As part of a new weekly series here on the Sixthman Blog, we’ll be highlighting a Mayercraft Carrier artist every Monday afternoon from now until we set sail on on this floating musical fiesta on March 27th, 2009!  For those of you newbies, this will give you a chance to get to know some artists that you might not have heard.  Without further ado, let’s shine that spotlight on a Mayercraft veteran that you alumni have come to love: 

Martin Sexton

Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with Martin, who has been called  “The best live performer I’ve ever seen” by John Mayer, please continue reading the amazing critical success surrounding his name:

“The real thing, people, a star with potential to permanently affect the musical landscape and keep us entertained for years to come.” —Billboard

“Martin Sexton is ripe with raw, expansive talent. His voice comes in a hundred impossible shades. His songs are sweet and spirited and soulful. His repertoire is like a cross-country tour of the American musical vernacular.” —Boston Globe

“Call him a soul shouter, a road poet, a folkie or a rocker and you wouldn’t be wrong.” -the Los Angeles Times

A native of Syracuse, New York, Martin Sexton grew up in the 80′s, uninterested in the sounds of the day, and fueled his dreams on the timeless sounds of classic rock and roll. Sexton eventually migrated to Boston, where he began to build his following singing on the streets of Harvard Square and gradually working his way through the scene. His 1992 collection of self-produced demo recordings, In The Journey, was recorded on an old 8-track in a friend’s attic. He managed to sell 20,000 copies out of his guitar case busking.

1996-2002 Sexton released Black Sheep, The American, Wonder Bar and Live Wide Open (mixed by Jon Alagia – Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer). The activity and worldwide touring behind these records laid the foundation for the career he enjoys today with an uncommonly loyal fan base, selling out venues from Nokia Theatre (NY) to LA’s House of Blues.

Happily and fiercely independent, Martin Sexton launched his own label KTR (2002). Since then, his continual success through his diversity infiltrates many musical worlds – ranging everywhere from Jam Cruise to Denver’s Mile High Fest to Mayercraft Carrier to Carnegie Hall. His songs are featured in film and television including recent placements on NBC’s Scrubs and Showtime’s hit series Brotherhood.

In 2007/08 Sexton logged his most successful years to date with the release of his latest studio offering, Seeds. The album debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.

On the heels of Seeds, the cd/dvd set Solo released October, 08. Documenting a series of recent unaccompanied live appearances, the album captures Martin’s critically acclaimed incendiary live set in theatres coast-to-coast.

Listen to some of Martin’s biggest songs here:

Martin Sexton – Diner

Martin Sexton – Happy

And there you have it! Check back every Monday afternoon for your next artist highlight.

Steve