About

The Lake Poets consists of Sunderland’s Martin Longstaff, whose honest and emotive brand of acoustic music has been stunning audiences across the UK and further afield since 2011. In the short time since his live début, Martin has already shared stage with the likes of Willy Mason, Ben Howard, Daughter, Tom Jones, Lucy Rose and Jake Bugg.

The Lake Poets’ live shows have gained a justified reputation for being truly special experiences, whether they feature just Martin, his acoustic guitar and his delicate, soaring voice or whether he is joined by his band of family & friends.

Martin has worked extremely hard to build up a dedicated fanbase with tireless gigging, including a tour of O2 Academies in 2011 followed in 2012 by dates at Durham Cathedral, Sunderland Minster and more recently in 2013 a sold out show at London’s prestigious Roundhouse Theatre.

The past two summers have also seen Martin perform at a string of UK festivals including Glastonbury, Kendal Calling, Stockton Weekender & Evolution as well his native Sunderland’s Split Festival where for two years running he has been greeted to rapturous acclaim by a packed tent of Lake Poets fans.

An award winning & prolific songwriter, the quality & warmth of Martin’s song writing, deeply ingrained as it is with vivid & gritty imagery of storm weathered coastal cities and the complexities of life and relationships, has endeared his songs to all that come across them.

After winning the coveted Alan Hull Award For Songwriting, the launch show for début single, ‘City By The Sea’, at The Sage Gateshead sold out three months in advance. This was followed by another sold out launch for second single ‘Rain’ (recorded with The Futureheads’ Barry Hyde & Frankie & The Heartstrings’ Mick Ross) at Gateshead Old Town Hall in November 2012. Martin’s stellar 2012 was capped by being selected as one of only 25 acts in the UK to be featured on the BBC 6 Music Introducing Picks of 2013 play-list.

With two dates for the launch of upcoming single ‘April’ sold out within 48 hours, a string of dates around the country & further afield to follow, as well as as many vocal plaudits from the ranks of BBC Radio 1 & BBC 6 music, The Lake Poets are definitely one to watch in 2013.

 For more information, gigs and music please visit www.thelakepoets.com