Meagre Martin

About

" Far from meagre, this shoegaze, indie-folk trio are putting some Americana into Allemagne… "

With their emotive, tender, heartfelt anthems that hit like a punch in the gut, Meagre Martin were one of just three Germany-based bands selected to play SXSW 2024. After arriving in Berlin from Boston, singer-songwriter Sarah Martin was quick to establish a band in her own image, and was soon joined by Federico ‘Freddy’ Corazzini on drums, and Max Hirtz-Wolf on bass. Self-described as ‘faux country’, their music blends together 90s indie and shoegaze sounds, smoothly intertwined into finely composed lo-fi, new-Americana, folk anthems. The rich musical melodies and dreamy guitar pop are just the background to Martin’s deep, softly delivered lyrics, many of which deal with a complex relationship with her homeland, personal trauma, and in some instances, the end of the world (see ‘TBD (The Big Death)’).

Channeling waves of nostalgia through lyrics that express deep vulnerability, the band use their music as a source of healing. Their debut record ‘Gut Punch’ was deeply centred on personal pains and inner emotions, such as on tracks ‘All My Thoughts’ and ‘Please Clap’. There’s also some room for the more light-hearted as well, for instance on single ‘Malcolm’ released in March 2024. Throughout their music, the band evoke the sounds of songwriting greats such as Fleetwood Mac, and Cate Le Bon. It’s a formula that has paid off well for them, winning them support from the likes of Consequence of Sound and Gorilla Vs Bear, and taking them on tour with Alt-J. With a sound that pulls on your heart strings and leaves you wanting more, there is nothing meagre about this wholesome threesome.