Martyn Joseph is a masterful singer-songwriter whose music blends poetic fire, social conscience, and breathtaking live performance—earning him comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and acclaim across the folk world.
With a career spanning over four decades, 27 studio albums, and over half a million record sales, Martyn Joseph is one of the UK’s most respected and compelling musical voices. Born in Penarth, Wales, he began writing songs in his teens and quickly developed a reputation for lyrical depth and emotional honesty. His early success led to a major label deal with Sony in the 1990s, where he achieved Top 40 chart success with singles like “Dolphins Make Me Cry” and “Talk About It in the Morning”.
But Martyn’s true legacy lies in his independence and integrity. In 1999, he launched his own label and became a trailblazer for grassroots music, building a loyal global following through relentless touring and digital innovation—long before it became the norm. His live shows are legendary: just one man and a guitar, yet he fills the room with a sound and presence that’s energetic, passionate, and deeply human. Whether playing to 200 or 20,000, he leaves audiences moved, challenged, and inspired.
Martyn’s songwriting is rooted in social justice, spiritual reflection, and the complexity of the human condition. He’s been described as “a Welsh national treasure” (MOJO) and “not afraid to take a stand” (The Times), with songs that range from tender ballads to growling protest anthems. His 2021 album 1960 was named Folk Album of the Month by MOJO and earned four stars from Uncut, while his 2024 release This Is What I Want To Say was hailed as “masterful and career-defining” by Fatea UK.
Beyond music, Martyn co-founded the Let Yourself Trust, a nonprofit supporting grassroots organisations worldwide. His work with BBC Radio 2’s 21st Century Folk project in 2023 and 2024 showcased his ability to write songs that speak directly to the moment, earning national media attention and further cementing his role as a voice of conscience in British music.
If you’ve never heard Martyn Joseph before, expect truth-telling wrapped in melody, guitar work that’s both percussive and poetic, and a voice that carries both grit and grace. He’s not just a performer—he’s a storyteller, a provocateur, and a companion for the journey.