Instead of crafting a tradional bio, I  thought I’d write a little something about myself--in my own words. 

I’m a songwriter, and I’m a storyteller.  

I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life. I’ve been a carpenter, a welder and a fertilizer truck driver, among at least a dozen other odd jobs that I’ve held over the years. 

For the past 24+ years I’ve worked as a broadcast journalist at a small radio station in rural southern Michigan 

But other than being a father and husband, the job that has held the strongest connection for me has been that of songwriter and storyteller. 

There’s something exciting about being on stage, sharing my songs and the stories behind them. 

The songs have become like my children-I’m proud of all of them. 

However, not all of my songs will make it to the ears of my listeners. That’s the nature of songwriting. 

I’m going to say something that may seem self-centered, but it’s not--I don’t write songs for the listeners. I write them for myself.  The songs that I’m most proud of--those that I feel have the most value-- get shared with audiences. The system has worked for me over the years. It has allowed the art and craft of songwriting to maintain a level of purity and “magic” that makes each new creation as fulfilling as the last. 

My music has been labeled folk, country, blues and Americana-- Not always all of those things at the same time. I don’t mind any of those labels; they all fit to some degree. I personally like the labels “Roots Rock” and “Americana Noir.” I think they fit the best. But my work can be different things at different times.

If you’ve made it out to one of my shows, and allowed me to share my work with you, Thank You, for being part of the magic. 

If you haven’t been to a show, I’d love to see you out there.  

See You Soon

Russ Kendrick Martin