Jon Martin and Lovers captures the spirit of Bittersweet Optimism through a signature blend of orchestral alt-Canadiana, intricate lyricism, and thoughtfully layered soundscapes. Described by Gethin Pearson (Charli XCX, Badly Drawn Boy) as “timeless capsules… whilst also feeling fresh and from your life,” Jon’s music evokes the warmth and vibrancy of a rock and roll alt-country orchestra as well as the intimacy of quiet, late-night moments spent at the piano, resonating through heartfelt storytelling and a persistent sense of hope.
An accomplished songwriter, producer, and musician, Jon’s 2022 self-produced album, "This Could Be Our Year," was recognized as one of the Edmonton Journal’s “10 Best Local Releases of 2022” and was jury-selected for inclusion in the Edmonton Public Library’s Capital City Records collection in 2024. Originally from southern Alberta and now residing in Edmonton, Jon has performed extensively across Western Canada, releasing six full-length albums under various monikers, with airplay across Canada, including on CBC Radio One.
Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music, Jon honed his record-making skills at a successful recording studio in Lethbridge, Alberta, producing and mixing records for numerous artists before relocating to Edmonton in early 2021. Today, he continues this creative work from his studio, embracing an international, collaborative approach first pioneered on "This Could Be Our Year."
Jon’s upcoming album, "Late September Garden Party," scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, further enriches his distinctive sound. Featuring lush strings, jangly electric 12-string guitars, evocative steel and slide guitars, and vintage Wurlitzer electric piano, the album crafts a vivid sonic world, further solidifying Jon’s unique place in Canada’s musical landscape.
An accomplished songwriter, producer, and musician, Jon’s 2022 self-produced album, "This Could Be Our Year," was recognized as one of the Edmonton Journal’s “10 Best Local Releases of 2022” and was jury-selected for inclusion in the Edmonton Public Library’s Capital City Records collection in 2024. Originally from southern Alberta and now residing in Edmonton, Jon has performed extensively across Western Canada, releasing six full-length albums under various monikers, with airplay across Canada, including on CBC Radio One.
Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music, Jon honed his record-making skills at a successful recording studio in Lethbridge, Alberta, producing and mixing records for numerous artists before relocating to Edmonton in early 2021. Today, he continues this creative work from his studio, embracing an international, collaborative approach first pioneered on "This Could Be Our Year."
Jon’s upcoming album, "Late September Garden Party," scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, further enriches his distinctive sound. Featuring lush strings, jangly electric 12-string guitars, evocative steel and slide guitars, and vintage Wurlitzer electric piano, the album crafts a vivid sonic world, further solidifying Jon’s unique place in Canada’s musical landscape.
Album Review This Could Be Our Year" Edmonton Journal
From The Edmonton Journal:
"Jon Martin is a fresh face in Edmonton’s music scene, having moved here from Lethbridge last year, but his music arrives heavily imbued with nostalgia.
This Could Be Our Year is his latest release, sprung forth from the turbulence the pandemic ripped through our lives. Martin was forced to scuttle a tour his alt-country act Jon Martin and Lovers had plotted, redirecting his energy to crafting This Could Be Our Year.
The sound Martin crafts on the album calls to mind the radio-friendly brand of alternative rock popular on radio in the early 2000s — think early Pete Yorn and Ryan Adams; solid songs that pull on classic rock roots but in a contemporary setting.
A wrist injury in 2019 forced Martin to put down the guitar and learn how to play piano, eventually spurring the nine songs on This Could Be Our Year. Recorded with musicians from around the world (a drummer from Denver, Col., bassist in New York, Rhodes pianist from Manchester and flutist from Brazil are listed on numerous songs), Martin, also listed as multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, sets down reflective lyrics to driving music.
Kicking off with the single and album highlight, Simple Things finds Martin squarely in singer-songwriter mode, reminiscing about unsent letters, his soaring vocals held firm by an anchoring piano and gorgeous guitar noodling.
Not all of This Could Be Our Year is meat-and-potatoes Americana; strings help elevate tracks Holding on for Summer and the title track, and the flute adds some welcome colour to Sleepwalking. Lesson of the Heart is an outlier with its raspy vocals and grungy guitars. Edmonton’s music community should readily welcome Martin based on the solid songs found on This Could Be Our Year.
From Ear to the Ground:
"Jon Martin – “A new drug”
-The piano on this song caught my attention right away, but truth be told the whole package is really good. Martin’s voice pulls it together nicely. The balance feels like the best of what I like about Dawes. The lyrics are – how shall I say – more relatable than I am willing to write about publicly. The emotional connection that I immediately feel listening to this is remarkable. If you’re a fan of songs that serve as a cathartic message while also ripping your heart out of your chest so you can watch it beat on the table… then give this one a spin. For fans of rock-leaning Americana that has excellent lyrics."
https://www.eartothegroundmusic.co/2022/06/03/three-outstanding-americana-tunes-in-the-alt-country-vein-sure-to-impress-listeners/