Joe Martin – ‘Empty Passenger Seat’

Joe Martin is an independent singer songwriter and modern day troubadour…

As a youngster, listening to a wide range of genres from the 60s pop of the Beatles and Beach Boys to American folk artists like Simon and Garfunkel and Bob Dylan, Joe knew that he wanted to recreate that magic feeling of a captivating story through songwriting.

His descriptive lyrics capture the stories of people and encounters picked up on the road. Tales of friends and strangers blend seamlessly with Joe’s own experiences into masterfully crafted songs that paint a picture with every verse and the magic of his live performance lies is in his ability to connect a room of people with the emotions of a life they have not lived.

The Lancashire born singer-songwriter is deservedly gaining attention on both sides of the Atlantic seeing him play shows around the UK, Europe and legendary venues in Nashville, Tennessee.

Before his solo venture, Joe fronted a country band whilst living in Leeds and studying at university. The band played original songs and toured the UK opening for artists like the Shires and appearing at festivals such as Country to Country. But in more recent years Joe has found himself performing further afield in Europe and Stateside.

The past few years have been an experience-rich journey helping Joe refine his song writing and storytelling craft. Playing the pre-eminent Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee was a profound moment for Joe, the feeling of coming full circle, after being inspired by the show Nashville on which the Bluebird was regularly featured.

“The night I was at the Bluebird a young Englishman with a rich, resonant voice named Joe Martin seemed primed for bigger things.” – Jeremy Egner New York Times.

Other Nashville experiences include guesting on Carl Jackson’s show at the Station Inn, Carl produced and performed with Glen Campbell for years, so for Joe to sing Glen’s well-known Wichita Lineman with Carl and his band was a special moment.