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Martin & Garp, a Quest for Sunny Optimism

Martin & Garp

In the realm of music, certain artists have the power to transport us to a different time and place, evoking a sense of nostalgia and joy. Dutch musician and producer Phil Martin is one such artist, driven by his passion for the West Coast music scene and the distinctive sounds of the late 70s. With his latest project, Martin & Garp, he embarks on a quest for sunny optimism, channeling the spirit of iconic acts like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles.

Phil Martin: A Musician’s Journey

Phil Martin’s musical journey is rooted in his upbringing and the music that shaped him. Growing up, he immersed himself in the soulful and jazz-infused tunes of Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles. These legendary artists became the soundtrack of his formative years, leaving an indelible mark on his musical style and aspirations.

The Perfect Fit: Martin & Garp

Collaboration often leads to remarkable creations, and Phil Martin found the perfect vocal fit in Lo van Gorp, also known as Garp. Hailing from the Netherlands, Lo van Gorp is a renowned backing singer and saxophonist, lending his talents to esteemed artists such as Marco Borsato, Paul Carrack, Roger Hodgson, Chaka Khan, Trijntje Oosterhuis, and Al Jarreau. Together, Phil Martin and Lo van Gorp embarked on a journey to create their own West Coast-flavored pop album.

Yachtrock: Feel-Good Melodies

The sound of Martin & Garp can be best described as “yachtrock,” a genre characterized by its feel-good melodies and radio-friendly tunes. Their music pays homage to the romanticized California of the 70s, capturing the essence of an era that exuded optimism and charm. Within their songs, listeners will find catchy guitar and synth licks, luxurious harmonies, and groovy rhythms. The central theme of their music is the unifying effect it has in the quest for sunny optimism.

Sentimental Fools: The Debut Album

After releasing two captivating singles, “Making Up” and “Told You Straight,” at the end of 2020, Martin & Garp are now ready to unveil their debut album, titled “Sentimental Fools.” Scheduled for release on January 15th, 2021, this highly anticipated album will be available on major digital streaming platforms, as well as in compact disc and vinyl formats. “Sentimental Fools” promises a musical journey that transports listeners to a sun-soaked paradise, resonating with those who long for the carefree spirit of the 70s.

Légère Recordings: A Home for Martin & Garp

Martin & Garp have found a home for their musical endeavors at Légère Recordings, based in Hamburg. This renowned record label boasts a roster of talented Westcoast-inspired artists, including the likes of Young Gun Silverfox, Mama’s Gun, and Joel Sarakula, among others. With their signing to Légère Recordings, Martin & Garp join a community of musicians who share their passion for the West Coast sound, ensuring their music reaches a broader audience.

Credits

The creation of Martin & Garp’s captivating music is a collaborative effort of immensely talented individuals. The credits for their debut album, “Sentimental Fools,” include:

  • Lo van Gorp (vocals)
  • Phil Martin (drums)
  • Edwin in ‘t Veld (guitars)
  • Ton van der Kolk (bass)
  • Govert van der Kolm (keys)
  • Joel Sarakula (keys)
  • Maarten Teekens (backing vocals)
  • Kees Elsman (mouth harp)

The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Phil Martin with mastering by Edwin in ‘t Veld.

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Beat Junkie EP – OUT NOW

Laura Vane & The Vipertones Beat Junkie EP

A love story between English and Dutch musicians that started over a decade ago is still alive in Lockdown 2020 and showing devotion to releasing good music. Back in the summer of 2008 two Funk and Soul DJ’s, Tim and Ton based in the historical town of Dordrecht, Netherlands reached out over the sea to songstress Laura, living in Brighton in the UK. A match was made quickly, and plans hatched to get together on stage and in the studio to see what could happen. The rest, as they say, is history! To date Laura Vane and The Vipertones have released 3 studio albums, 7 Eps, a string of singles and have toured all over the globe.

Now, the band are ready to give you a taste of what’s been cooking over the past few months, and it’s got fans curious to say the least. Their third album which flirted with more contemporary styles of song was a real contrast to their first album; a comfortable fit in the global funk and soul community. Now you will hear the band bring you fresh new material which is flavoured with all the goodies from their previous albums. Some might say that It’s something of a return to where it all started for Laura Vane and the Vipertones with bold horns and compelling bass lines, but the band are quick to point out what’s very different this time… All members of the band have had a hand in the creation of these new songs and therefore the organic groove and rootsy feel is what really drives the sound. They were able to carve out a whole week in the studio together and had the luxury of capturing that feel of recording directly to tape. Currently there are no plans to tour, however, there is always fire in the band camp so listen out for updates about further releases! For now, stay home and stay safe!

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Storage Sales at Social Beats Records

Some offers you can’t refuse!

We’re currently working on several new releases so we need to make room in storage. Lucky you! Discounts up to 50% on some classic Social Beats releases. Have a peek (and listen) and see if there’s anything you like to complete your collection. Check out our ‘Super Sales’ but remember that’s not all, store wide there’s sales and discounts. And if you think of a package that’s not there yet, feel free to contact us. We will look into it and probably come up with some good personalized offer!

While you’re at it, you could do us a great favor by subscribing to our YouTube channel as we need some more subscribers to be able to take full advantage of all YouTube options. Besides that, you can easily make your own playlists containing your favorite Social Beats tunes or add those to your favorite playlists.

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Laura Vane & The Vipertones – BodyQuake

BodyQuake album - Laura Vane & The VipertonesCan you feel it? There’s a rumble in your ears, a tremble in your knees… the world as you’ve known it is about to split, swallow you up whole and spit you out! Then, and only then you will know you’ve heard ‘BodyQuake’ the long awaited and eagerly anticipated third album from Laura Vane and The Vipertones! Continue reading Laura Vane & The Vipertones – BodyQuake

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Brand new 7″ single

 

move no mountain laura vane and the vipertonesThe A-Side delivers a top-notch Modern Soul Song that originally has been published in the early 1970s. Since the original version by Margie Joseph has been released at least half a dozen artists covered the track. Laura Vane and the Vipertones’ version is definitely one that will fill any dance floor in no time! Tight and brisk! It’s a really charming mid-tempo track that brings out Laura’s powerful voice to the max! Continue reading Brand new 7″ single

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110% Remixes – Dub Style

110% remixes - dub style - laura vane vipertonesSynth lines, hard beats and bass lines, cut vocals, robotic vocals, percussion breakdowns, sirens, wobbly bass, soft warm keys, fast and dirty sounds, sample tricks, jazzy vibes, anthemic club melodies and climaxes, some heavy pulsing dance-floor mixes and so much more…. that’s about the result of the 110% remix competition with Laura Vane & The Vipertones! Continue reading 110% Remixes – Dub Style

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110% Remixes – Electro Disco

110% Remixes - Electric Disco - Laura Vane VipertonesSynth lines, hard beats and bass lines, cut vocals, robotic vocals, percussion breakdowns, sirens, wobbly bass, soft warm keys, fast and dirty sounds, sample tricks, jazzy vibes, anthemic club melodies and climaxes, some heavy pulsing dance-floor mixes and so much more…. that’s about the result of the 110% remix competition with Laura Vane & The Vipertones! Continue reading 110% Remixes – Electro Disco

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Some More Ear Candy

ep some more ear candyLaura Vane and The Vipertones bring you their new 5-track EP ‘Some More Ear Candy’ in October 2011 to feed the appetites of their growing and hungry fan base, and keep their music fresh for new ears! This EP throws the radio smacker Sugar Fix all the light it deserves and Phil Martin has reworked a juicy edit of 110% from their second album. It also features songs previously never heard, The Way it is and Don’t Ever Stop bringing the dance and feel-good funk, and Steppin Stone to resurrect that strong emotional connection with soul music the band undeniably have. In short, this EP brings you a dolly mixture of fantastic new tunes, each one different and equally powerful! The EP has been released the 15th of October 2011 on Social Beats/Unique.