Meet Shaun Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Martin.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started playing piano at the age of four under the teachings of Carolyn Jones Campbell in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Texas. I grew up in the church and always had a love for the drums and piano, so much that I would take forks and knives and beat them on the backs of the pews. I studied Classical and Jazz for many years and was always a fan of Gospel music so I would always have the radio blasting at every moment. I am a graduate of the world renown Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where I really honed my Jazz playing. I also studied at Weatherford College (’99) where I earned my Associates in Arts and The University of North Texas (’01) where I earned my Bachelors of Applied Arts and Sciences. I am a member of the Grammy award winning Jazz collective Snarky Puppy as well as a multi-Grammy winning producer alongside my dear friend and Ft. Worth, Texas native, Kirk Franklin. I’ve also recorded with Erykah Badu, Fred Hammond, Myron Butler, Kim Burrell, and I’ve toured with Kirk and Erykah, The Weeknd, and countless others.

Please tell us about your art.
I’ve released two bodies of work. The first one was titled “7 Summers,” and it was more of a collection of songs the I’d written, but it took me seven years to make. It took seven years because I had so many fears and insecurities about myself, my playing, etc… The musician world is HUGE, and sometimes, when you think about all the super players, I can cause to feel inadequate… Just being honest. But, it’s at those times when you trust the Art. When I released & summers I felt so good to have been able to present this art… good, bad, right, wrong, indifferent, either way, it was mine, and I love it now more than ever because It gave me something that I didn’t have early on… Confidence.. the feeling of knowing that what I have to offer the world is significant and more than enough! That led to my 2nd effort titled “Focus.” On this album, I tried to stay within the context of the Jazz Trio with just Piano, Bass, and Drums. I have a few covers on there, but it’s mainly originals that I’d written that just feel good. Recorded in Arlington, Texas, I just wanted to explore another side of acoustic piano playing, since I play so many synths out on the road. I hope they take away from any of this is that you can do anything you set your mind to, as long as you finish what you start!

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think the biggest challenge right now, is the fact that there are SO many artists. Anyone can present their art, which is cool, but there aren’t very many outlets for independent artists, so it gets crowded to make noise. If you can’t make noise, you can’t get heard. That being said, it puts a strain on the artists to present their art, and many give up the fight early, especially the REALLY good ones.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My records are on Apple music under Shaun Martin as well as Spotify and all other streaming outlets. If streaming isn’t your thing, you can go to www.shaunmartin.bandcamp.com and order a physical copy that will be shipped right to your doorstep by the good people at Ropeadope Music and their direct website is www.ropeadope.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shaunmartinmusic.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @shunwun
• Facebook: shaun martin music
• Twitter: @shunwun

Image Credit:
Jack Akana for ReflectionsHD

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