant who is making a huge musical splash with his music.
Playing music feels very right for me.  It is something I have wanted to do since starting my band "Silas" back in the late 90's.  Now I get to play music everyday.  It's such an amazing gift.
So I will let you know how the show goes this week in Whitby.  Or perhaps I will see you there.
 

The Velo Stage

I have had the opportunity to play in many locations in my career as a musician, but this morning may have been the coolest yet...

A few months ago my friend Reuben told me about an idea that he had to build a stage that would go behind his bike.  He asked if I would be willing to play while he rides around town and It thought it was kind of a crazy idea.  Crazy enough for me to jump in with both feet.  So this morning we joined "Ride to Work" day and traveled around on the streets of Hamilton playing a mix of original and cover music.  By mid morning we were on the front page of the Hamilton Spectator's web site. thespec.com  It was truly a sweet experience and created quite a buzz for both the limitless abilities of bicycles and Darin Martin Music.  Be on the look out for other artist who might play the Velo Stage on a street near you. To read more about this event go to. http://raisethehammer.org/article/1864

Darinmartinmusic.com is Under Construction

Hello friends,
There are lots of very cool and exciting things happening right now with DMM.  Just wanted to let you know that the website darinmartinmusic.com is currently being totally redesigned by a professional designer and will be live very soon.
I also wanted to let you know that I am actively writing for a new Album.
I had been using this blog for promoting Acoustic Saturdays but to create less confusion, we have made acousticsaturdays.blogspot.ca the new home for all things "Acoustic Saturdays".
I will post a new blog again very soon.

Introducing "Acoustic Saturdays" Blog

In trying to streamline information, we are doing some minor construction and making acousticsaturdays.blogspot.ca the hub for all of the information on our upcoming gigs and artist features.  Please subscribe to that blog and get up-to-date information on all of the happenings.

Saturday May 11th

Rachael Bawn grew up in the small town of Hopeville, ON., the second youngest of 6 girls. Her musical roots stemmed from having been surrounded by the bluegrass music her uncle's would play, along with exposure to her older sisters' musical preferences, which included: No Doubt, Alanis Morissette, Whitney, Mariah and Madonna. These influences have given Rachael a wide appreciation for all types of music. Her love of song began at the age of 2. At 4 years old she gave her first stage performance in a church talent show, and at 13 years she started writing her own lyrics and melodies. At the age of 14 she joined a choir which performed in local towns, giving her the backbone and experience to perform in front of an audience. After gradutaing highschool , Rachael moved to the Greater Toronto Area with the hopes of pursuing a career as a musical artist. It was during this time that she met and teamed up with music producer Ron Allen. After writing and recording for over 2 years, Rachael is working on getting her music out into the world.

"Wade Hunt is currently a student and songwriter working out of the Niagara Region. Nomadic trajectories of the War Machine is what most influences his writing (2013)"

Darin Martin
“From the moment you hear Darin speak on the mic, you are captivated by his quiet and sincere tone. This is only amplified once his brilliant guitar and powerful vocals are added. Darin has played many times at the Freeway and each time we are excited to have him back on the stage! ”

Miranda Ciarroni - Music Coordinator @ the Freeway

"Engaging and personable; Darin Martin's live performance moves you and his music stays with you long after the moment passes. Just between me and my headphones, this is one artist I want to keep on repeat."

Rebecca Doll - Heart of The Hammer Cafe

darinmartinmusic.com  

facebook.com/darinmartin

Saturday April 20th

Performers for Saturday April 20th
Jordan Fox
Mary Simon
Darin Martin

Jordan Fox is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario.  He began at a young age as a student of the clarinet and piano but has since moved on to a variety of folk instruments (guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo) and anything else that makes noise.  Jordan belongs to the Rarebird Records label and can be found performing solo or supporting various local artists.  

You can find information at www.rarebirdrecords.ca or free music at http://www.noisetrade.com/jordanfox.

Invite Mary Simon over for one night and her storytelling will make you cry, make you dance and will sing you to sleep.  With a certain je ne c'est quois of lyrical sensibility, melodious composition and timeless storytelling, you will want to invite her back, or better yet never have her leave.

Mary Simon's formula is simple, time-tested.  With four albums behind her, the Hamilton singer/songwriter's powerful voice and vision have contributed to years of touring and creative explorations.  Join her for the ride at www.marysimon.com

Darin Martin

“From the moment you hear Darin speak on the mic, you are captivated by his quiet and sincere tone. This is only amplified once his brilliant guitar and powerful vocals are added. Darin has played many times at the Freeway and each time we are excited to have him back on the stage! ”

Miranda Ciarroni - Music Coordinator @ the Freeway

"Engaging and personable; Darin Martin's live performance moves you and his music stays with you long after the moment passes. Just between me and my headphones, this is one artist I want to keep on repeat."

Rebecca Doll - Heart of The Hammer Cafe

darinmartinmusic.com  

facebook.com/darinmartin

Saturday April 13th

Artist Line Up This Week
Heather Janssen
Liam Kinnon
Darin Martin & Geoff Laforet

Heather Janssen

Heather Janssen is an artist from Hamilton, Ontario. She is known for her acoustic covers on YouTube, tackling artists ranging from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to Justin Bieber. However, her most popular video on YouTube is an original song. Heather’s songwriting skills can be heard on self-penned compositions like “My Mind’s Made Up” and “Checkers,” the latter of which has nearly 300,000 hits. Heather’s acoustic mix of jazz and pop draws comparisons to some of the greatest female singer-songwriters of our time. Studio versions of both her cover songs and original material can be found on iTunes. For more on Heather, please visit:

www.facebook.com/heatherjanssenmusic

www.youtube.com/heatherjanssen

www.twitter.com/heatherjanssen

Liam Kinnon is a singer/songwriter and guitarist from Toronto. He has been writing songs since he was 4 years old. He has been playing guitar, bass, and piano in clubs, bars, and churches with various bands and as a solo performer.  ”Working out a combination of covers and original songs as a single acoustic performer can be a challenge” he says, “but getting in front of people with this material is worth the risks.”

Having recently completed a successful tour opening for Don Amero on the East Coast and regular performances in Toronto Liam is continuing to write, record, and play his music wherever he can.

Darin Martin & Geoff Laforet

This duo has been rocking out together for almost 3 years and has played pubs, restaurants,  weddings, birthday parties, backyard parties, even colouring recitals.
Their tight harmonies and upbeat acoustic vibe is very infectious and engaging.
When they are not playing acoustic guitars and hand drums, they are rocking it in their band "Otic Poets" whose brand new EP "Frontiers" will be
available very soon.

darinmartinmusic.com