About Me
Blessings and peace from me to you.Thanks for visiting my space. Its opening with the US release my latest CD, The Way, currently on CD BABY, of which Im very excited about.
My name is Ian Martin, I was born and raised in Toronto Canada; I would call myself a late bloomer, by musical definition and other wise. From a very young age my father pastured a Pentecostal church, which gave me a great opportunity to fool around with as many instruments I could get my hands on. First came the piano lessons, then drums, then the BASS. I didnt think that it would be the instrument Id make a career playing, actually I didnt think Id have a career in music at all, but thats another story. Growing up in a very religious home, I had to sneak and listen to anything that wasnt gospel, Along with that, Toronto didnt have any black music stations at that time, so my musical exposure to it came from one of 2 ways- either by check out my uncles record collection and tape it, or by listening to the music that was played by the Buffalo NY radio station WBLK and tapping it! However Pop/Rock music was easily accessible at that time, it was on radio everywhere- and if you grew up in Canada in the 70s, theres probably a rocker lying dormant somewhere inside of you
At sixteen, I started playing bass and made it my primary instrument. Of course I played in church, but I also played for other gospel groups, choirs. My influences then were, The Richard Smallwood singers, New King James Version, Thompson Community Singers, Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Choirs. If any gospel artists came to Toronto, it would be an event in the gospel/church community not to be missed, (this was before internet and CDs. Unlike now distribution of Gospel to Toronto was at best poor).
It was also around this time that my best friend bought a Level 42 2LP, called A Physical Presence that record and introduction to the group was the beginning into another aspect of my musical journey. It opened up my thirst for learning about harmony, songwriting/composition and jazz derived music. I think I was hooked from that point on. I always dreamed of going to a school like Berklee, but never really thought that it could be a possibility. Again growing up in Toronto back then, the US (or the States as we called it) was a world that was elusive and mystical. Could I be crazy enough to think I could compete along side American musicians? At that time in the church, to play secular music was very, very taboo. Also in my Jamaican/Canadian culture, a desire for a career in music-other than teaching- was thought of as pure foolishness.
At age 19 my parents were commissioned to do missionary work in East Africa, I wasnt sure what the next path was going to be. I had done a few different things up until that point, even at that early age. Finally I decided I was going to go to culinary school, to open a dessert store in the Bahamas with my Aunt (my friends that dont know this story are hysterically laughing!) but my parents said no. I guess they came to grips with the one constant in my live, though the years, music. I know that it wasnt what they wanted, but they knew what made me happy, and against popular church opinion, sent me to Berklee College of Music. They said, Whatever you do, just get your degree so you can teach! I will always be grateful to them for that.So I got my degree in Film Music Composion. It was a very positive experience for me. Learned so much, about music and life in Boston. After school, I tried the NY thing- almost a year commuting between there and Boston. But every time I left the Apple, I felt a sense of relief, (I think thats a pretty good indication that it may not have been the place for me). So I saved some money the following year and moved to Los Angeles in January of 2001. I came extremely close to moving to London, but circumstances arose, I guess I wasnt supposed to move there. Im very happy in LA I think it was the best decision I could have made professionally. Since the migration, Ive had a whirlwind of experiences. Some positive, some not, but all of which were necessary and thankful for. Its the painful ones that test our character, and keep changing us into whom we become.When I think of where Ive come from, its almost overwhelming. I have played with so many incredible musicians in my career, people who I came up listening too, people who Ive idolized, people who have touched me musically (some Ive had crushes on!) In Los Angeles I started to come into my own as a man, flourishing in a whole new direction.
I now feel as though Im learning more than I ever have! Im enjoying my life.
To all of you, I wish you happiness, and love; keep believing in yourself, keep pushing yourself forward, and most importantly enrich your spirit.I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
