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Draft:Johnny Martin (Maarten Witsel)

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Johnny Martin
Just hanging out
Background information
Birth nameMaarten Martinus Johannes Andreas Maurits Witsel
Also known asWitzcraft - Captain 1 eye
Born (1981-06-23) 23 June 1981 (age 43)
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
GenresRock, Metal, Indie, Pop, Club, dance
Occupation(s)Musician, Producer
Instrument(s)Drums, Guitar, Bass, Vocal
Years active2008-present
LabelsWitzcraft
Member ofJohnny Martin - Witzcraft
Formerly ofWolfpin - Champagne sweat - Bypass - Filterkick - Cindy Peress - Ill Ego - Moonhawks - Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends
Spousenone

Early Life and Background

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Johnny Martin, born Maarten Witsel on June 23, 1981, in Amsterdam, is a Dutch musician known for his diverse talents as a songwriter, record producer, drummer, and guitarist. Raised in a city with a rich musical heritage, he developed a passion for music early in life, eventually making a significant mark on the Amsterdam music scene.

Career

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Johnny Martin's career began in the bustling Amsterdam music scene, where he gained recognition for his versatile skills and collaborative work with various artists. He jammed with Caroline van Leeuwen later known as Caro Emerald) before she rose to fame with her debut album, Back It Up (2009). Johnny also played sessions with Suus de Groot, who later became known as Sue the Night, before the release of her acclaimed debut album, Mosaic (2015). In addition, he supported Amber Kamminga in the early stages of her career, prior to her album Star Crossed Lovers (2017).

Touring and Notable Collaboration

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Johnny's reputation as a musician grew significantly through his live performances. He toured six years with Marcel Scherpenzeel in a Rory Gallagher cover band performing on the main stage of the Rory Gallagher festival in Ballyshannon Ireland where after he further refined his skills and gained a following in the European blues and rock circuit. Following this,He toured for two years with Gerry McAvoy's Band of friends, the bass player for legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher.

Recordings and Studio Work

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In addition to his live performances (consisting mainly of Blues and rock), Johnny has contributed to various recording projects. He played drums on the album Fractions by Ivan Waters, which was largely recorded in his own Witzcraft Studio. He also worked with several local Amsterdam groups, including Bypass Amsterdam, a metal band founded by Zad & Geoff. Johnny's drumming can also be heard on the album Xtra Brut by Champagne Sweat, a project known for its eclectic style, as well as on recordings by the band Filterkick.

Electronic Albums

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Next to spending time in the studio doing work for other Johnny Martin was always busy trying to expand his horizon experimenting with music styles other than blues and rock. Between 2015 and 2018 Johnny Martin produced next to many single albums 3 Dance albums named "Weekend on wednesday", "Deep Down" and "In Control"

Solo Albums

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After moving from Amsterdam to Austria in December 2019, Johnny began to focus on his solo career. He released his debut album Never I Could Imagine, on December 31, 2022, which is available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. His second album, Live and Learn, followed a year later on December 31, 2023, and can be found on Spotify and Apple Music.

Currently, Johnny is working on a double album, although the release date and titles have not yet been announced.

Awards and Recognition

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In 2012, Johnny Martin was nominated for the Best Rock Blues Drummer category at the Dutch Blues Awards, highlighting his talent and contributions to the genre.

Musical Style and Influences

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Johnny's musical style blends rock, blues, and other genres, shaped by his experiences performing with influential artists and working in diverse recording environments. His drumming, songwriting, and production skills have made him a well-regarded figure in both live and studio settings.

Discography

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Albums
Year Release date Album Band Role Genre
2009 February 28th Remember Wolfpin Drummer Blues Rock
2010 March 29th The key Bypass Drummer/Music producer Metal
2010 July 2th Xtra Brut Champagne Sweat Drummer Indie Rock
2014 May 6th Fractions Ivan Waters Drummer/Music producer Alternative
2015 April 1th Weekend on wednesday Witzcraft Producer/Engineer Club/House
2016 April 12th Deep Down Witzcraft Producer/Engineer Club/House
2018 February 28th In Control Witzcraft Producer/Engineer Club
2022 December 31th (Never i Could Imagine) Johnny Martin Musician/Songwriter/Producer Indie Rock
2023 December 31th Live and Learn Johnny Martin Musician/Songwriter/Producer Pop/Rock

Personal Life After leaving Amsterdam for Austria in late 2019, Johnny continued to develop his career as a solo artist. He remains active in the music scene, frequently working on new projects and expanding his creative output.