J. Martin

Based in Tacoma, WA, singer-songwriter J. Martin melds stately folk-rock, dashes of Britpop color, and woozy psychedelia on his latest EP, Two Sides. Joined by longtime collaborators Brandon Sagnella and Jacob Gosselin, J. Martin’s band now welcomes Thomas Crow, completing an ensemble that delivers a sound that’s carefully crafted and quietly unpredictable. 

On this new collection, J. Martin’s lyrics grapple with themes of societal collapse, everyday surrealism, and the complexities of duality. These subjects echo the broader themes that have marked his previous work, from his understated 2013 debut Awake or a Dream to the more experimental approach on 2019’s Both of Those Things. 

At the same time, Two Sides represents a lyrical departure, embracing a stronger narrative voice and symbolism woven throughout. The shift reflects a new songwriting partnership with his wife, Catherine Gerlach-Martin, along with personal changes since his last release, including the birth of his child. These milestones deeply influenced the tone and texture of Two Sides, making it both a personal evolution and a sonic progression.