Bio

Since first performing live at the age of fourteen, (if you exclude mimed gigs at the age of 11) Martin has appeared in many bands, playing everything from waltzes to heavy metal. Early bands included Live Wire, Rampage and the XLs.

Martin’s original songs first received airplay when he was a teenager (in the late 80s) when ‘I’m coming to you’, (recorded by Vertical Smile) hit the airwaves in South Australia.

Shortly after, he switched his focus from guitar to lead vocals and within a few years had won the first of many singing competitions, the “Golden Mic Awards”. Around this time he was playing with Two Up and the Buska Tears. After taking some time off and working as a DJ in Brisbane, Martin returned to singing in duo’s and bands like Silhouette.

In 1997, in his first stage play, Martin landed the role of “Judas” in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, which broke all box office records for the “Cairns Choral Society”. This performance was rewarded with the presentation of the “President’s Trophy for Best Solo Performance 1997″.

In the following years, Martin entertained crowds in Cairns Queensland, Papua New Guinea, and around Sydney Australia. After completing eighteen months of music business studies at college, work on his debut album commenced, and in 2000 the CD “Just Looking” was released.

The following few years saw a combination of promoting the album, performing for charities such as the “Make a Wish Foundation”, and co-writing songs with Canadian songwriter Brent Jeffery. He also found time to write a book, which is as yet un-published.

In 2005 Martin teamed up with David (Smiley) Byrnes (ex ‘Lazarus’ and ‘the Moffs’), and in 2006 they re-recorded the classic Australian bush ballad ‘And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda’. The first print run sold out in just over a week!

Stay tuned!

Artist: Martin King
Born: South Australia
Birthday: May 20
Likes: Poetic justice and comedy
Dislikes: Confrontational people and things that don’t work

Has also been a Waiter, Pharmacy Assistant, Builders Labourer, Operating Theatre Attendant, Cleaner & DJ.

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