Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
When I was around 22, I started Martyr Art (after my previous band Dislocate dissolved). For a long time,Martyr Art was a music project of mine that I would (from time to time) perform one-off shows (here and there) to get myself out there. There were different phases of the band (usually released-related), in which I was either working with other musicians or having partial-to-full band arrangements, but for 90-95% of the time, it’s been my solo project.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
I describe Martyr Art’s sound as Digital Metal. Stylistically, it's auditory fusion.
There are a ridiculous amount of bands, solo artists and musicians that have influenced me over the years. My short list includes Metallica, Faith No More, Korn, White Zombie, Type O Negative, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Madonna.
Why should a metal head buy your demos/albums?
Hmm... The fact of the matter is that without financial support, new music and art will cease to exist - and that's the truth. Do you really want to live in a world filled with shitty soulless plastic music? If not, support the artists in your local music scene. You might very well be the person that helps catapult your favorite local act to the next level.
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
So far, I've officially released (4) albums (2) EP's and (4) singles. The "Friday The 13th (Nintendo Theme)" single and 'Distorted Interpretations' album received positive reviews across the board. My previous releases between 2004 and 2008 were mixed. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I was trying to cover too many styles of songwriting and genres within in their respective releases, which ultimately presented itself as in-cohesive releases. I also had a lot less confidence in myself and struggled with the financial limitations of recording and performing.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
I perform live, intermittently. For me, it's about maintaining a balance between performing live and working in the studio. When I do perform, I always receive a positive response. I'm one guy running around playing thrash metal to backing tracks (that I wrote, produced and performed) along with self-deprecating stage banter in-between songs. I try to have as much fun as possible. My job is to give the audience an entertaining experience.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band and why should they be interested in it?
One thing they should know is that I'm D.I.Y. to the core and I take my work seriously. When I give someone my word or agree to a contract, I don't fuck around - I do my job the best of my ability and usually go above and beyond... and when I say I'm D.I.Y... I literally do everything for Martyr Ar. Design, merch, production, composing, booking, bookkeeping, repairing and building my setup, video editing, stage production, printing and everything else.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
The trajectory for the next 1-2 years is to release the remaining music videos for ‘FearFaith Machines’, book more shows, develop my YouTube channel, continue releasing music through my label ZineScene Records and get my music publishing company up on it’s feet.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
All Music and Merch available at ZineSceneRecords.com and Martyr-Art.com
October 2018