Marc Martel

Marc Martel

Marc Martel performing in the Queen Extravaganza Tour at the O2 Academy Oxford in 2013
Background information
Born (1976-11-16) November 16, 1976
Montreal, Canada
Genres Rock
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active 1999–present
Associated acts Downhere, Queen
Website marcmartelmusic.com

Marc Martel (born November 16, 1976) is a Canadian Christian rock musician.

Martel was born in Montreal, Canada. His parents instilled a love for music in him that followed him throughout his childhood and to Briercrest College and Seminary in Saskatchewan, where he formed the band Downhere with his roommate Jason Germain and a few close friends in 1999.

Downhere 1999-2011

Downhere developed their sound while touring on behalf of the college. After four years of college, the band left their Canadian roots behind and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where they signed with Word Records. Downhere has since gone on to win multiple Juno Awards and a Dove Award. They have released 10 albums, including On the Altar of Love.

Solo career 2011–present

In September 2011, Martel entered a competition to join Roger Taylor, original drummer for the rock band Queen, on-stage for the Queen Extravaganza Live Tour with a video of Martel singing along with the Queen classic "Somebody to Love". It generated more than one million views on YouTube after being up for only a few days[1][2] and as of January 2016 is at more than 10 million views.[3] Martel went on to be one of the winners of the competition[4][5][6] which led to a six-week tour with The Queen Extravaganza in 2012.[7] The Queen Extravaganza continues to tour with Martel as of November 2015.[8]

Martel released an EP, Prelude, on February 1, 2013[9] which includes "Up in the Air" and "8th Wonder". The EP was recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles with producer John Fields. His full-length debut, Impersonator, released on September 30, 2014.[10]

Martel currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Crystal.[11]

References

  1. ↑ "Canadian singer Marc Martel goes viral with Freddie Mercury imitation | National Post". Arts.nationalpost.com. September 26, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Marc Martel: Freddie Mercury Impression Makes For A Very Viral Video". Huffingtonpost.ca. September 23, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  3. ↑ My "Somebody To Love" audition. YouTube. September 20, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  4. ↑ "The Band". Queen Extravaganza. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Marc Martel a Winner of The Queen Extravaganza Contest (VIDEO)". Christianpost.com. December 9, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  6. ↑ Mark Moring (December 8, 2011). "Christianity Today Entertainment Blog: Downhere's Marc Martel wins Queen Contest". Christianity Today. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Media". Queen Extravaganza. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  8. ↑ Queen, official, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon. "Press Release: Queen Extravaganza - Roger Taylor Announces A Night At The Opera 40th Anniversary Tour". queenonline.com. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  9. ↑ "iTunes - Music - The Prelude EP by Marc Martel". Itunes.apple.com. February 1, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Hear It First! Queen Extravaganza Frontman Marc Martel Marches to His Own Drum on 'Ringo Starr'".
  11. ↑ "Marc Martel Artist Profile | Biography And Discography". NewReleaseTuesday.com. Retrieved November 29, 2013.

External links

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