Martin Kerr‘s troubadour dreams are coming true! The British/Canadian singer-songwriter made waves opening for Dermot Kennedy and more, and headlining summer festivals. After 15 years as a street performer, he signed with Nettwerk Records and released two acclaimed EPs. His viral Christmas songs on Instagram and TikTok garnered millions of views, turning 2024 into a breakout year with a new album on the horizon.
Most recently, he released the EP, After the Apocalypse in June, which you can listen to below.
Martin will be playing at Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, NS, throughout the weekend of July 25-28.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Martin Kerr, from a sleepy English market town, but living in Edmonton for the last 19 years, after traveling to 36 countries and meeting my Canadian wife in China. Singing is my first love and I’ve been lucky enough to make my living and raise my family on it for the last 16 years, starting as a street performer and working my way up to theatres and festivals.
What does it mean to you to perform at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, a festival known for its dedication to celebrating songwriters?
I love the folk tradition of sharing our stories through song, in person, and passing them around the world and down the generations. Stan Rogers had such an impact on Canadian culture, and part of his legacy is this incredible festival, which celebrates my favourite things about music – songs, stories, and community. I’ve always wanted to play here ever since I first heard about it, so this really is a dream come true. It’s also my first time in Nova Scotia, a place I’ve always wanted to visit.
As part of a festival that honours the legacy of Stan Rogers, how do you incorporate storytelling into your performances to connect with the audience on a deeper level?
I always tell stories to introduce my songs and connect more deeply with the audience. As a listener, getting to know the artist on a personal level is always my favourite part about live shows, so I make sure to offer that to my audience too. A well-told story can bring the crowd together and allow them to appreciate and remember a song much more deeply.Stanfest is known for its intimate and community-oriented atmosphere.
How does performing in such a setting differ from larger venues or other festivals you’ve played at?
I love the intimacy of small venues and festivals, where you can really see the faces of the people you’re singing for and with, and real human connections are made.
What new projects or upcoming releases are you working on, and will Stanfest attendees get a preview of any new material during your set?
Yes, I’m releasing a new album this summer, called After The Apocalypse – a bit of a dark title, but that’s how many of my recent songs feel, like what we’d sing around the last campfire after the world as we know it has ended. But there will be plenty of fun songs too!
The festival is kicking off with “The Circle Continues – Stanfest Celebrates Bruce Guthro.” What’s your favourite song by Bruce?
My family are all Scottish and are big fans of Runrig, so I grew up hearing their music from an early age. It was only after he joined the band that I became familiar with Bruce, but what a voice, and what a great writer! It’s probably cliche to say but I love ‘Falling’. There’s such a conversational, confessional style to the writing and his voice, but with real power behind it too.
Collaboration is a big part of the folk music tradition. Are there any artists on this year’s lineup that you’re particularly excited to collaborate with or watch perform?
Alexi Campagne is someone I met recently (at Folk Alliance) and was blown away by his style and energy. I also really love The Once. Their harmonies get me every time.