At the heart of New York City’s bustling music scene stands Scott Martin, a rock ‘n roll journeyman who has deftly navigated the challenging terrain of the music industry, armed with an electric Rickenbacker and a potent arsenal of melodic, narrative-driven songs. The latest addition to his robust discography, “Scott Martin & The Grand Disaster,” released on June 9th, 2023, is a testament to Martin’s unwavering dedication to his craft, underpinned by the firm belief in the enduring power of music.
The album’s inaugural single, “Head Over Heels,” encapsulates Martin’s signature blend of buoyant rock and anthemic pop rock. Inspired by a whirlwind romance, the song’s lyrics revolve around the intoxicating, yet sometimes tumultuous, nature of love. The accompanying music video, shot in the underground performance space beneath the iconic Main Drag Music shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, evokes a raw, yet refined aesthetic. Martin’s tribute to his beloved borough comes alive in each frame, highlighted by the symbolic use of a Gretsch Silver Jet guitar, harking back to Brooklyn’s rich musical legacy.
Listen to the album here, and watch the music video here.
Martin’s love for music sparked at an early age. He taught himself guitar, fueled by an obsession with R.E.M., eventually leading to his first stint with the successful modern electronic rock group, Bulletproof Messenger. From touring nationally and internationally with revered acts to collaborating with big names like Adrian Grenier and Ammo Hall, Martin’s diverse musical journey has been nothing short of inspirational.
The COVID-19 pandemic, despite its myriad challenges, served as a turning point for Martin, providing an opportunity to recalibrate his creative approach and refine his production skills. This newly cultivated perspective enabled him to produce a captivating cover of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” which, to no one’s surprise, went viral. His subsequent solo single, “Bringing Hollywood Back to Life,” garnered a contract with Spectra Music Group, further solidifying his position in the industry.
Despite his impressive list of accolades, Martin’s humility shines through. His dream collaboration, he admits, would be with producer Butch Walker. He considers Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” album as the pinnacle of perfection and aims to provide his listeners with a similar sense of understanding and connection.
Martin’s voyage through music reflects the essence of “The Grand Disaster” — a metaphor for life’s inherent chaos and beauty. Through ups and downs, his guitar has been a steadfast companion. His story is a shining example of perseverance, a testament to the transformative power of music in the face of adversity.
Today, Scott Martin continues to showcase his skills as a sought-after session guitarist and musical director, notably for Jessie Wagner on Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records label. His dedication to his art, coupled with his passion for story-telling, continues to reverberate across the music industry, proving that rock ‘n roll is far from dead; it’s very much alive and evolving in the hands of artists like him.
Find more of Scott Martin and The Grand Disaster on Instagram and TikTok, watch his music on YouTube, or follow him on Facebook. You can also listen to his music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Scott Martin is an artist who has weathered the storm, emerged victorious, and along the way, carved out a path in the rock music landscape that is uniquely his own. Through “Head Over Heels,” Martin invites listeners into his world, and there’s much to be excited about in this fresh chapter of his remarkable journey.