The Lake Poets

the lake poets people

The Lake Poets is the stage name of singer-songwriter Martin Longstaff, a talented musician hailing from Sunderland in the northeast of England. Known for his poignant lyrics and soulful melodies, Longstaff pays homage to the rich storytelling traditions of folk music while infusing it with a modern sensibility. The moniker “The Lake Poets” reflects the deep influence of his surroundings, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes and cultural heritage of his native Sunderland and North East coastline.

Martin Longstaff began performing as The Lake Poets in the early 2010s, quickly gaining recognition for his emotive performances and heartfelt songwriting. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, resonating with listeners through its authenticity and emotional depth. Songs like “Shipyards” and “Your Face” exemplify his ability to craft deeply personal narratives that strike a universal chord.

A pivotal moment in Longstaff’s career came when he had the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned musician and producer Dave Stewart. Known for his work with Eurythmics and numerous other successful projects, Stewart brought a wealth of experience and a unique creative perspective to the collaboration. Working with Stewart allowed Longstaff to refine his sound and reach new artistic heights, benefiting from Stewart’s expertise in production and arrangement.

Their collaboration resulted in high-quality recordings that captured the essence of Longstaff’s songwriting while enhancing its sonic depth. The partnership not only helped elevate The Lake Poets’ profile but also provided Longstaff with invaluable insights into the music industry from a seasoned veteran.

Today, The Lake Poets continues to captivate audiences with evocative performances and sincere storytelling and scoring series for Netflix. Martin Longstaff’s collaboration with Dave Stewart remains a significant milestone in his ongoing artistic journey, underscoring the timeless appeal of heartfelt music and meaningful collaboration.

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The Lake Poets is the musical project of Marty Longstaff, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Sunderland, England. Inspired by artists such as Elvis Perkins, Villagers, Feist, Fionn Regan, John Martyn, Wilco, Damien Rice, and Bright Eyes, Marty’s music is known for its haunting beauty and emotional depth. His debut album, “The Lake Poets,” was recorded in Nashville and released in August 2015. The album features intimate songs that explore themes of love, loss, and mortality, drawing listeners in with vivid storytelling and delicate finger-picked guitar playing.

Marty’s honeyed voice and intricate guitar riffs create a soothing sound, often described as “quietly devastating” and “spellbinding.” His lead single “Your Face” has received over 8 million Spotify plays and steady airplay on BBC Radio 2, Radio X, and BBC 6 Music. Follow-up singles like “Edinburgh” have also garnered significant attention.

A trained schoolteacher, Marty was invited to record in Nashville by local legend Dave Stewart. The sessions at Blackbird Studio included contributions from renowned musicians such as drummer Chad Cromwell, pedal steel guitarist Dan Dugmore, and bassist Michael Bradford. Marty’s dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the essence of human experiences in his music have established him as a notable figure in the northern songwriting scene.

Song Credits