MARTIN LUTHER
BIOGRAPHY
“If nothing else, my music gives silence a voice.” -Martin Luther
the artist
Martin Luther, also known as Martin Luther McCoy, quite simply was born to sing. Though a natural baritone, this forced second tenor voice has captured the hearts and the imagination of audiences worldwide. It’s owner, a truly gifted and highly styled musician whose studying of gospel, funk, rock and soul music at an early age, set in motion what many have come to identify as the making of a Rebel Soul. ‘’In the church, in the house and the street, there was always music and all of it moved me…so it was just a matter of time before I sought a career in entertainment.’’
the movement
With respect for his craft, his is a story of Choir Boy-Turned-Rocker, and his music is a tireless blend of rock, blues, funk and R&B that will stand the test of time. Couple such an esteemed name with an unparalleled style of musicianship, then mix that with an innate ability to create sheer magic on both a guitar and a microphone and finally, you have one unbelievably exceptional formula for well, just that…a movement.
Although his is not a name you would typically associate with music—once you’ve heard his voice and his story, you’re not likely to forget him. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor, musician and producer has been bubbling within the music world for years, and has already energized music lovers across the globe with collaborations with some of pop and hip hop’s finest. Martin’s last studio album, ‘Rebel Soul Music’, was one of music underground’s most anticipated albums of 2004, nationwide. Since the album was released in September 2004; it has received amazing critical acclaim. Associated Press named it number 4 on its Top Ten Albums of 2004, People Magazine named RSM its “Critic’s Choice” rating the album 3.5 out of 4 stars. Martin is the only independent artist given the privilege of recording a performance session for MTV Live on MTV.com.
He was also named VH1.com’s, “You Outta Know” artist 2 separate months. With a video for the single “Daily Bread” making it to VH1 Soul’s top ten, Martin went on to perform and tour with industry heavy-weights like Dave Matthews, Jill Scott and countless others. He has been seen by millions of fans, as a featured member of the legendary hip hop band, The Roots, which also landed Martin a coveted cameo in Dave Chappelle’s comedic concert film, ‘Block Party’. Martin made his cinematic debut as a lead actor in the Sony Pictures release ‘Across the Universe’, directed by Julie Taymor. The ‘Across the Universe’ soundtrack, which Martin also appears on, is now platinum plus. The popularity of the film and Martin’s contribution continues to find new audiences daily thanks to the many social networking sites and fan driven content made available on sites like You Tube. “I’m standing in the vanguard of a revolution. With technology we can communicate directly to music lovers and connect the dots that used to require marketing and promotion departments. We are our own companies now, so with a push of a button, you too can tune in…’’
the beginning
It’s easy to understand how the legacy of a name can make it virtually impossible to not expect great things. Although his parents had one thing planned for him, the young rebel clearly had something else in mind. After being exposed to the psychedelic sounds of Parliament Funkadelic by his older brother, Martin Luther found his true calling. A young music revolutionary was born, and his mission began.
Outfitted with a strong sense of community, musicianship and humanity, Martin Luther began to fulfill his need to inspire his community, gender and race with lyrics that uplift, music that stimulates and a voice that elevates.
the calling
Becoming enamored with everything funk, Martin Luther rebelled against tickling the ivories. Bored and unmoved by conventional music lessons early on encouraged the young Martin Luther to find his own voice, develop his own style and create his own musical path. “I could hear music, so I was using my ear to teach me how to do what I wanted to do, but my teacher had her way of doing things. We would always be at war come rehearsal time, so the formal training ended up just not working out.” Martin Luther assimilated notes and sounds innately, not missing a beat and continuing to play the keyboard, learning to manipulate the drums and finally mastering his true passion—the guitar. “There are other forms of music that the guitar is exemplary in, but when it comes down to Rock and Roll, it’s all about attitude. It’s rebellious… aggressive, it pulls you into an uplifted darkness that only the guitar can conjure. That electric air is what I breathe. There’s an intense current that runs through my veins and always has and always will.”
independence day
Martin Luther recognized the value in education and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College where he met and organized with colleagues Shawn Peters and Jeff Alston to help him form the current Rebel Soul Records. Fiercely independent, Martin Luther’s desire to learn how the music business worked from the inside prompted the release of his first cd entitled ’The Calling’ which received critical acclaim and is considered a rare and highly sought after addition to any underground soul music collection.
the comparisons
Although Martin Luther’s music is heavily marinated in the sounds of Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone and Stevie Wonder, amongst others, he is quick to downplay comparisons to both the old and new. While he idolizes the sounds of yesteryear, he’s considered a throw-forward and doesn’t debase or compare himself to today’s artists. “I don’t look at myself as having the baddest voice, it’s just a unique instrument and I’m just trying to do with it the best that I can. I have reached myself as an individual and because of that, everything that I do is different from everything somebody else does. I’ve been on the ground running since birth and it’s a lifelong process of discovery.”
rebel soul future
Finally set to release his highly anticipated third studio album tentatively called, ‘Love Is The Hero’ Martin Luther fans should expect to be revitalized, seduced and empowered with a dynamite blend of polished pop, intoxicating rock and a whole lotta’ soul. Inspired by real-life stories of love, redemption, hope and freedom, ‘Love Is The Hero’ is a timeless blend of wisdom, brilliance, and passion that tells a story like a good book. “Soul Music can heal the wounds of this world…People, I’m here and I’m ready to take us to the next.’’
Rebel Soul Records™, LLC 2009