Some people just can’t be put into a neat little box, their greatness won’t allow it. When we first heard Martell Lacey, we thought “true R&B is back,” then we listened to another song and got the neo-soul vibe, then a little bit of pop, and some gospel bravados even jumping out of the speakers. Then we realized it, the brother can do everything.
This multi-genre artist was born and raised in Houston and is sure to be one we will be speaking about for ages to come.
As a singer, actor, songwriter, and performer, Martell begin chasing his dream at the age of 12. In high school, he got his start by performing and acting in several school productions. He began singing and getting his musical direction from V. Michael McKay, Shirley Joiner and Stephanie Wright.
[Check out one of our favorites, “Take My Hand,” by Martell Lacey]
While attending Houston Community College, he joined the drama department under the direction of Kathleen Knight. Some of the shows he participated in were “The Magic Flute,” “All Roads Lead to Oz,” “The 40’s Radio Hour,” “Drama, Lies, & Deceit,” “After The Vows,” “If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time,” and “Bag Ladies.”
Martell got his first professional start singing background vocals for TVone’s R&B Diva Chante Moore, and he’s also acted in an independent film entitled “Public Service Announcement,” directed by Bruce Owdley.
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Many of you may have already seen him perform in one of Houston’s favorite productions.
Martell annually performs in the musical production, DNTS (Dancin’ in the Street), the Motown and More Revue, in front of a crowd of nearly 10,000 attendees.
Coming from gospel roots, he is influenced by several types of music. The artists that have heavily influenced him are legends Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Whitney Houston, Eric Benet, Maxwell, Luther Vandross, and, of course, Michael and Janet Jackson. He has been compared to the likes of greats such as Glen Jones, Brian McKnight, Jason Derulo, Tank, Billy Ocean, and the Weeknd.
Bayou Beat News was honored to sit and learn about how he got started and his ascension in the lane he truly loves.
BB: How do you describe your music/ sound?
Martell: I’m a variety of sounds. I would say universal, eclectic, and diverse.
BB: What’s the inspiration behind your music?
Martell: Life, lessons and love
BB: What is your dream for the Houston music scene?
Martell: Unity. Focusing on competition can be a distraction from being original. Get back to being original and just unify.
BB: Do you write and produce your own music?
Martell: I have a team in place and we all collaborate collectively with Songs Unlimited Music Group.
BB: What projects or events do you have coming up?
Martell: Another EP that’s set to release in October entitled “Emotional Rollercoaster 2 (ER2).” I’m performing live with my band Foxglove on Oct. 29 at The House Of Blues, so please reserve your tables now, and I am also performing at a private event, “The Marque Awards,” on Oct. 30.
BB: We are in love with your latest releases, tell us more about them.
Martell: “Next to You” is basically a song that’s about fantasy and enjoying the love in your life. “Code Blue” is about appreciating the love while you have it before you lose it.
For more information on Martell Lacey, check him out on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @MartellLacey. You can also find out more information on www.martelllacey.net.
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H-Town represent!