Marty Smets

Technical finger-picking, catchy rhythms, a full array of open tunings, music written to promote good vibes and positive messages – these all describe the organic sound of Marty Smets. An Ontario based singer and songwriter; Marty puts a new spin on classic folk with music determined to sooth the troubled mind.29 yr-old Smets (vocals, guitar, and weissenborn), along side his ‘partner in harms’ Jeremie Carreau (vocals, ukulele, and percussion) got their start playing and singing harmonies in the Northern Ontario folks scene. Joined by James Meanwell (guitar) in the spring of 2006, the three recorded their first EP together, with award-winning sound engineer Billy Bruhmuller of Easter Island Studio in Sudbury.Since the release of Marty Smets’ self-titled EP, the group has had a lot of fun. Returning from a music-inspired tour of Western Canada, they were invited to perform at the 2006 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards. Finalists in three music categories, Marty took home awards for “Best Vocal Performance on a Recording” for Dreams, and “Best Album” for his self titled EP.“When the Northern Lights Festival held regional auditions in April 2006 we were all blown away by the surprise of Marty Smets. He came out of nowhere and easily won a spot to perform at the festival. He was a smash at the 2006 festival, outselling all others independent artists at the Merch tent. The music is seamless harmonies, great melodies, good finger picking and a warm atmosphere. Marty brings a great vibe to workshops, a sunny afternoon stage, a late night tavern gig, a coffee shop, a house concert and just about any other place you will find musicians.” - Paul Lowenberg, Artistic Director, Northern Lights Festival Boreal and Member of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Board of DirectorMarty currently resides in Hamilton ON, where he is busy trying to balance his music schedule and a PhD through McMaster University.